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Commissioners hear strong revenue numbers, face $2.2M 2026 budget gap; approve routine transfers and grants
Summary
County officials reported 2025 revenues of about $69.9M (vs. $60.5M budgeted) and revised expenditures near $72.0M; commissioners approved processing bills, multiple fund transfers, grant acceptance, a real-estate lease for JFS offices and set a special session on energy facility restrictions.
Portage County’s finance staff presented a quarterly tax-budget review on Jan. 15 that showed stronger-than-expected revenue in 2025 but a projected gap to close in the 2026 appropriations process.
Speaker 8 summarized 2025 revenue results and 2026 projections: the county brought in about $69.9 million versus a budgeted $60.5 million, with sales and use tax receipts roughly $30.8 million. Interest and other receipts also exceeded conservative estimates. The revised expenditure budget was about $78.5 million; actuals for 2025 were roughly $72.0 million. After accounting for encumbrances and contingency earmarks, staff estimated an approximately $2.2 million gap to close before adopting a final budget by April 1.
Following the presentation, the board took a series of routine actions by roll call: they authorized the auditor to process bills and payments for Jan. 15, approved a cash advance from fund 5400 to fund 5514 for water storage tank improvements (Ridgetown, project 23-070), accepted a FY2025 hazardous materials emergency-preparedness grant (pass-through number 693JK325NF0008) for the Emergency Management Agency, and authorized transfers in workers’ compensation funds. The board also declared a 2012 Ford Fusion from the sheriff’s department obsolete and authorized its sale.
On facilities and contracts, the board agreed to enter a lease at 449 South Meridian Street in Ravenna for Job and Family Services offices on floors 2 and 3, and approved contract amendments for a child and adolescent needs assessment with the Baird Foundation and supplemental transportation with Pleasant Path Inc. (DBA Reliaride Transportation). The board also scheduled a special session (March 26) at the Emergency Management Agency to discuss designating several townships as restricted areas under Ohio law to prohibit economically significant wind farms or large solar facilities.
Speaker 9 provided a project update on the JDC roof work, expected to start in March following contractor coordination; Speaker 9 also warned of possible air-conditioning shortfalls in the Admin Building and said staff will obtain cost estimates for repairs.
Next steps: staff will tighten the 2026 appropriations and present options to close the estimated gap; several approved transfers and grants will be processed per auditor verification.
