Union County Commissioner Chris Schmenk attended the 2019 Ohio Council of County Officials (OCCO) Legislative Reception to meet with state legislators and help build a stronger partnership between state and county government.
An important topic of discussion was support for budget amendment HC0607 to fully fund indigent defense reimbursement.
We are eager to work with our legislators to improve the state-county partnership,” Schmenk said. “Ohio’s 88 counties serve as the administrative arm of the state by providing vital services, such as infrastructure, justice and public safety, human services and economic development, and we must work together to ensure that county revenue streams correspond to the services they are mandated by the state to provide.”
County leaders had the opportunity to meet with Lt. Gov. Jon Husted and as well as their legislators to discuss issues affecting counties, including budget amendment HC0607.
Gov. Mike DeWine’s proposed budget commits an additional $60 million each year in general revenue funds for indigent defense, providing for a reimbursement rate of approximately 80%. While CCAO greatly appreciates DeWine’s proposed substantial investment, CCAO is encouraging legislators to support HC0607 to provide 100% reimbursement.
“The state assuming full responsibility for indigent defense costs would give Union County additional flexibility in allocating scarce general fund revenue to support other county cost centers that are funded out of the county general fund,” Schmenk said. “These additional funds would allow us to address unmet needs in our county.”
The State Public Defender’s office estimates that it will take an additional $30 million in fiscal year 2020 and $35 million in fiscal year 2021 in revenue in order to reach full reimbursement.
HC0607 will provide this revenue along with an additional $1.5 million in each year to support the operation of the State Public Defender’s office.
The County Commissioners Association of Ohio advances effective county government for Ohio through legislative advocacy, education and training, technical assistance and research, quality enterprise service programs, and greater citizen awareness and understanding of county government.