Scioto County Commissioners have the same priorities as many local households heading into the new year. According to Commissioner Cathy Coleman, watching the budget is at the top of the commissioners’ to-do list for 2025. “We need to make sure it’s intact so we can finish next year in hopefully an even better situation.”
This came after a meeting on Thursday where commissioners told county offices not to expect any budget increases for 2025.
“I would echo that,” Commissioner Bryan Davis said. “Really, it is our primary function. We are the stewards of the general fund.”
Davis said there were a lot of things happening that were out of commissioners’ control. “We are watching, and we are advocating at the state level. We are an extension of state government. Everything they do comes down to us, and we have to stay healthy.”
Davis said that even though the county had been very successful in applying for and receiving grants, it was important to ensure the county had cash available for those requiring matching funds from local government. “If we don’t have that match money, we don’t get that grant. That’s why it’s so important for us to be in the black. Yes, we have to meet the needs of all of our apartments and meet the requirements to make sure the departments can operate. In the background, we have to make sure we have extra funding for these other things.”
Davis called it a juggling act. “It’s like at home, you want to build an addition onto your house but you have to set aside money from your budget to do it. We’re constantly doing that.”
He said it was important that the county continue to look for opportunities for economic growth, attract new business to the area, and continue to work with local employers and help them grow. He praised the County Economic Development Department and Southern Ohio Port Authority for their efforts in securing grant money for local businesses. He said investing in parks and recreation is also a priority.
However, Davis said there’s still more commissioners home to accomplish. “Boy, we wish we could do more. We are always talking about, if we just had the money.”
“We’re proud of what we’ve done so far,” Commissioner Cathy Coleman said.
“God’s grace,” Davis said. “He gives us the ability to do those things. The three commissioners work very hard to make sure everyone benefits and is able to be part of the success. Twenty-five is going to be an interesting year. Columbus is going to have a tight budget. It’s not just us. It’s all across the state. We’re going to have to watch, but I think we have the right crew to get it done.”
