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Former Lucas County Commissioner Sandy Isenberg passes away
 Last Monday, Sandy Isenberg passed away at the age of 85. She was a long-time leader in Lucas County, first serving for two years on Toledo City Council. She went on to serve six years as Lucas County Recorder before becoming a county commissioner in 1985. She held her seat for 17 years.
You can read Sandy's obituary here.
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Early bird registration for the 144th CCAO/CEAO Winter Conference ends TODAY
The 2024 CCAO/CEAO Winter Conference is approaching! Join us at the Hilton Columbus Downtown on December 4 through 6 for the 144th annual Winter Conference.
Early bird registration and discounted hotel rates end TODAY. Take advantage while you can!
CCAO will host sessions discussing child care capacity building, reducing the mobility gap, increasing successful reentry, potential strategies to mitigate rural EMS and fire shortages, and more. CEAO will host sessions concerning ethics, petition ditch law, and surveying. A joint session regarding artificial intelligence is also planned.
CCAO's website has more information about the upcoming Winter Conference, including forms to become a sponsor, registration forms for those who would prefer to mail or fax a registration, and information about becoming an exhibitor.
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Two weeks left to submit Letters of Interest for NACo Board of Directors representative positions
As part of the upcoming CCAO/CEAO Winter Conference, CCAO will be electing two members to the National Association of Counties (NACo) board of directors, per NACo bylaws, during the CCAO Annual Business meeting.
We ask that individuals interested in running for these two positions submit a 1-2-page letter of interest to Robin Garrett at rgarrett@ccao.org by Noon, Monday, November 18. CCAO will distribute these letters to Ohio NACo members on Wednesday, November 20.
During the annual meeting on Thursday, Dec. 5, CCAO will conduct an election for these two positions. This vote will be by paper ballot. Each NACo county will receive two votes, and the top two vote-getters will be the new representatives to the NACo board of directors. The elected board members will begin their terms in July 2025.
This election will not impact any other NACo board positions Ohio members may hold, such as those receiving board appointments from the NACo president or due to previous service as NACo president.
Should there be a two-way tie for first place, both individuals will receive board seats. If there is a three-way tie for first place, there will be a runoff election. If there is a tie for second place, there will be a runoff election. If a tie remains after two elections, a coin toss will be conducted to determine the winner.
If you have any questions about the election process, please contact Cheryl Subler or Robin Garrett.
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County Risk Sharing Authority (CORSA) hiring a Claims Representative
Job responsibilities include working under general supervision, reviewing, and adjusting property and casualty claims. Job qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field, 3-5 years' experience in commercial claims adjusting, a valid Ohio Driver’s License, and the ability to meet insurance requirements.
Those interested in applying should contact Jeff Knapp, Claims Manager, at jknapp@ccao.org or Katie Lininger, Claims Supervisor, at klininger@ccao.org for a full job description. Please include your resume and salary expectations with your contact information.
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A Special Thanks to our Pinnacle Partner
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OSU Extension's Agricultural Outlook and Policy Conference registration open
Ohio State Extension will host its 2024 Agricultural Outlook and Policy Conference at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center on the Ohio State Campus. The annual conference is the premier event related to Ohio’s agricultural and food industry, covering issues important to producers, agribusinesses, and elected officials.
The conference will provide outlooks on the energy and labor markets, the livestock and grain markets, and more.
More information about the event, including how to register, can be found here.
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Ransomware attack simulation to be held in Columbus in November
On November 19, the Professional Development Academy will host a tabletop cybersecurity training, Columbus Cybersecurity Simulation: Ransomware Attack. This free in-person simulation will immerse participants in a complex scenario where they'll tackle the challenges a ransomware attack poses.
Ransomware attacks have become a growing concern in recent years, resulting in many sleepless nights among risk managers and organizational leaders due to the significant financial and reputational damage to people and organizations. This simulation focuses on preventing such damage and provides the necessary steps to respond appropriately if and when you are in a ransomware situation.
The event is free, and registration can be completed here.
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GOPC, Realtors, and Pattern Zones to host webinar on infill housing toolkit
On November 18, the Greater Ohio Policy Center, Ohio Realtors, and Pattern Zones Co. will be hosting a webinar to discuss the Statewide Pattern Book & Toolkit, a resource the organizations are developing to help increase the supply of infill housing across the state.
Registration for the webinar is free and can be completed here.
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Ohio Grants Summit to hold 2024 event in late November, registration now open
On November 19 and 20 (Tuesday and Wednesday), the Office of Budget and Management will host the 2024 Ohio Grants Summit, the latest iteration in the annual event that works to connect local governments with the partners and expertise needed to successfully compete for grants at both the state and federal level.
Registration for the event is free and must be completed separately for Day One and Day Two. The event is virtual and will be streamed on The Ohio Channel. Registration is not required to watch the stream, but those registered will have the opportunity to ask questions of speakers.
Each day runs from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The agenda for each day is below:
Day One:
- Grant Writing 101: Tips for a Successful Grant Application
- Ohio's Unified Approach to Federal Funding
- People, Policies, and Systems: The Foundation for Establishing Sustainable Grants Capacity
Day Two:
- Obligating and Closing Out ARPA Fiscal Recovery Funds
- Uniform Guidance Update
- Water/Wastewater Roundtable
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COUNTY NEWS
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Each week Counties Current highlights the happenings in our counties in the words of their local media. One story from each of the CCAO's five districts is highlighted, and on occasion other stories may be highlighted as well.
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Northwest District
Lucas County announces new department for economic development
Toledo Blade, October 28, 2024
Lucas County now has an economic development agency tasked with promoting the county in a conscious attempt to move away from a “Toledo-centric” mindset that has characterized some economic development initiatives.
The inauguration of the new department was held Monday afternoon at the Designetics Inc. plant at the Westwinds Industrial Park on Eber Road in Holland. Lucas County commissioners and other public officials were on hand to mark the event.
The new department will facilitate business retention and expansion, develop new and existing business sites, and nurture startup ecosystems that foster innovation, collaboration, and economic growth within the county.
According to Lucas County Commissioner Pete Gerken, the announcement's location highlights the country’s previous successful economic development efforts.
”This industrial park has been a success of Lucas County for 40-some years now. But there’s more we can do, and that’s what we want to talk about today,” Mr. Gerken said.
Mr. Gerken noted that although the Department of Economic Development is brand new, the county commissioners have been assisting with economic development for a long time.
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Northeast District
Commissioners award $4.8 million contract for new county road in Amherst Twp.
Chronicle Telegram, October 27, 2024
The Lorain County Board of Commissioners on Friday awarded a more than $4.8 million contract to Fechko Excavating of Medina to build more than half a mile of new county highway to link Sandstone Parkway with state Route 58 in Amherst Township.
The total contract is $4,841,966 for the Sandstone Parkway phase two and Route 58 roadway improvement project. Fechko's was the most-responsive of eight bids received Oct. 10, according to the board's agenda.
Along with building 3,400 linear feet of new highway, the project will involve building new storm and sanitary sewers, water lines, and improvements to Route 58 and Oberlin Road.
The work should be completed on or before July 1, 2025. It will be paid for with the revenue from tax increment financing or TIF agreements made in 2023 between the county, Amherst, Amherst Township and the Amherst School District.
Commissioner Jeff Riddell, a Republican, said what is being built is the connector road "that will bring Sandstone out to Route 58."
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Central District
Madison County commissioners to appeal construction of largest solar project in Ohio
WYSO, October 27, 2024
Madison County commissioners are appealing the approval of the largest solar project in the state to the Ohio Supreme Court.
The Oak Run solar project in Madison County includes an 800 megawatt solar farm, 300 megawatt battery storage, and transmission lines.
The Ohio Power Siting Board approved the Oak Run solar project in March by a vote of 7-2.
The two dissenting votes came from Madison County residents appointed to the siting board just for this project. The siting board then denied a rehearing back in August.
Earlier this month, Madison County commissioners voted 2-1 to pursue legal counsel to appeal the project.
The project garnered a large community response. Over 1,000 public comments were submitted to the siting board.
Chris Wallace is one of the Madison County commissioners who voted to appeal. He said the siting board might be considering business interest over local voters.
“And we've made clear that we don't believe (Oak Run is) a good use of land in Madison County. We are an agricultural-first county. We would like that land to stay agricultural,” Wallace said.
Madison County Commissioner Mark Forrest opposed the county's appeal. He supports solar and landowner rights, he said, and the project will bring a host of benefits to the county, such as tax yields.
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Southwest District
Warren commission seeks answers after ag board OKs horse evictions
Dayton Daily News, October 30, 2024
Warren County commissioners want answers after the county’s agricultural society cited financial issues in voting to end harness racing at the fairgrounds and evict more than 300 horses.
The society’s board, which set a Dec. 1 eviction date, said it “has tens of thousands of dollars in outstanding, unpaid rent for 2024 from harness racing training facility renters,” according to a statement it released this week.
The county commission, which owns the 94-acre Lebanon site, raised questions about the ag group’s operations and the commission’s contract with the organization.
The ag organization’s recent collection practices for boarders appears to amount to “a sweetheart deal” for public land use for those in arrears, Commissioner Shannon Jones said.
“We are limited in scope of our existing contract,” Jones said. “I am hesitant to weigh in on the business operations.
“But I am really concerned that perhaps the contract that the board has (does) not set forth what it’s clear objectives are with this public property and how we wish for whoever contracts with the board ... to operate,” she added.
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Southeast District
Commissioners seeking bids for new Belmont County Health Department
Times Leader, October 30, 2024
The Belmont County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to advertise for bids for construction of the future location of the Belmont County Health Department.
The bid opening is for all furnishing, service labor, materials, and equipment necessary to construct the Belmont County Health Department’s new location.
“This is an important motion that we just passed because this will, just as it says, advertise now for the start of our new health department building at the site of the old county home, which was torn down,” Commissioner Jerry Echemann said.
He added that the new building will house the health department along with a new facility to store all of the county’s records, which he believes is greatly needed. It will also be the location of the Belmont County Coroner’s Office.
“For the first time ever, the coroner will have an office in Belmont County,” Echamann said. “Historically, they are doctors who have their own offices and their own practices, so they would simply run the Belmont County Coroner’s Office out of their own personal physician’s office, wherever that may be.”
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NOVEMBER 5
General Election
NOVEMBER 8
CORSA Board of Directors Meeting
NOVEMBER 11
Veterans Day - Legal Holiday
NOVEMBER 12
CCAO Board of Directors Meeting
OCCO Legislative Reception
NOVEMBER 22
CEBCO Board of Directors Meeting
DECEMBER 4 - 6
CCAO / CEAO Winter Conference
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