Franklin County Media

This special episode brings you the full 2025 Budget Hearings and the final approval session in one comprehensive package. At nearly five hours, this compilation covers everything from Health & Human Services to Environmental Sustainability, Racial Equity, Economic Development, and more. Dive into the details of Franklin County’s $2.2 billion budget and see how the commissioners are creating a thriving, resilient community for all.

Discover how Franklin County is transforming its core principles into action during the opening session of the 2025 Budget Hearings. With a $2.2 billion budget, the county is prioritizing Health & Human Services, Community Safety, Racial Equity, Environmental Sustainability, and Economic Development. This episode features presentations by County Administrator Ken Wilson and Deputy County Administrators Joy Bivens and Kris Long, detailing innovative programs and strategic investments that serve every resident, every day.

Join us for a powerful discussion with Commissioners Erica C. Crawley and Kevin Boyce, alongside Damika Withers and county administrator Kenneth Wilson, as they dive into the crucial topics of equity, discrimination, and community engagement in Franklin County.

Key Episode Takeaways

Commitment to Action:** Learn how Franklin County is actively integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion in their practices, including strategic investments like the CDFI Freedom Equity and prioritizing minority-owned companies in significant projects like the new $350 million jail.

Community Empowerment:** Understand the importance of community involvement in decision-making processes to ensure that diverse voices are heard and valued, reflecting the true needs and aspirations of all residents.

Institutional Reflection and Reforms:** Discover the county's internal and external strategies, from hiring practices to public initiatives like declaring racism a public health crisis, geared towards dismantling systemic barriers and fostering a truly inclusive community.

Memorable Moments

00:00 Positive 23-year experience; focus on racial equity.

03:53 Embracing diversity and equity for positive change.

10:33 People's service on boards reflects on inclusivity.

13:51 Organizations focus on DEI and take action.

17:36 Equity means not everyone has equal opportunities.

19:42 Colleagues acknowledge poverty study and racism as core issues.

23:22 Representation, inclusivity, equity, and collaboration priorities are emphasized.

27:24 Franklin County achieved contract goals through advocacy.

28:24 Efforts in procurement for diversity and inclusion.

32:11 Inclusive investment strategy for public-private partnerships.

36:10 Advocating for inclusive community growth and development.

39:17 Request for community participation in county meetings.

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Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

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License code: 6VVAVEFBZTQOL3AW

Copyright 2025 Franklin County Board of Commissioners

We're diving deep into the world of county governance with a special focus on the NACo Legislative Conference. Joining us is Commissioner John O'Grady and from Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, Tony Guillory, known for his role as a police juror. T

These two have not only served together on the Community Economic Workforce Development Committee but have also built a strong friendship through their dedication to their constituents.

They share insights into the operational differences and unique challenges faced by counties in Ohio and Louisiana—from dealing with alligator attacks on golfers to managing the aftermath of hurricanes. Tony talks about why Louisiana has "police jurors" and both will discuss the impact of large county commissions on local governance.

They also touch upon cultural exchanges between their regions, along with the serious topics of infrastructure, housing shortages, and community resilience against natural disasters.

Top Takeaways

1. **County Operation Structures Vary Significantly**: The discussion highlights the differences in how counties are structured and governed in Ohio and Louisiana, notably the number of commissioners or jurors that make up the governmental bodies.

2. **Disaster Response and Inter-County Support**: The episode details the support mechanisms between counties during natural disasters, such as Ohio sending supplies to Louisiana during hurricanes. This emphasizes the importance of inter-county collaboration and support in crises.

3. **Economic and Cultural Differences**:: The guests compare the economic landscapes and cultural aspects of Southwest Louisiana and Central Ohio, with specific focus on key industries and local traditions that shape each region.

4. **Infrastructure Challenges**: Both regions face unique infrastructure challenges; Louisiana deals with regular flooding requiring effective drainage systems, while Ohio focuses on housing shortages and urban development.

5. **Impact of American Rescue Plan**: The podcast explores how funds from the American Rescue Plan are allocated differently across regions, particularly in the context of infrastructure and disaster relief.

6. **Community and Economic Development**: Discussing their work on the Community Economic Workforce Development Committee, the guests reflect on the impact of workforce development programs and local economic initiatives in their communities.

7. **Environmental Concerns and Solutions**: Both guests discuss environmental initiatives, including solar and wind farms in their regions and the balance between development and environmental conservation.

8. **Challenges in Housing Markets**: The podcast covers the challenges in housing across the two regions, underscored by high rental costs and a shortage of affordable housing in Ohio, and the impact of refineries and casinos on housing demand in Louisiana.

9. **Unique Local Governance Titles**: Tony Guillory explains the term "police juror", shedding light on regional terminology and local governance structures that might be unfamiliar to listeners outside Louisiana.

10. **Cultural Exchange and Understanding**: Through personal stories and shared experiences, the guests reveal the distinct lifestyles and cultural elements of their respective regions, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation among their constituencies and listeners.

Key Moments

06:30 Dealing with pandemic, protests, and wildfires.

07:06 Calcasieu Parish has 15 Commissioners on board.

15:41 Legacy cities receive significant amounts of money.

18:57 Discussing cultural and workplace differences, future challenges.

21:58 Homelessness a challenge, facing communities across country.

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Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):

https://uppbeat.io/t/soundroll/tropicana

License code: 6VVAVEFBZTQOL3AW

Copyright 2025 Franklin County Board of Commissioners

This week, 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.

"Our budget is a statement of what we value and prioritize as a county. Each year, the commissioners' office build the budget around our core principles of good governance, which emphasize a human-centered approach to public service," said Board of Commissioners President Kevin L. Boyce. "Whether it's supporting public safety, fostering economic growth, or advancing health, human services, and sustainability, the 2025 budget represents our commitment to creating a thriving Franklin County where families and businesses can flourish."

Franklin County officials also highlighted the use of more than $429 million in federal COVID-19 support funds received since 2020. These funds were vital in addressing immediate pandemic challenges while laying the groundwork for future stability and growth. The funding breakdown includes $8 million from the FEMA Fund for emergency response costs, $76 million from the Coronavirus Relief Fund for urgent relief, and $89 million in Emergency Rental Assistance to stabilize housing. The largest allocation, $256 million from the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund, was dedicated to addressing long-term systemic challenges and building resilience in the community.

"The federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds have been a vital resource in helping Franklin County navigate the challenges of the pandemic while also building a stronger future," said Commissioner John O'Grady. "From addressing food insecurity to expanding mental health services and supporting childcare providers, these investments reflect our commitment to meeting residents' immediate needs and driving long-term community growth."

These federal funds have supported several transformative programs and projects, including the RISE Childcare Recovery Initiative, which helped childcare providers and ensured access for working families. Investments in the North Market Mixed-Use Project have expanded the economic impact of this iconic Columbus landmark.

Other initiatives include support for the CHOICES shelter for domestic violence survivors, addressing food insecurity through the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, and contributing to the construction of the Franklin County Crisis Care Center, a state-of-the-art facility to serve as the central, preferred destination in Franklin County for behavioral health crisis needs. These efforts reflect the county's ongoing commitment to addressing immediate community needs while fostering a stronger, more resilient future.

"These investments have been pivotal in addressing Franklin County's most urgent needs and laying the groundwork for lasting change," Commissioner Erica C. Crawley said. "From ensuring working families have access to childcare to expanding mental health services, these initiatives reflect our ongoing dedication to creating a stronger, more resilient Franklin County."

The 2025 Franklin County Budget demonstrates the importance of local government investing in its community to ensure long-term success. Budgets are not just financial documents—they represent the priorities, values, and commitments that drive the decisions and actions that shape the county's future.

The entire 2025 budget can be found at budget.franklincountyohio.gov.