Mahoning County Administrator Audrey C. Tillis was honored at a dedication during the Mahoning County Board of Commissioners meeting on Thursday, June 26, where commissioners and community members praised her long service and announced a rotunda reception following the meeting.

Colleagues said Tillis helped stabilize county operations and programs during her tenure, citing improvements in the county's fiscal position and the establishment of targeted levies. Tillis thanked elected officials, department heads and county staff and said she makes decisions only when she has personal religious conviction: "I don't do anything unless I have a peace of God with it," she said. "When I don't, it's time to stop."

Speakers at the meeting credited Tillis with a range of administrative achievements they said occurred during her time in office, including work tied to the county's road tax and a justice fund, bringing the county to what one speaker described as a stronger fiscal position and a double-A bond rating. Commissioners read a formal statement of recognition thanking Tillis "for her dedicated service as Mahoning County administrator" and for leadership they said improved county operations.

Tillis said she had planned to retire around age 65, stayed an additional year and will follow the choice she described as a spiritual one. She repeatedly urged colleagues and residents to listen to one another and to work together across municipal and township lines. The commissioners invited attendees to a dedication for Tillis in the courthouse rotunda after the meeting.

Tillis's final day in office was described during the meeting as the next day; commissioners did not take any formal new personnel or policy action at the June 26 session related to her succession.