Ross County — in their last meeting of the year, the commissioners authorized a $39M Ross County budget for 2026. They said it was up a little because of the cost of living, but was balanced – and without using the hike in property taxes allowed by inaction from the state.
Hear the Ross County Commissioners in their own words in the below video. Commissioners Jack Everson (president, in center), “Oody” Lowe (left) and David Glass (right) met in a brief session on December 29th.
Their expense budget for this year is $39,241,365.51. Glass said the original ask from all county departments was $41M, but that was winnowed down through the budgeting process – which he said involved more scrutiny this year because the revenue was trimmed.
Glass said they did not look at the default 30% increase in state-controlled property taxes as a windfall, as many counties did. Instead, he said the commissioners provided tax relief through a reduction of millage, as explained in a September story.
Although the county budget calculates out to be close to average, the numbers are not – they include Appalachian Community Grant Program funds that are flowing through Ross County to pay for projects in several counties in the region, as well as renovations to Yoctangee Park in Chillicothe.
Everson pointed out that the ongoing comprehensive plan for Ross County is also part of the numbers. Glass added that the Sheriff’s department got a little more than last year.
Glass also said there were three accomplishments in the first budget he participated in as a commissioner: they cut tax rates, captured real costs better than before, and made commitments to invest in promised categories (infrastructure, planning, and economic development).
Everson also said that being forced to respond to the paper mill closure gave the county “demonstrated performance.” He said Ross County is complimented by developers for their strong economic development team members who know how to work together.
