Ohio Department of Agriculture replaces four microscopes after OSU move, Controlling Board approves
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Summary
The Controlling Board approved Department of Agriculture spending to replace four microscopes used in its plant health lab; two were failing and two had been shared by Ohio State University, which relocated that portion of its work to a different campus.
The Ohio Controlling Board approved on Aug. 18 a request by the Ohio Department of Agriculture to replace four microscopes used in the department’s plant health lab. Todd Thatcher, legislative director for the Ohio Department of Agriculture, told the board that two microscopes are being replaced because they are failing and the other two were previously available under a space‑sharing arrangement with Ohio State University. "Since then, OSU has moved to their Worcester campus, so we no longer share that space with them," Thatcher said. "...we lost the use of being able to use those microscopes. So that's why those microscopes are being replaced." Senator Ingram had asked whether “lost” meant the equipment was missing; Thatcher clarified the meaning as "lost use" rather than missing instruments. With no further questions or objections, the board approved item 21. The transcript records no roll‑call tally; the board approved the request after clarification from agency staff.