Columbiana County commissioners approve 2026 general fund appropriations and year‑end budget adjustments

Columbiana County commissioners voted unanimously Dec. 10 to adopt the county's 2026 general fund appropriations and accept an Amended Official Certificate that reassigns several line‑item reductions to help balance year‑end finances.

Commissioner Ginter moved to approve the 2026 General Fund appropriations as presented; Commissioner Paparodis seconded, and the motion passed with all three commissioners voting aye. The appropriation schedule lists department allocations including the Sheriff ($4,630,500.00), the Prosecutor ($1,896,189.75), Common Pleas ($1,180,760.33) and numerous other departmental lines. The document presented totals of $24,145,120.15 and $26,900,000.00 as shown on the appropriation worksheet provided to the board.

Earlier in the meeting the board accepted an Amended Official Certificate dated Dec. 10, 2025, that the Office of the Budget Commission prepared. That action implemented multiple reductions and re‑appropriations intended to return funds to the General Fund for year‑end balancing. Examples on the list included a $111,640.53 reduction from B14, a $57,886.43 reduction/transfer in T31, and re‑appropriations to several S40 and T31 cost centers. Commissioner Halleck explained that the County Auditor estimates expected receipts and that the board may not appropriate more than those estimates when making allocations.

The motions were routine and passed without discussion or recorded opposition. The board also approved other consent items during the session, including several emergency "Then & Now" payments and journalizations of routine reports. The meeting adjourned after a brief community visit by a Junior Leadership group.