Delaware County, Ohio

The County broke ground today on a new Shared Services Building that will bring our Job & Family Services Dept, Board of Developmental Disabilities, Veterans Services Office, and Mental Health & Recovery Services Board together under one roof. The 70,000-square-foot building is being constructed at 2104 State Route 521 in Delaware and should be completed by late 2027. For more information, read this article: https://lnkd.in/gDgpmKAW Gilbane Building MSA Design The Pizzuti Companies

At our State of the County event last week, we rolled out a video in which County Auditor George Kaitsa explains property-tax reform in Ohio. It’s a complex issue, but he does a great job explaining how property taxes are used at the local level, how eliminating them would impact the services we all rely on each day, and then the reform efforts already underway. You can also access and download a one-page handout about this topic https://lnkd.in/g4Gvt6f3

Today in session, the Commissioners issued proclamations recognizing May as Building Safety Month and Older Americans Month. Representatives from the Delaware County Building Safety Department and SourcePoint joined us to highlight the work they do to keep our community safe, strong, and connected.

We hosted our State of the County event on Monday. As part of it, we surprised Commissioner Barb Lewis, who will retire after the end of her term in December, with a special thank-you video. In addition to many officials, staff members and friends expressing their gratitude for her years of service, we spotlighted a very powerful program that Barb has championed: the Stepping Up Initiative. Thank you, Barb! 

The Commissioners were joined in session today by Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel, Sheriff Jeff Balzer and their victim services teams to recognize this week as Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Signs placed on the lawn of the Historic Courthouse this week serve as a reminder that those harmed by criminal acts are not alone and that healing is possible.

The Commissioners are seeking applications from Delaware County residents for a seat on the Delaware-Morrow Mental Health & Recovery Services Board. Individuals with legal backgrounds or those with experience in marketing, public relations or development are strongly encouraged to apply. Applications for this unpaid, volunteer position will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on April 28. https://lnkd.in/gZ5YaaNd

Today in session, the Commissioners recognized dispatchers from DELCOMM and the Delaware County Sheriff's Office during National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week. These call takers are the first and most critical contact for those in need of emergency services, and they work around the clock to maintain the vital communication link between the public and our first responders. During session, 911 Director Lauren Yankanin offered praise for the team’s work on March 13, when a windstorm prompted a surge in need for emergency services. Dispatchers fielded more than 600 calls between 2-8 p.m. that day, entering 590 calls for service. For context, the center handles about 465 calls over 24 hours on a typical Friday. Please join us this week in thanking our public safety telecommunicators for the often-unseen role they play in keeping our community safe.

The Commissioners were joined in session today by Delaware County JFS to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. The national theme this year is “Powered by Hope, Strengthened by Prevention,” emphasizing that when families receive the right support, they create brighter, safer futures for children. Last year, Delaware County recorded 2,453 reports of child abuse and/or neglect, underscoring the need for early intervention. These conditions are preventable, and the difficult but essential work of JFS ensures that children and families are supported before challenges become crises.

The Commissioners were joined in session today by members of the Delaware County Reentry Coalition to recognize April as Second Chance Month. These government agencies and community partners collaborate to reduce barriers for formerly incarcerated individuals transitioning back into their communities. Specifically, they help with finding jobs, housing and medical and behavioral healthcare that support individuals working toward becoming employed, tax-contributing citizens, stable family members and active parents. Data shows these efforts effectively reduce recidivism, lower public costs and decrease further involvement in the criminal justice system. Those looking for more information about local reentry resources are invited to attend the coalition’s third annual Reentry Resource Fair at the Byxbe Building (1610 State Route 521, Delaware) from 3-6 p.m. on May 26.