During a recent government meeting, District 12 representative Michael Berlin raised concerns regarding the proposed 2025 budget, specifically the exclusion of a $50,000 allocation to the Ashland Area Development Corporation (ARDC). Berlin emphasized the importance of transparency in how the ARDC utilizes funds, noting that past allocations have lacked clarity. He suggested that the board should require more detailed reporting from the ARDC to ensure that the money is being spent effectively to benefit Ashland County.

Berlin highlighted the ARDC's role in supporting local entrepreneurship, mentioning that the organization has assisted over 200 future entrepreneurs in the past fiscal year, with expectations to exceed that number in 2024. He argued that fostering local businesses not only supports economic growth but also contributes to tax revenue for the county.

The discussion transitioned to the overall budget, which was reported as balanced after significant efforts from the finance committee and county staff. The administrator acknowledged the challenges faced in achieving a balanced budget, particularly after an initial shortfall of $240,000. The collaborative efforts of various departments and consultants were praised for their role in navigating these financial hurdles.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the balanced budget, which was unanimously supported by the board members. Additionally, a request for a comprehensive list of grants applied for and received by the county was noted, indicating ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in financial matters.