Montgomery County Administrator Michael Colbert elected president of NACA
The following is an abbreviated form of a press release issued by Montgomery County on July 20, 2026.
Montgomery County Administrator Michael Colbert has been elected President of the National Association of County Administrators (NACA) following a vote at the 2026 NACA National Conference on Sunday. In this national leadership role, he will guide the organization’s efforts to strengthen support for county administrators through professional development, knowledge sharing, strategic partnerships and best practices in county government. Colbert will continue serving as Montgomery County Administrator while fulfilling his responsibilities as NACA president.
“I am deeply honored to be elected by my peers to serve as president of NACA. County administrators play a critical role in helping communities navigate complex challenges while delivering essential services to residents every day," Colbert said.
"This opportunity reflects the strength of Montgomery County and the outstanding work happening here every day. I look forward to bringing the experiences and innovative approaches of our county to a national network of leaders while continuing to learn from communities across the country.”
Founded in 1959, NACA is the professional association for county administrators and managers, representing more than 500 members across 32 states and the District of Columbia. The organization provides opportunities for county leaders to connect, share solutions and advance excellence in local government management.
“Michael’s election as NACA president is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the leadership he brings to Montgomery County every day,” said Commission President Carolyn Rice. “His ability to build partnerships, develop innovative solutions and bring people together has strengthened our county. His experience at the local, state and national levels gives him a unique perspective on the challenges facing county governments today. We are proud to see him represent Montgomery County in this important leadership role.”
“Michael has spent his career focused on improving systems and creating opportunities for people and communities to thrive,” said Commissioner Mary A. McDonald. “His thoughtful and strategic approach to planning, identifying opportunities and creating sustainable solutions will benefit counties nationwide as they work to address the challenges facing their communities.”
“Michael’s dedication to public service and his commitment to excellence make him an outstanding choice to lead NACA,” said Montgomery County Commissioner Judy Dodge. “His leadership reflects the values we strive for in Montgomery County. He understands the importance of collaboration and the value of sharing ideas and best practices across county lines. We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will make through this national role.”
Colbert previously served as NACA's president-elect. In his new leadership role as NACA President, he will serve a one-year term.
CCAO publishes County Advisory Bulletin on state post traumatic stress fund program changes
Last week, CCAO published County Advisory Bulletin 2026-03 Post Traumatic Stress Fund Program.
The CAB provides a brief legislative history of the State Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) Fund. It was created in 2021 but no funding was provided and it was statutorily prohibited from making any payments.
Earlier this year, the state transferred $40 million to the fund but the money was not appropriated and the statutory prohibition on making payments from the PTS Fund remained.
Last month, through House Bill 479 (Representative Jean Schmidt), the PTS Fund became functional once the bill takes effect on September 23, 2026.
The PTS Fund is placed under the administration of the Department of Behavioral Health and will be overseen by a PTS Fund Commission. The commission does not include any employer representation, an absence that CCAO intends to advocate against.
The bill, nor existing Revised Code sections, does not provide the state a mechanism to assess public employers premiums to contribute to the fund. Instead, the bill limits the funding available for out-of-pocket reimbursement to peace officers to the $40 million appropriation; once the appropriation is exhausted, reimbursements will not be made until more funding is appropriated.
A more detailed overview is available in the CAB itself. CCAO will keep membership informed of any developments regarding the PTS Fund.
SNAP payment error rate webinar materials available
The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services recently held a webinar for CCAO members regarding the release of the first county-level SNAP payment error rate report.
The Department has shared the slide deck from the webinar and an FAQ concerning the process, based off questions that were asked during the webinar. These are linked to below.
Webinar Slide Deck
SNAP Payment Error Rate FAQ
CCAO appreciates the work of our county JFS agency staff in driving the state's error rate down. We continue to advocate for policies and practices with our state partners to help Ohio continue that work.
If you have questions concerning SNAP payment error rates, please contact Rachel Reedy.
Two weeks left for CCAO Summer Symposium early bird pricing
Early bird pricing for CCAO's 2026 Summer Symposium ends on August 10. Afterwards, registration for the event, to be held in Hamilton County, will be at the standard price of $340.
The Symposium will include sessions on data center development, an EMA disaster simulation, how counties can continue to combat the addiction crisis, and more.
It will also include a tour of the Cincinnati Convention Center, Cincinnati's Rhine Tunnels, and an evening at the Great American Ballpark.
Registration for the event is limited to county commissioners, county executives, county council members, and key staff.
Top Top OEPA withdraws proposed rule on data center water disposal
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency announced last week that it was withdrawing a proposed regulation that would have allowed certain data centers to discharge wastewater into natural waterways. The proposal was met with substantial public pushback during the public comment period.
Specifically, the proposal stated, "It has been determined that a lowering of water quality of various waters of the state associated with granting coverage under this permit is necessary to accommodate important social and economic development in the state of Ohio."
The proposal was for a general National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for data centers. Going forward, the OEPA will consider NPDES permits on a case-by-case basis.
Attorney General Opinions on library district trustee terms and township lodging taxes issued
Last week, Attorney General Andy Wilson issued two Attorney General Opinions which may be of interest to counties.
First, OAG 2026-007 concerned the term length of county library district board trustees in light of changes made in House Bill 96, the state's operating budget.
The budget changed term lengths for library district trustees, but there was confusion about how the changes would interact with existing districts. OAG 2026-007 provides clarity on that point, and counties with upcoming trustee appointments should review the opinion.
It also found that a reference to a seven-year term (the length before the budget's effective date) is a scrivener's error and should be read as four years.
Second, OAG 2026-008 concerns various questions raised about how township lodging taxes are authorized and how they can be added to/amended.
While the opinion only discusses township lodging taxes, counties may find it worthwhile to review the opinion for its potential implications on their own lodging taxes.
Back-to-school sales tax holiday will occur weekend of August 7
Unlike the past two years, Ohio will be reverting back to the standard back-to-school sales tax holiday this year. The holiday will last from Friday, August 7, through Sunday, August 9.
The back-to-school holiday is more limited than the expanded holidays of 2024 and 2025. For counties, the most notable difference is that foregone sales tax revenue due to back-to-school holidays are not reimbursed.
Sales tax will be waived on the following items:
- All items of clothing priced at $75 or less;
- School supplies priced at $20 or less; and,
- School instructional materials priced at $20 or less.
The Department of Taxation has detailed listing of eligible items and answers to common scenarios.
NACo requests outreach to US Senate regarding election reform packages
NACo sent an alert to counties last week about two pieces of congressional action regarding election law.
The House of Representatives advanced two measures, both including either the entirety of or significant portions of the SAVE America Act, last week, sending them to the Senate. The SAVE America Act is an election reform bill.
The two measures advanced by the House differ in vehicle and form.
First, the full text of the SAVE America Act was included in the National Defense Authorization Act, a bill that otherwise would authorize $1.15 trillion for the Department of Defense (which the bill also renames the Department of War).
The National Defense Authorization Act is not eligible for reconciliation, which means it would need at least 60 votes to clear the Senate.
The other vehicle is a budget reconciliation package which will only need 51 votes in the Senate. it includes portions of the full SAVE America Act but through a $10 billion grant program.
NACo is asking counties to contact their Senators and urge them to remove or revise the election provisions, or at minimum ensure that the provisions do not take effect for the upcoming November election. This would give counties more time to implement the requirements.
As a note, provisions similar to the SAVE America Act have been introduced in the current 136th Ohio General Assembly through various bills. CCAO does not have a position on these bills. Top Workforce Association annual conference to be held in mid-September
The Ohio Workforce Association and the Ohio Chapter of the International Association of Workforce Professionals are hosting their annual conference on September 17 and 18 in Lewis Center.
The conference, titled The Engagement Blueprint: Connecting Industry to Opportunity, will feature sessions on using AI to strengthen workforce delivery, how to use predictive analytics in job matching, and more.
The full agenda is available here.
Registration is open and costs $395 until August 31, at which point the fee will increase to $425.
You can register for the event here.
Registration open for Preparing Rural Ohio for Data Centers event on September 17
Sunday Creek Horizons is hosting a Preparing Rural Ohio for Data Centers event on September 17, 2026 at the Cherry Valley Hotel & Conference Center. The event is invite only and no cost to attend. All county commissioners, executives, and council members are invited to attend and attendance will be guaranteed for those who register.
The event is a full-day event, and will last from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
As Ohio continues to attract unprecedented investment in data center infrastructure, rural communities are increasingly being asked to evaluate proposals that will shape their future. The event is Ohio's first educational summit created exclusively for local government leaders navigating data center development.
You can register here.
Attendees will hear from a diverse group of experts and practitioners, including:
- Leading Ohio legislators
- Senior federal energy officials
- Attorneys specializing in land use, zoning, incentives, and development agreements
- Economic development leaders
- Community leaders discussing lessons learned, best practices, and practical strategies
State funding opportunities
The table below contains current state grant or loan programs. A more comprehensive list can be found on the Ohio Grants Partnership webpage.
Grant Program
|
Brief Summary
|
Eligibility Criteria
|
Amount Available
|
Application Due Date
|
| Shine a Light on Dumpers Program |
To assist local governments in cleaning existing solid-waste dump sites and to take preventative action to deter future dumping. |
Counties and other local governments |
Max awards: $100,000 (clean-up projects);
$20,000 (deterrence projects)
|
July 31, 2026 |
| Court Improvement Program: Court Navigator Grant |
To support the implementation of a Court Navigator Pilot Program within abuse, neglect, and dependency (A/N/D) cases. |
Courts of Common Pleas Juvenile Courts |
One grant of up to $80,000.
No match required.
|
August 5, 2026 |
| Court Improvement Program: Technology Grant |
To help juvenile and probate courts improve their ability to maintain operations during emergencies, enhance virtual hearing capabilities, and enhance digital communications with families and system partners. |
Courts of Common Pleas Juvenile and Probate Courts |
Maximum grant: $25,000
No match required.
|
August 5, 2026 |
| Court Improvement Program: Mediation Grant |
To support the creation of mediation programs within A/N/D cases, to assist older youth transitioning out of foster care, to address school absenteeism, and to prevent child welfare or juvenile justice involvement. |
Courts of Common Pleas Juvenile Courts |
Maximum grant: $80,000
No match required.
|
August 5, 2026 |
| Ohio Environmental Education Fund |
To support environmental education and restoration efforts based on priorities identified by the OEEF Advisory Council. |
Entities regulated by the OEPA |
Between $500 and $25,000
|
August 14, 2026 |
| Precinct Election Official Recruitment and Training Grant |
To provide assistance in the recruitment and training of precinct election officials for the 2026 November general election. |
County boards of elections |
Set allocation per county, contact the Secretary of State for further information
|
Unspecified, but terms must be completed by November 2, 2026 |
Federal funding opportunities
The table below contains a sampling of current federal grant or loan programs. A full list can be found on Grants.gov.
Grant Program
|
Brief Summary
|
Eligibility Criteria
|
Amount Available
|
Application Due Date
|
| COPS Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Program |
To provide LEAs that do not have established law enforcement-specifc mental health and wellness programing with start-up funds to establish those supports. |
General availability for entities with law enforcement functions |
$9 million available
No match requirement
|
July 30, 2026 |
| Continuum of Care and Youth Homelessness Program |
To provide funding to enable the quick rehousing of homeless individuals, families, and other vulnerable populations. |
General availability |
$4 billion available
Local match of at least 25%
|
August 26, 2026 |
| Title X Family Planning Services Grants |
To promote the general family planning programs and goals under Title X of the Public Health Service Act. |
General availability |
Maximum award: $22 million
Local match of between 1% and 10%
|
January 9, 2027 |
Top 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.
A paid subscription may be required to view the full article in some cases.
Northwest District
Judge warns of risks as Lucas County cuts jail beds
Toledo Blade, July 24, 2026
Lucas County is looking to save taxpayer dollars by reducing the number of beds it contracts for at a regional jail next year — but one Toledo Municipal Court judge warns it could eventually hamper sentencing decisions and public safety.
At a Corrections Center of Northwest Ohio board meeting on Wednesday, Commissioner Pete Gerken submitted a bid of 150 beds for Lucas County at the facility near Stryker, Ohio, that houses inmates from five member counties in the region.
Mr. Gerken said the reduction reflects actual usage. In 2025, Lucas County averaged 141 inmates at CCNO despite paying for 170 beds. Continuing to pay for unused capacity, he said, would be fiscally irresponsible.
“They just charge me that extra bed like an extra hotel room,” he said. “The whole thing was 141, we bet 150. There’s a little cushion on that. That’s still over, but it’ll allow for fluctuations.”
The five member counties pay CCNO just under $70 for each bed per day, regardless of whether it is occupied. Every five beds cost around $127,750, Mr. Gerken said. A 20-bed reduction would save more than $500,000 each year at current rates.
Lucas County’s contracted beds are allocated among the common pleas court and the municipal courts in Toledo, Maumee, Sylvania, and Oregon for planning purposes. Toledo Municipal Court’s allocation is 68 beds, according to a July 16 letter from Judge Joshua Lanzinger.
Northeast District
Cuyahoga County hands out violence prevention grants
Signal Cleveland, July 17, 2026
Cuyahoga County will be handing out three $15,000 grants to community-based organizations working to reduce violence. The grants represent the first from the county’s new Office of Violence Prevention since it was established last May.
A primary goal of that office is to help better fund and support organizations doing work on the ground, said Myesha Watkins, who was hired to lead the office starting last August.
The county has a large ecosystem of local groups working to prevent violence. But many are small, cash-strapped nonprofits run by community members who often volunteer their own time to offer services. Some employ street outreach workers who try to interrupt the cycle of retaliation. Other groups support young people in the criminal justice system and mentor young people in order to reduce the likelihood they engage in violent behavior.
“I’m really excited,” said Watkins, who lived through tough financial times as the former director of Cleveland Peacemakers, an anti-violence nonprofit. “The executive director from Peacemakers in me is smiling like, ‘Yes. Yes, our county is doing it!”
The county grants come at a time in which federal funding for violence prevention has shrunk. President Donald Trump’s administration cut about $218 million in grants for community violence intervention and victim service programs last April, according to the Council on Criminal Justice.
Still, Watkins said that one-time $15,000 grants are not enough to solve the long-term funding challenges many organizations face. For perspective, Cleveland Peacemakers’ annual expenses ranged from around $730,000 to $900,000 in 2023 and 2024, according to a recent tax return.
Instead, Watkins hopes the investment can help existing groups scale up their programs. It can also show new groups that it’s possible to get paid for violence prevention work.
“Hopefully, the investment is seen to have a great impact, and then we continue … to be able to put more money into the community,” Watkins said.
Central District
Quite the predicament: Richland County gets no road salt bids for upcoming winter season
Richland Source, July 21, 2026
It could be a long, slippery winter on Richland County roads.
And County Engineer Adam Gove is not yet sure how it’s going to work.
The one thing Gove is sure of is that as of now, there is has no new road salt coming for the upcoming winter to use on the county’s 347 miles of roadway.
County commissioners opened three envelopes during a bid-opening process Tuesday morning — only to find no companies even offering to supply any salt at today’s inflated prices.
Richland County is also one of a dozen around Ohio that also didn’t receive any salt bids in the statewide bidding process, a group that also includes Ashland and Knox counties. Gove normally purchases salt through both county and state bids.
“That leaves us in quite the predicament,” Gove said. “Currently we have no salt (coming) through the county contract and no salt through the state contract. I am going to have to look at other options.
“I don’t know what those are at this time, but I’ll be working with the state and maybe some other counties to come up with something,” Gove said.
The lack of salt may also impact cities, villages and townships that participate in the county’s contract with the state. The city of Mansfield handles its own road salt contracts and City Council is expected to approve seeking bids when it meets Tuesday night.
In April, the county engineer also received approval from commissioners to again sign up for road salt through the State of Ohio contract. Gove said at the time he anticipated purchasing about 3,000 tons of salt at the state-contract pricing, about 500 tons more than last year.
That amount would be in addition to road salt purchased through the county’s own contract, he said in April. He said the county purchased about 5,200 tons overall for this past winter.
Shortages and rising prices have been an issue in recent years. Published reports blame a myriad of factors, including systemic supply chain disruptions, localized terminal closures, and low carryover inventory resulting from a severe winter.
Southwest District
Warren County Commissioners say ‘Yes’ to senior services levy renewal
Journal-News, July 24, 2026
The Warren County Commissioners are throwing their support behind the renewal of a 1.21-mill levy for senior services in November as they try to find ways to cut property taxes.
The 5-year measure is expected to raise a little more than $9 million per year and cost property owners $22 for each $100,000 of market value.
The millage is the same amount approved by more than 78% of voters when it was last run in 2021, which costs homeowners about $29.93 annually per $100,000 in property valuation at the time.
“This ties with our approach,” Commissioner Dave Young said.
The commissioners in June voted to raise the county sales tax 0.5% while waiving their share of property tax in an effort to provide relief to property owners.
Senior services is not asking for any additional funding through the levy renewal, said Ken Wilson, chief operating and programs officer for the Ohio Council on Aging (COA), which contracts with Warren County to manage elderly services.
Wilson said that like every other organization, senior services has had to tighten its belt due to inflation and other factors.
He said between 2021 and 2022, inflation accounted for a 21% increase in the cost of running Meals on Wheels. The program accounts for 32% of the levy expense.
Senior services has adjusted throughout the years by finding grants and other funding sources, donations and gifts, or adjusting operating expenses, Wilson said.
Southeast District
Athens County Commission: Youth organizations request opioid settlement funds for programming
Athens Messenger, July 21, 2026
On Tuesday, the Athens County Board of Commissioners were informed that the Athens County Sheriff’s Office will be applying for the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program.
This application will be for the 2027 grant year. While the sheriff’s office was approved for the 2026 grant year, it has not yet received the grant funding.
The sheriff’s office will likely receive the funds from the 2026 grant year sometime in October, John Morris, a captain at the Athens County Sheriff’s Office, explained.
In total, the sheriff’s office requested roughly $47,000 dollars in grant funding for its Helping End Addiction Responding Together (HEART) Initiative through the JAG Program.
No local cash match is required and existing sheriff’s office equipment, personnel, administrative support and facilities will serve as the county’s contribution.
These funds will be used to reduce drug trafficking through proactive interdiction and enforcement, along with public education and outreach such as billboards and community presentations.
Other goals of the HEART Initiative include increasing access to treatment and recovery services, reducing overdose risk, improving public safety and by strengthening collaboration among community partners. Top AUGUST 7
CCAO Board of Directors Meeting (virtual)
AUGUST 14
CORSA Board of Directors Meeting
AUGUST 21
CEBCO Board of Directors Meeting
OCTOBER 2
CCAO/CEAO Southeast District Meeting (RSVP by September 15) Top
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