Hall sees opportunities to strengthen county in 2025
The new Holmes County Health District building on Glen Drive in Millersburg pushed the health district into a new realm that will allow it function and achieve more than ever before.
For Holmes County Commissioner Dave Hall, who chairs the commissioner board, looking forward to 2025 can be summed up in one word.
“To me, 2025’s theme is opportunities,” Hall said. “We have the opportunity to continue to grow and develop our county in some wonderful ways.”
For Hall, 2024 was a year of capping off some tremendous accomplishments.
The two major undertakings were the Holmes County Health District building and the work on the county’s wastewater treatment plants, which saw some major improvements and additions.
“The health building is one of those areas where you’re going to see a lot of activity as it grows,” Hall said. “People don’t realize how much they interact with what the health district is doing on a daily basis.”
From dining at area restaurants, swimming at the public pool and WIC programs to health care checkups and more, he said the new health building signifies strength in Holmes County.
“That is a generational building, and I give Commissioner (Joe) Miller all the credit for his leadership and vision in working with the health district on getting that project done,” Hall said.
He said having Michael Derr, health district commissioner, approach the commissioners with a focused look at the many needs within the county’s health district also played a key role in the completion of a building he said will serve every Holmes Countian.
“That facility is going to be a game-changer because our businesses and our people of Holmes County won’t have to go elsewhere to have their needs met,” Hall said. “The leadership of that health district board is so dynamic.”
As for the wastewater treatment facility improvements that took place all over the county in 2024, Hall said serving the citizens of each community is vital to a healthy and happy Holmes County.
As for the coming year, Hall said the board will continue to work hard to bring in outside sources of funding to benefit Holmes County including state and federal grants that can help establish projects.
“Holmes County is very fiscally strong,” Hall said. “We have a nice carryover, and a lot of people are working hard behind the scenes to make Holmes County prosperous.”
Hall said one goal for 2025 will be to work with the Holmes County Airport Authority to enhance the hangar complex and upgrade the runway.
“There are some much-needed upgrades that need to take place there because the airport continues to be a vital part of the growth of our county,” Hall said.
Another area he said needs to be explored and will be in the coming year is developing the complex at the Holmes County Dog Warden and Adoption Center, where they are in need of more space and updates.
According to Hall, the commissioners will continue to be frugal with the budget, spending within its means and not increasing any taxes.
“It’s an exciting year coming up, an exciting opportunity to partner with all of our great agencies within Holmes County, like Holmes Soil & Water, Holmes County Extension or the Holmes County Home,” Hall said. “We love partnering with the great organizations and the leadership teams in the county.”
Finally, he praised the effort of the county commissioners’ staff employees who made for what he said was a great 2024.
“We may be small, but we are mighty,” Hall said. “Each person here takes on a lot of work and has a lot on their plates, and we are very blessed to have the amazing staff we have here.”
He said he also is proud of each of the county department heads, many of whom he said were frugal with their spending in 2024 and will turn in excess funds that will go back into the general fund for 2025.
“People in Holmes County know how to work together and invest in what is best for the residents of Holmes County,” Hall said. “I go to other counties and to meetings at the commissioner’s association, and Holmes County is looked upon as being very strong in public service and a leader in the state.”