The Portage County Board of Commissioners at its organizational session voted unanimously to install leadership and confirm a slate of clerks and committee representatives for 2026. Commissioners elected Commissioner Tenlin as board president and Commissioner Crawford as vice president, approved appointments to clerk roles and reviewed external committee assignments before adjourning.

The board voted to elect Commissioner Tenlin as president “for the year 2026,” and later elected Commissioner Crawford as vice president; both motions passed on roll call with Sabrina, Jill and Mike recorded as voting yes. The board also approved appointments to county clerk support roles: Cassidy Parbell was appointed to clerk support or clerk of court for board-related duties in 2026; Olivia Conte was appointed acting clerk in the clerk’s absence; and Sarah Hope was appointed alternate acting clerk. Each of those motions passed by unanimous roll call.

Members spent a portion of the meeting reviewing representation on intergovernmental committees and advisory bodies, including AMATS, the Board of Revisions, the General Health District Advisory Council, Community Corrections Board, CCAO representation, the data processing board, the Land Bank and NEFCO (the regional planning organization). A board member noted that a statute appears to require “two-thirds” of NEFCO representatives be elected officials and recommended following up with NEFCO staff and local mayors to confirm whether current representation complies with that requirement. The board directed follow-up outreach to NEFCO and the township association to resolve any bylaws or representation questions.

The board also approved authorization for employee appreciation functions for the period 01/01/2026 through 12/31/2026. Members accepted final rules and meeting notifications, keeping Thursday at 9:00 a.m. as a regular slot and listing the last Tuesday of each month as an optional meeting date. The meeting concluded after a unanimous vote to adjourn.

Votes at a glance
- Elect Commissioner Tenlin as president (motion text: “The board of commissioners agrees to elect commissioner Tenlin to president of the Portage County Board of Commissioners for the year 2026.”) — Outcome: approved; roll call: Sabrina Yes, Jill Yes, Mike Yes.
- Elect Commissioner Crawford as vice president (motion text: “The Board of Commissioners agrees to elect commissioner Crawford to vice president of the Portage County Board of Commissioners for the year 2026.”) — Outcome: approved; roll call: Sabrina Yes, Jill Yes, Mike Yes.
- Appoint Cassidy Parbell to clerk/clerk support role for 2026 (motion text as read) — Outcome: approved; roll call: Sabrina Yes, Jill Yes, Mike Yes.
- Appoint Olivia Conte as acting clerk in the clerk’s absence for 2026 — Outcome: approved; roll call: Sabrina Yes, Jill Yes, Mike Yes.
- Appoint Sarah Hope as alternate acting clerk for 2026 — Outcome: approved; roll call: Sabrina Yes, Jill Yes, Mike Yes.
- Authorize employee appreciation functions 01/01/2026–12/31/2026 — Outcome: approved; roll call: Sabrina Yes, Jill Yes, Mike Yes.
- Accept meeting rules and notifications (Thursday 9:00 a.m.; last Tuesday optional) — Outcome: approved; roll call: Sabrina Yes, Jill Yes, Mike Yes.

What’s next
Board members said staff will follow up on NEFCO representation and bylaws, and reach out to township trustees and mayors to confirm possible vacancies or representation changes. The board noted upcoming regular meetings per the adopted schedule and adjourned.