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36 Hour Give Message From Commissioner Steve Davis

Fairfield County Commissioner Steve Davis shares a short holiday message recorded on December 2. While out in the snow with Commissioner Jeff Fix, he reflects on families who may need extra support this time of year and encourages giving back through the United Way campaign he is chairing. He also highlights the Fairfield County Foundation’s 36 Hours of Giving and mentions support for the Lancaster Festival as it rebuilds after a challenging year. He closes by wishing everyone a happy holiday season and thanking residents for the opportunity to serve.

Commissioner Jeff Fix & Rick Szabrak

Fairfield County Commissioner Jeff Fix shares an update on economic development efforts focused on creating strong jobs to help fight generational poverty, joined by Economic and Workforce Development Director Rick Szabrak. They discuss a major Vantage Data Centers project planned for the Millersport and Walnut Township area that could include up to seven data centers, bring hundreds of high wage jobs, and represent one of the largest single site investments in Ohio. The project will generate its own power using existing natural gas pipelines to avoid impacting the electric grid and will fund major water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades, provide long term financial benefits to local schools, fire services, and municipalities, and support long term economic stability in the Buckeye Lake region while protecting taxpayers.

Commissioner Levacy visits Congressman Balderson

In this discussion, local leaders highlight Ohio’s major role in the national energy sector, noting that a large portion of the country’s oil and gas activity is located in southeastern Ohio, making energy development important for both the economy and national security. The conversation focuses on the need for a business friendly environment to attract and grow industry, create stable jobs, and strengthen communities across Fairfield County and the 12th Congressional District. They also emphasize the importance of respectful communication and kindness in a politically divided climate, while recognizing strong partnerships between local and federal officials, including constituent services that help residents with issues such as military records, Social Security, VA benefits, and passports, reinforcing the value of accessible public service and community support.

The LINK Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Local leaders celebrated the launch of “The Link,” Fairfield County’s expanded public transit system, following the transfer of transit operations from the City of Lancaster to the county to improve connectivity and serve underserved areas. Speakers from the Lancaster Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce, the City of Lancaster, and the Fairfield County Commissioners highlighted long term plans to provide reliable, affordable transportation countywide, including exploring innovative transit partnerships to reduce the time needed to reach full service coverage. Commissioner Steve Davis emphasized removing transportation barriers to employment, medical care, and daily needs, while aligning transit with workforce development goals to help residents get to work, support economic growth, and strengthen communities across Fairfield County.

Commissioner Fix Visits Development in Action

Fairfield County Commissioner Jeff Fix and Utilities Director Tony Vogel share an update on housing growth and planning in Fairfield County, filmed at the Heron Crossing development in Pickerington. They explain how the county’s comprehensive land use and economic development planning, along with early utilities master planning, helped extend water and sewer infrastructure for Heron Crossing South, a 39 lot phase approved April 11 with strong demand and most lots already sold. They also discuss planning for future large scale mixed use development in Violet Township, noting that water and sewer lines were extended in advance to support long term growth. The message emphasizes that growth is coming, so the county’s focus is to plan for it, manage it, and take advantage of it in a way that protects current taxpayers while meeting housing needs.

Commissioner Davis and Aaron Kennedy
- The Link Ribbon Cutting

Fairfield County Commissioner Steve Davis and Transit Director Aaron Kennedy mark the ribbon cutting for the newly rebranded Fairfield County Transit system, now called “The Link.” While celebrating the new branding and updated buses, they emphasize a bigger goal of improving transportation options faster than previously expected, especially for residents who need reliable ways to get to work and access daily services. The update highlights ongoing efforts to reduce transportation barriers, expand mobility across the county, and strengthen workforce access, while thanking the community for supporting local transit improvements in Fairfield County, Ohio.

Fairfield County Recognized for Leadership In Planning

Fairfield County Commissioner Jeff Fix shares news of two recent awards recognizing the county’s leadership in planning and growth management, including a national Vernon Deines Award from the American Planning Association for Fairfield County’s Comprehensive Plan and a Regional Leader of the Year award from the Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission. He credits a large cross department team and strong public engagement for the success of the plan, which involved months of community meetings with every township and village and continues through updated land use plans, model zoning, and cooperative economic development agreements. The update highlights Fairfield County’s role as a regional leader in preparing for growth while protecting communities, strengthening partnerships, and planning responsibly for the future.

Role of Commissioners

Across Ohio’s 88 counties, county commissioners, county executives, and county councils serve as the primary governing bodies responsible for budgeting, public safety, and essential local services. These leaders oversee county finances, manage procurement, maintain public property, and set tax levels to fund services such as 911 dispatch, sheriff operations, courts, jails, and elections. With more than half of county budgets typically dedicated to public safety, county governments also support workforce development, services for seniors and youth, infrastructure, and economic growth. Acting as the state’s local partners, Ohio’s counties play a critical role in improving quality of life and strengthening communities across the state.

County Government Overview

County governments are the backbone of daily life in Ohio, providing essential services that keep communities safe, healthy, and growing. Across all 88 counties, local leaders support public safety through courts, sheriff’s offices, and 911 centers while also delivering critical human services such as child protection, workforce programs, and assistance for vulnerable families. Counties invest in infrastructure, roads, bridges, and economic development projects that attract businesses and revitalize communities. They also administer elections, maintain vital records, enforce building codes, and support veterans services, county fairs, and OSU Extension programs. Working behind the scenes every day, Ohio counties play a vital role in strengthening local communities and building a stronger Ohio..

Fairfield County Recognized for Leadership In Planning

Fairfield County Commissioner Jeff Fix announced that Fairfield County recently received a national Vernon DeMars Award from the American Planning Association for its comprehensive plan, recognizing strong public engagement and collaboration with every township and village across the county. He also shared that he was honored as Regional Leader of the Year by the Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission, crediting the achievement to a large team of county departments, regional planners, and the county administrator who worked together on land use planning, zoning updates, and cooperative economic development partnerships. Commissioner Fix emphasized that these awards validate the county’s proactive approach to managing growth, protecting taxpayers, and working collaboratively with local governments, positioning Fairfield County as a leader in smart development across Central Ohio and the state.

Multi County Juvenile Detention Center

Fairfield County Commissioner Steve Davis discussed the county’s role in the multi-county Juvenile Detention Center partnership with Licking, Perry, and Hocking counties, noting that usage has significantly declined as courts and local leaders prioritize alternatives to youth incarceration. He highlighted policy changes led by the juvenile court that focus on treatment, counseling, and support services rather than detention, reducing the number of youth held at the facility to single digits compared to much higher levels a decade ago. Commissioner Davis also shared that the center now emphasizes positive programs, community engagement, and rehabilitation to help prepare youth for successful reunification with their families, reflecting the county’s commitment to prevention, accountability, and long-term outcomes for at-risk youth.

Fairfield Forward Planning for the Future

Fairfield County Commissioner Jeff Fix shared his vision for the coming year, focusing on how the county is preparing for major economic growth tied to large projects near Licking County and Rickenbacker, including supplier and workforce impacts for Fairfield County. He explained that county leaders are addressing generational poverty by attracting better-paying jobs, expanding workforce training through the Workforce Development Center, increasing housing availability across all price points, improving transportation options for workers, and pursuing innovative childcare solutions through state partnerships. Commissioner Fix also highlighted efforts to modernize land use planning and zoning, strengthen townships and villages through grant programs, support volunteer boards, and ensure strong collaboration among elected officials. He emphasized that these long-term strategies are designed to position Fairfield County for sustainable growth, protect taxpayers, and improve quality of life for current and future residents.

FAIRFIELD COUNTY UTILIZES AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDING TO INVEST IN STRATEGIC PLAN PRIORITIES

The Fairfield County Commissioners utilized more than $30 million in American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds to set the county up for long-term success with strategic investments in infrastructure, community support, housing and economic development.

Press Release: 01.15.25

FAIRFIELD COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCE SERVICE RATE FREEZE FOR COUNTY UTILITIES CUSTOMERS

The Fairfield County Commissioners are pleased to announce a freeze on both water and sewer usage rates. The current water and sewer rates for Fairfield County Utilities will remain the same for customers through 2025.

Press Release: 01.14.25

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR ENGINEERING/ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES

The Fairfield County Board of Commissioners has been awarded a Neighborhood Revitalization Grant for PY 2024 under the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). This grant will fund various community improvements within the Village of Breman. The Fairfield County Commissioners are also providing a portion of its PY 2024 CDBG Allocation Funds towards these projects. The total project amount for all the proposed improvements is $800,900.

Press Release: 01.02.25

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COMMISSIONERS' OFFICE PREVIOUS NEWS

COMMISSIONERS' OFFICE
PREVIOUS NEWS