CCAO state leaders connect with Holmes commissioners
County Commissioners Association of Ohio leaders Cheryl Subler, in green, and John Leutz hash out topics that affect local government today with Holmes County’s commissioners.
It’s always a pleasure for the Holmes County commissioners to welcome people to their quarters, but recently they had a pair of very special visitors stop by to chat about the future of the county.
On Monday, June 13, Cheryl Subler, County Commissioners Association of Ohio executive director, and assistant director John Leutz stopped by the Holmes County Old Jail to visit the Holmes County commissioners and chat about what the future looks life and what concerns the commissioners had moving into what appears to be some challenging financial times for Ohio’s 88 counties.
The County Commissioners Association of Ohio board of directors selected Cheryl Subler, as its new executive director. In January of 2020. Subler began her work with CCAO in 1996 and has served as the managing director of policy, a policy analyst and research associate.
To start the meeting, Subler welcomed back commissioner Dave Hall, whom she said she got to know quite well during his serving as a state senator.
“He’s always been a good friend to all counties in his various leadership roles at the state and federal level,” Subler said.
She then delved into what is taking place on the state level, beginning with health districts, where the state has been discussing a bill that would cut back on smaller heath districts or eliminate county boards.
“I like the health district exactly the way it is right now,” said commissioner Joe Miller.
Misty Burns, Holmes County director of human resources who also resides on the Holmes County Health District board, said the Holmes health district is functioning smoothly, stating changing anything now would be detrimental to voices of Holmes County.
She said 10% of the district’s funding comes from townships, which is critical to them having a voice in what takes place.
“Taking that voice and that funding away from our townships would not be beneficial,” Burns said.
Hall said the way the health district is set up now gives the county great flexibility in how its wants to operate, noting that during the pandemic, the district was able to pivot and serve people the best they could.
“We know our communities and we know our county, and what is best for us as a whole,” Hall said. “It’s working, and as a former state legislator, when you see something working well in a county like ours, why change? We have a wonderful relationship with our health district, and I know that isn’t the case everywhere.”
Subler said currently the CCAO standing committee has not taken up a position on this issue because it hasn’t come up with a consensus.
“What the association has been trying to do is serve as a facilitator,” Subler said. “If Holmes County is happy with what you have, we want to give you all of the pertinent information so you can communicate that.”
Miller said during the pandemic the health district did a remarkable job of keeping people safe while keeping the county open for most of the pandemic.
Leutz said much of what happened during the pandemic was the driving force behind the state taking action toward changing the way health districts operate.
“You (Holmes County) are very fortunate the way things worked out for you,” Leutz said.
He said local commissioners who deal closely with health departments leaders are critical because they a unique perspective and communicate daily.
Subler added that the most critical part of the process is the relationship part, and she said Holmes County is fortunate that the trio of Holmes commissioners have a great relationship with both the legislators at the state level as well as with the health district.
“We’d like to see that kind of success emulated among all 88 counties,” Subler said. “That builds a great strong partnership. We appreciate that you were engaging on that health department issue.”
Subler went on to talk about the recent passing of House Bill 101, which created a formula for funding county jails. She praised this passing and said it will be beneficial to all counties, many of which are seeking to build new county jails or improve existing structures.
She said the bill recognizes the requirements being placed on counties to improve their facilities and provide modern updates.
Leutz added that the state will go through the application process to provide grant funding based on several key factors like the passing of jail inspections, capacity issues and the physical state of the facility.
As for the economic outlook, Miller inquired as to whether county commissioners should begin to tighten their belts to cut funding.
Subler said she expects many people will begin spending less disposable income, and counties thrive on sales tax, so counties could see some cutbacks.
“Much of that depends on each county’s ability to continue to create a strong sales tax base,” Subler said.
They also discussed broadband expansion, and how bringing in competition to increase broadband can help generate more affordable options for smaller counties.
Subler also said there has been much discussion on Senate Bill 62, which focuses on creating more solar power opportunities.
“That’s a big issue right now,” Hall said.
Miller talked about how Holmes County is facing employment issues, with many businesses struggling to fill roles, which has also been the case for county government conditions.
“We have people driving into the county who say they can work here but they can’t afford to live here,” Miller said.
“Workforce is definitely a big issue right now,” Subler said.
Hall added that exploring the option of bringing together the Appalachian counties to create networking and potential funding to create best practices.
Finally, they spoke about the effect that the enormous rising cost of fuel has taken on counties, and how that will affect county budgets moving forward.
Leutz said we could see a carpool push much like took place in the 1970s during the Jimmy Carter administration.
Hall suggested creating a winter conference for commissioners with a keynote speaker who could help counties better deal with inflation heading into the budget season.