County commissioners from Clinton, Gallia, Fayette Highland, Jackson Lawrence, Vinton, Pickaway, Pike and Ross Counties will be meeting with area members of the Ohio General Assembly on Friday, February 22nd to discuss the state/county partnership and its ability to deliver vital services to the citizens of Ohio during a period of increasing responsibilities and limited resources.

“Recognizing that it will be a tight state budget and there has been limited growth in local revenue, it is essential that state and county governments work together closely and cooperatively for the good of their mutual constituents, the people of Ohio,” said Commissioner Doug Corcoran in announcing the upcoming regional meeting. Corcoran is helping facilitate the meeting.

“For many important governmental services counties rely upon the local government funds to implement state policy at the local level,” continued Commissioner Corcoran.

Corcoran noted that “counties are the primary agents of the state in administering justice and prosecuting criminals; providing health and human services to needy citizens; managing the property tax system; improving infrastructure to foster economic development; and, providing a myriad of other important governmental services to improve the quality of life for all Ohioans.”

“During these times of fiscal stress, it is vital that the partnership between the state and county government be reaffirmed and strengthened,” stated Commissioner Corcoran.  “Ohio’s county governments will be seeking a commitment from the Administration and the General Assembly to county government fiscal security as one of the centerpieces of Ohio’s SFY 2014/2015 biennial budget.”