OCERP Retirement Advisors holding July, August webinars
Join your Ohio County Employees Retirement Plan (OCERP) Retirement Plan Advisor for their July and August 2026 Financial Wellness Webinars:
- July: Retirement Readiness
- This webinar covers all the factors to consider when deciding whether you are ready to retire. Did you know that you can contribute your sick and vacation pay into your OCERP account up to the 2026 IRS limit? Did you know that if you are over age 50 and within three years of retiring, you are eligible for Special Catch-up, which has a higher IRS contribution limit? Did you know that OPERS offers a one-time payout of your pension that you can roll into your OCERP account? Attend this webinar to learn more about getting ready to retire.
- August: Budgeting
- Do you have a monthly budget? Your Retirement Plan Advisor will review the basics of budgeting and how having a budget in place helps you stay on track to meet your retirement savings goal.
Registration is required, but is free. Please select the registration link in the table below based on which OCERP region your work location is located within. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email that includes the meeting access information.
$15.5 million awarded for brownfield remediation and assessment
Last week, Governor Mike DeWine awarded $15.5 million in brownfield remediation grants. The funds will support 22 remediation projects and 41 assessment projects.
The awards are the final ones under the SFY 2026 appropriation, with $1 million reserved for each county. The SFY 2027 appropriation, including any unawarded SFY 2026 funds, will be allocated based on a statewide competitive process.
The list of funded projects is available here.
Ohio Supreme Court releases documentary on county courthouses
The Ohio Supreme Court, as part of the American 250 celebrations, has released a documentary about the role that county courthouses play in the state and local communities. The documentary, Where Justice Settled: The Story of Ohio’s 88 County Courthouse, is available here.
The following is an excerpt from an article on the Supreme Court's Court News Ohio website about the documentary.
Foundations of Justice on the Frontier
Long before they became architectural landmarks, Ohio’s courthouses began as simple, practical spaces. Places where communities gathered to resolve disputes, record land sales, and establish order. In the earliest days of the Northwest Territory, justice unfolded in log cabins, taverns, and borrowed rooms. Yet even in these modest settings, the idea of the courthouse, a central and public place for law and governance, took root.
As Ohio’s counties were established, these spaces became permanent. By 1851, all 88 counties had formed, and with them came a shared need: a courthouse. These buildings were not incidental. They were essential anchors for county government and visible expressions of a growing commitment to law, order, and democratic process.
Built on Democratic Ideals
From their earliest permanent forms, Ohio’s courthouses were designed to stand out. Often the most prominent building in a county, especially in rural communities, each courthouse was intentionally monumental. Built of stone, brick, and materials drawn directly from the land, they embodied stability and permanence.
The courthouse became more than a workplace for judges and clerks. It symbolized the rule of law and the principle that justice should be carried out openly, where all could see. Decisions made inside these walls shaped lives, resolved conflicts, and defined communities. The building itself signaled that justice belonged to the people.
Designed to Reflect the Communities They Serve
Each of Ohio’s 88 county courthouses tells a unique story. Their forms, features, and even small details reflect the people they serve.
In Holmes County, where nearly half the population is Amish, the courthouse has adapted in ways that reflect local customs. Hat racks are built into seating for broad-brimmed hats, and horse parking remains part of daily life. In Harrison County, the influence of coal mining is evident in community traditions that revolve around the courthouse square, including festivals that celebrate the region’s industrial heritage.
Inside, courtrooms carry their own distinct identities. Some have remained virtually unchanged for more than a century, preserving the layout and character of earlier eras. Others feature unusual elements, such as rolling jury boxes that bring participants physically closer to the proceedings, reinforcing the immediacy of justice.
These differences highlight a central truth. While the purpose of courthouses is shared, their character is deeply local. Top Top NACo is urging counties to submit comments on federal Uniform Guidance changes by the July 13 deadline
The proposed rewrite of the Uniform Guidance (2 CFR Part 200) would affect every county that receives, administers and passes through federal grant funding. This includes new conditions on every federal award, expanded agency authority to terminate or suspend grants mid-project, new screening and disclosure requirements and more (at the same time that compliance requirements and costs would go up). These changes would go into effect October 1, 2026.
NACo has developed an OMB Resource Hub to help your members navigate this, including:
We are strongly encouraging county attorneys and grants managers to review the proposed rule and their current grant portfolios now, before October 1, when changes take effect for new and renewed awards.
Projects supporting 246 homes receive Welcome Home Ohio funds
Last week, Governor DeWine announced awards under the fifth round of the Welcome Home Ohio program.
The program provides grants to assist land banks, land reutilization corporations, local governments, and qualified nonprofit developers to purchase residential properties at foreclosure sales and to rehabilitate or construct homes.
The grants awarded last week totaled $26.9 million and will fund 256 homes across 57 counties.
A full list of the projects that received grants under this cycle is available here.
All told, the Welcome Home Ohio program has awarded $86 million to support 727 homes across the state.
Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board accepting applications for its annual Citizen Archivest Award
The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board Citizen Archivist Award honors volunteers in Ohio’s archives who work long hours answering reference requests, processing collections, and indexing historic records. This award recognizes a volunteer in an Ohio archive who best exemplifies the dedication and hard work volunteers—our citizen archivists—contribute to Ohio’s archives each day.
All Ohio institutions responsible for archival records that provide free public access to at least a portion of their collections are eligible. Preference will be given to volunteers whose work increases access to archival collections in Ohio. OHRAB will accept nominations from Ohio archival institutions as well as the general public.
Departments employing members of OHRAB are not eligible, but other departments in their institutions are eligible.
Nominating letters should be no longer than two pages, 12-pt, single-spaced, describing the accomplishments and dedication of the volunteer. Include the nominee’s name along with a contact person’s name, mailing and email addresses, and phone number. If the nominee’s contributions include online collections, please include a link to the website.
Nominations must be received by September 15, 2026.
Send nominations via email or U.S. mail to:
Chris Shaw (cshaw@co.delaware.oh.us)
Delaware County Records Center
2079 US Rte. 23 North
PO Box 8006
Delaware, OH 43015
740-833-2140 Top 2026 Innovation Summit to be held on July 30
The Ohio Innovation and Technology Association (OITA) will hold the 2026 Innovation Summit on Thursday, July 30, in Columbus.
The Summit, which traditionally includes cabinet directors, legislative leaders, local government officials, and private sector leaders, will have a focus on artificial intelligence this year.
Planned topics include:
- The State of AI
- AI Impact on Private Industry Sectors
- AI Demos from OITA Partners
- Data Centers & Energy Solutions
- AI Policy Discussions
- AI Deployment in Government
Registration for the event is open and accessible here. Registration costs $200 for OITA members, partners, event sponsors, and non-profits and local governments. The full registration price of $450 will apply to private sector attendees who are not OITA members, partners, or event sponsors.
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
|
| Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program |
To provide funding for initiatives, technical assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and information systems in support of specified program areas. |
Counties and other local governments |
Max award: $150,000
Local match required
|
July 21, 2026 |
| 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 |
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
|
| Automated Permitting Systems Demonstration Grant |
To support jurisdictions that will deploy automated building code permitting systems and partner with HUD to evaluate their applicability and effectiveness within real-world operating conditions. |
General availability |
$3 million available
No match requirement
|
July 13, 2026 |
| Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program |
To assist law enforcement agencies in hiring and/or rehiring career sworn law enforcement officers to assist in community policing capacity and crime prevention efforts. |
General availability for entities with law enforcement functions |
$157.6 million available, maximum award of $6.3 million
Local match of at least 25%
|
July 23, 2026 |
| Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities Grants |
To support partnerships that will design and implement industry-driven training programs that will close skills gaps and boost the talent pipeline in critical sectors. |
General availability for entities within the jurisdiction of the Appalachian Regional Commission |
$49.2 million available
No match requirement
|
July 23, 2026 |
| 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
Erie County Commissioners vote to renew property tax relief measures
WTOL, July 1, 2026
The Erie County Commissioners voted to renew three major property tax relief measures on Wednesday. The county says that makes Erie County the first in Ohio to implement all of the maximum property tax relief options authorized under state law.
The commissioners approved renewing the county's expanded Homestead Exemption and the Owner-Occupancy Tax Credit. Officials said the decision follows strong public support after the programs' first year.
County officials estimate the initiatives have delivered more than $23 million in property tax relief over the past several years. That includes $4.5 million in savings through the Homestead Exemption for the 2026 and 2027 tax years, $2.5 million through the Owner-Occupancy Tax Credit and approximately $16 million over the past two years by suspending the collection of County General Fund property taxes.
A decision on the suspension of property taxes that would otherwise go to the general fund in 2027 is awaiting a decision from the county budget commission.
The Homestead Exemption provides additional property tax relief for qualifying homeowners who are at least 65 years old or permanently disabled.
The Owner-Occupancy Tax Credit provides up to a 2.5% reduction in property taxes for primary residences regardless of age or income and is expected to benefit nearly 14,000 properties this year.
County commissioners said the renewed measures are intended to ease the financial burden on homeowners while maintaining essential county services.
Northeast District
Summit County to take over building code enforcement services for Barberton
Cleveland.com, June 30, 2026
The city of Barberton will transition building code enforcement services to the Summit County Division of Building Standards beginning Aug. 1.
Barberton City Council approved the agreement on May 26, and Summit County Council approved the agreement on Monday. Under the agreement, Summit County Building Standards will manage plan review, permitting and inspection services for all residential and non-residential construction projects in Barberton.
The agreement gives Summit County Division of Building Standards the authority to review and approve plans and specifications; issue permits for the construction, repair and alteration of structures; and conduct inspections to ensure compliance with applicable building codes.
“This partnership allows us to build on our shared goal of providing reliable, high-quality services to residents and businesses,” County Executive Ilene Shapiro said in a news release. “Summit County’s Division of Building Standards is known for its knowledgeable staff and commitment to excellent customer service.”
With the addition of Barberton, Summit County Building Standards now offers commercial plan review and inspection services for 25 jurisdictions and residential plan review and inspection services for 24 jurisdictions throughout the county, according to the release.
Central District
DCBDD levy headed to ballot
Delaware Gazette, June 30, 2026
A levy will be on the November ballot, there will be a change to Delaware County Transit, a real estate purchase was approved, and a drainage project was denied, all during a busy session of the Delaware County Board of Commissioners on Monday.
The levy approved by the commissioners was “a resolution of necessity to levy an additional tax in excess of the 10-mill limitation for the purposes of developmental disabilities programs and services,” the agenda said.
Kristine Hodge, superintendent of the Delaware County Board of Developmental Disabilities, told the commissioners the previous levy was defeated by voters in May. “Without this money, we will not be able to provide our services” to 2,300 individuals in the county, Hodge said.
“You provide excellent services, and I support this,” said Commissioner Barb Lewis.
“The May levy was very close,” said Commissioner Jeff Benton. “It is a vital service, no doubt about it.”
Also approved was a resolution “approving the 2027 budget for the Delaware County Veterans Service Commission and authorizing the necessary levy to raise the amount approved,” the agenda said. County officials said this will not be a ballot issue.
Brian Galligher, director of Delaware County Veterans Services, said the agency is “continuing to grow, but leveling off.” He added he looks forward to directing clients to nearby departments at the Shared Services Building currently under construction.
The two commissioners praised Galligher and his staff for their work.
Andy Volenik, executive director of Delaware County Transit, asked to create the Delaware County Regional Transit Authority. This governmental action is in response to the growth in ridership and the growth of the county, he said.
Southwest District
Local leaders break ground on new community for veterans in Clermont County
WLWT, June 30, 2026
Nineteen new housing units for local veterans will soon be a reality in Clermont County.
County leaders and housing officials broke ground on the project Tuesday morning for Veterans Village in Monroe Township.
Clermont County officials say that the units will be affordable for veterans in need of housing due to a subsidy from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Supporters say this project has been a long time coming.
The piles of rubble and dirt that are present on the site will soon be transformed into multi-family units, 16 one-bedroom units, and three two-bedroom units, plus a community clubhouse for homeless veterans.
Veteran and former commander of the chapter for the Central American Veterans, Gary Lytle, says this project will be a stepping stone for veterans in need of some stability while they get on their feet.
"It's been long coming," said Lytle. "They initially wanted to offer this in Felicity. It probably would have been bigger in Felicity, but there was no real transportation or access to basic needs down there."
Alicia Morlatt with the Clermont Metro Housing Authority says it's an infusion of hope.
Southeast District
Washington County Commissioners approve large gift for Washington County Home
Marietta Times, June 26, 2026
The Washington County Commissioners approved a gift from Whipple resident Marjorie Adams for her property and land to be given for the benefit of the Washington County Home. The gift was approved during the regular commission meeting Thursday with Commissioner Eddie Place absent.
Washington County Job and Family Services Director Flite Freimann said after the passing of Adams’ husband, she was brought to the county home where she has been taken care of.
Freimann said she made the decision, with the help of her brother-in-law as her power of attorney, to give the home and land to the county home.
“They felt that it would be better if their home was used to benefit the residents of the county home,” said Freimann. “I met with Marjorie on Monday and had her brother-in-law on the phone and we all spoke and made sure that this is what (she) wanted to do.”
Freimann said they went through all the necessary steps in the process to ensure this is what she wanted.
“This is a fairly substantial gift, but she was pretty excited about it,” he said.
He said he met with her Wednesday to make sure before the gift was accepted and the deed was signed that she was certain she wanted to go through with it.
“She expressed her excitement for this gift to come forward,” said Freimann. “Everything’s prepared and done.”
The gift consists of her home in Whipple and the 120 acres the home is located on. Freimann said the next steps consist of preparing the home and property and items for auction. Top JULY 24
CEBCO Board of Directors Meeting
AUGUST 7
CCAO Board of Directors Meeting (virtual)
AUGUST 14
CORSA Board of Directors Meeting Top
|
