The past year brought unprecedented turnover and instability to the county commission, reshaping leadership and setting the stage for a difficult year ahead.
The July death of Cathy Coleman after a tragic accident in May left a vacancy on the commission and stunned both county government and the broader community. Her loss marked the first major disruption to a governing body already under pressure from rising costs and tightening revenues.
Not long after, further upheaval followed when Bryan Davis was indicted, triggering his placement on paid leave under Ohio law. With one seat vacant due to Coleman’s death and another effectively sidelined, county leadership was forced to act quickly to maintain continuity of government.
To stabilize the commission, Merit Smith and Will Mault were appointed to fill the open seats. Their appointments restored the commission to full strength, allowing county business to move forward—but under far from ideal circumstances.
Where Things Stand Now
As the year closes, the commission once again has three active members. However, that stability may be temporary.
If Davis is found not guilty, Ohio law allows him to return to his position, potentially reshaping the commission’s makeup once again. That unresolved legal question hangs over the board as it heads into one of the most challenging fiscal years in recent memory.
The Challenges Ahead
Commissioners have already warned that the 2026 budget leaves little to no room for error. Flat revenues, rising operational costs, and long-term obligations—particularly in areas like foster care, infrastructure, and public safety—mean tough decisions are likely.
At the same time, the county faces pressure to redefine its economic development strategy. With leadership changes and past initiatives under scrutiny, commissioners will need to decide:
- What economic development direction the county should pursue
- How aggressive—or cautious—to be with limited funds
- Whether new leadership brings new priorities or simply continuity under constraint
What to Watch in 2026
- The outcome of Bryan Davis’s case and whether he returns to office
- How appointed commissioners assert themselves in long-term decision-making
- Budget revisions, cuts, or emergency funding requests
- Any shift in economic development leadership or strategy
- Whether voters are asked to weigh in through levies or ballot measures
Bottom line: The commission enters 2026 fully seated—but far from settled. Legal uncertainty, fiscal pressure, and the need for a new economic vision mean county leadership will remain a major story to watch in the year ahead.