State legislators told the Mahoning County Commission on Thursday that the state House operating budget contains several provisions that could materially change county services and local funding streams.

Representative Fisher and Representative McDonough and Senator Patronum reviewed items in the House version of the budget and urged county officials to weigh in while the bill moves through the Senate. They said the bill has already changed from the governor’s proposal and that more changes are expected before the June 30 constitutional deadline.

The legislators flagged several items that could affect county programs and revenues. Among the changes they cited: a new child-care tax credit and a cost-sharing child-care model that would set eligibility up to 400% of the federal poverty level; grants and programs to expand childcare provider capacity; additional early-intervention funding for county boards of developmental disabilities; and a new certification pathway for community behavioral health clinics to align with federal requirements.

Lawmakers said energy-assistance programs and some block grants are being moved into the Department of Job and Family Services (JFS), which officials should note when seeking those funds. They said the “Produce Perks” program for SNAP recipients remains funded at previous levels but has shifted line items.

Several economic-development items were highlighted: increased funding for brownfield remediation, continued support for the Welcome Home Ohio housing incentives, a proposed “housing accelerator” grant program for municipalities adopting pro-housing policies, and a $250,000 earmark for Boardman flood mitigation.

The lawmakers said the state removed most of the balance in the All-In Futures Fund and moved some dollars into brownfield remediation, and that the state plans to replenish the demolition and revitalization fund.

They also described changes that could reduce local revenues or alter county responsibilities: limits on some property-tax challenges tied to shield-LLC transfers, a change from percentage-based library funding to line-item library appropriations, and a proposed change to state appropriation limitation calculations that could affect local allocations. The budget also includes a $5 increase in motor-vehicle registration and renewal fees that would be directed to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, and expanded grant eligibility for clerks of court.

On governance and elections, the legislators said the House bill would abolish the Ohio Elections Commission and shift oversight responsibilities, which they warned could increase workload for local boards of elections. They also noted a proposal to change the county coroner from an elected to an appointed position, to be appointed by the board of county commissioners.

Other items mentioned: a drone pilot program to fund first-responder drone use; restoration of traffic-camera language after prior changes; and trigger language tied to Medicaid funding that could end expansion coverage if federal funding is reduced.

The legislators encouraged county leaders and department heads to testify either in person or in writing as the budget moves through the Senate and offered to host a local roundtable so commissioners, department directors and board-of-elections staff can review specific provisions together.

Why it matters: county leaders told the legislators they will assemble department heads for the suggested roundtable so officials can identify budget changes that would affect departmental operations, grant applications and local services.