County Commissioners Association of Ohio (CCAO)

Miami County invested $20.7M in #ARPA funds to improve residents' lives, funding water lines, childcare, fairgrounds upgrades, and more. Key projects like the Casstown water line highlight collaboration and lasting community impact. Read more: https://lnkd.in/guGXMfgR #StrongerCountiesStrongerOhio

Ashtabula County rebids its $2.5M broadband project, splitting it into smaller parts to attract more providers. The goal: expand rural Internet access to 1,500-2,000 residents. Broadband Ohio remains a key partner in the effort. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gsGBKZz5 #BroadbandExpansion #DigitalEquity

CORSA held its first board meeting of 2025 today! The board welcomed new members Jim Justice (Ashland County), Gary Scherer (Pickaway County), and Harry Brady (Huron County). We said goodbye to Diane Ward (Adams County), Dan Dean (Fayette County), and Teresa Bemiller (Knox County). CORSA thanks the commissioners for their service! Commissioner Ward had served on the CORSA Board for four years, Commissioner Dean for eight years, and Commissioner Bemiller for nine years.

Yesterday, Governor DeWine signed House Bill 497, the County Omnibus Bill, into law! The bill will streamline the administration of county government and update certain monetary thresholds to account for inflation. Thank you to Representatives Brian Stewart and Roy Klopfenstein for championing this important legislation.

Ashtabula County Commissioner Casey Kozlowski, CCAO 2nd Vice President, and CCAO Executive Director Cheryl Subler in the NACo video production room, where our national association shares vital updates to keep counties informed and connected! National Association of Counties

CCAO looks forward to working with the 136th Ohio General Assembly, including 13 former CCAO members, as we continue to strengthen the state-county partnership! Former Richland County Commissioner Marilyn John was chosen as Ohio House Majority Floor Leader, and former Washington County Commissioner Kevin Ritter was sworn in as a State Rep. See photos of members being sworn in here: https://lnkd.in/g6YjB-tD #StrongerCountiesStrongerOhio

CCAO is saddened to hear that former Mercer County Commissioner Tom Gagel, 83, passed away last week. He served seven years on the commission and owned Gagel Hardware. Tom was also a member of the Knights of St. John, Soundwaves Barbershop Chorus, and St. John Church choir. Read his obituary here: https://lnkd.in/gCeS23NS

President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law! The Act repeals the Windfall Elimination Provision & Government Pension Offset in Social Security. Many Ohio public servants will no longer see a reduction in their Social Security benefit. https://lnkd.in/gV2qiFQz

CCAO wishes Muskingum County Commissioner Mollie Crooks a happy retirement after two terms serving the county! She was also a CCAO Board Member, and you can hear more about her experiences in our video mentoring series: https://lnkd.in/gebEpA2Q Pictured: CORSA Managing Director John Brownlee, Commissioner Crooks, CCAO Assistant Director John Leutz, Muskingum County Commissioners Melissa Bell and Cindy Cameron #StrongerCountiesStrongerOhio

Congratulations to Shelby County Commissioner Bob Guillozet on his retirement! Thank you for your dedicated service to the people of Shelby County. Pictured with him: Logan County Commissioner and 2025 CCAO Secretary Joe Antram, Shelby County Commissioner and CCAO Board Member Julie Ehemann, Shelby County Commissioner Tony Bornhorst (also retiring) and Mercer County Commissioner Dave Buschur. #StrongerCountiesStrongerOhio