2024

This afternoon, the Franklin County Commissioners approved the 2025 budget, which exceeds $2.2 billion, underscoring their commitment to ensuring that residents not only survive but thrive. This budget goes beyond the numbers—it illustrates how the county is strategically investing resources to meet the needs of its residents and strengthen the community. As the administrative arm of local government, the commissioners oversee 15 county agencies and establish the budget for all county offices, elected officials, and agencies. County Administrator Kenneth N. Wilson presented the proposed 2025 budget during the first hearing on November 14th.
 

Franklin County and the City of Columbus, in partnership with local government officials, are launching the Tap in Center, a new initiative designed to assist residents with outstanding low-level, non-violent misdemeanor warrants. This collaborative effort aims to enhance public safety and promote smart justice practices that prevent unnecessary involvement in the criminal justice system. The Tap in Center provides a restorative environment for individuals with warrants, often due to missed court appearances or unpaid fines and is positioned to help address the more than 55,000 outstanding misdemeanor warrants in the Franklin County Municipal Court. By facilitating the recall and rescheduling of cases, the Center helps individuals resolve their legal issues without the need for arrest, offering an affordable and effective alternative to traditional court processes.

 

The commissioners extend their heartfelt gratitude to the over 20 million living veterans across our country, including the thousands who proudly call our community home. On behalf of Franklin County residents, we recognize and honor the unwavering service and sacrifice of veterans, as well as the resilience shown by their families and friends. Through their dedication, veterans have not only preserved and cultivated our country’s highest principles but have made America a beacon of freedom, independence, and liberty worldwide.

All county offices are closed today in observance of the Veterans Day holiday.

On this Labor Day, The Franklin County commissioners pay tribute to the dedication and hard work of the American workforce and the men and women of the labor movement.   Today, we honor their resilience, skill, and accomplishments, and continue to strive for fair wages, safe working conditions, and equal opportunities for all.  
 
All county offices are closed today in observance of the holiday.
 

Under the leadership of the Board of Commissioners Franklin County has received four prestigious awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for its innovative programming during their annual conference this past weekend.  The first three highlight the effective work being done in local health and human services programing. Each year, NACo presents Achievement Awards to highlight exceptional programs across 18 categories, reflecting the diverse and comprehensive services provided by counties nationwide. The awards given to Job and Family Services, Office on Aging, and Justice Policy and Programs agencies underscore the hard work of each agency to strengthen services for Franklin County residents.
 

The Franklin County Commissioners announced this morning that they are awarding $3,740,145 in grants to community partner organizations that will promote equity for all Franklin County residents. The twenty-two grant recipients were selected for their initiatives aimed at reducing disparities and addressing the needs of historically underserved populations.

As we celebrate Independence Day, let us reflect on the principles of freedom, unity, and resilience that define our great nation. The Fourth of July is a time to honor the sacrifices of those who paved the way for our independence and to cherish the values that make America unique.  The Board of Commissioners embraces the spirit of unity and continues to strive for a future filled with liberty and justice for all.

All county offices are closed today in observance of the holiday.

The commissioners are proud to have distinguished themselves as one of the first area employers to recognize Juneteenth with a day off for their employees.   With unwavering dedication and a focus on propelling the highest ideals forward, the commissioners are committed to actively contributing to a more perfect and equitable community for all residents. 

All county offices are closed today in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.

With solemn reflection this Memorial Day, the Franklin County Commissioners honor the extraordinary sacrifices of the courageous servicemen and servicewomen who have paid the ultimate price in service to our nation.  Central Ohio boasts a rich and storied history of military service, and the county pays homage to some of those local heroes whose names are forever memorialized at an exhibit within Franklin County Memorial Hall, 280 W. Broad St., Columbus and open to the public during normal county business hours. 

All county offices are closed today in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.

This morning, the Franklin County Commissioners released their annual State of the County report and an interactive website, which provide the community with valuable insight into the ways that their county government is working for them and what the commissioners are focused on for the future.  The report is available at Report.FranklinCountyOhio.gov, and the commissioners also hosted a luncheon this afternoon to celebrate 2023’s accomplishments, recognize community partners, and present awards to stand-out employees.  A recording of the luncheon program is available on the commissioners’ Facebook page.