Complete Story
12/08/2021
CCAO publishes 2021 Annual Report, celebrates a year of achievements
The year 2021 has been a year of great progress for CCAO and its members, with a long list of achievements that we’re proud to share in this annual report.
Steadfast advocacy efforts paid off with the historic funding of indigent defense reimbursement to counties. The DeWine-Husted Administration along with the General Assembly appropriated what is estimated to be full funding in SFY 2022 and hopefully in SFY 2023. Our members’ strong advocacy along with the work of the CCAO Policy Team and, moreover, the leadership displayed by our counties’ champions and partners in the statehouse enabled this legislative goal to be accomplished for the first time in history. Simply amazing!
As we advanced our policy objectives, we also nurtured our membership. This year 61 new county commissioners and council members joined the ranks of CCAO. The CCAO Executive Committee and Board of Directors along with staff worked to welcome these new members to CCAO through virtual meetings as well as in-person visits, culminating with our two-day new member training at Cherry Valley Hotel. Setting our new members up for success and helping them understand the benefits of the association have been a foremost priority.
In addition, the association has been providing opportunities for all members across the state to meet and learn from one another. Whether it be regional legislative briefings, regional district meetings or simply sharing lunch with fellow county commissioners, executives and council members, bringing members together encourages knowledge exchange and strengthens the association.
Also, the CCAO brand was refreshed with a new logo that coordinates with our service program partners. To keep everyone connected, the association invested in our flagship publication – the Roster, to include vibrant color photos of members and to promote a wider distribution.
Looking forward, the association’s leadership has chartered a long-term course for CCAO to become the most effective county state association by 2028. In 2022, the association will continue to focus on supporting our members, particularly in utilizing American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds; identifying best practices that can be replicated; developing a comprehensive communication and education strategy for CCAO; and crafting a plan for the CCAO Service Corporation business programs to provide greater benefit to counties.
Last but not least, the association and its members this year gifted to the Ohio Statehouse an engaging interactive display featuring Ohio counties and their vital role in providing critical services. CCAO is building on the legacy from 25 years ago when the association and Ohio counties donated $40,000 for the popular, beautiful county floor map. Now visitors of all ages to the capitol can learn more about the 88 counties that compose our great state.
This comprehensive annual report details these accomplishments and many more! These successes largely are due to you – our members, coming together for strong counties and a strong Ohio.
Finally, a sincere thank you to CCAO President and Licking County Commissioner Tim Bubb for his leadership, vision, guidance and kindness this year. His “CCAO Team” approach facilitated success for all.
