By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Wood County finances remain healthy, and economic development is strong. However, there are storm clouds on the horizon if Ohioans vote later this year to abolish all property taxes.
But this story from the annual State of the County address held Tuesday in the courthouse complex atrium, will focus on the positives – with solid growth, a year of America 250 celebrations, and new efforts to improve communication with Wood County residents.
(The stormy forecast story will come later this week.)
“The state of Wood County is strong,” Commissioner Doris Herringshaw said to those gathered in the atrium. “Over the past year, we’ve seen steady progress – from facility projects, infrastructure improvements and economic development efforts – to enhanced programming and services, responsible budgeting and long-term planning.”
“But more importantly, we’ve seen what Wood County is known for – effective collaboration among elected officials, department heads, employees and community partners – all working together to move our county forward.”
Communication
One of the commissioners’ highest priorities in 2026 is strengthening the connection between Wood County government and the people it serves, according to Commissioner Craig LaHote.
“We believe that strong communication builds trust, strengthens relationships and ensures our community remains informed, engaged and confident in the direction that we are heading,” LaHote said. “In a time when information moves quickly and expectations continue to grow, our goal is to ensure that residents feel informed, valued and heard.”
To help reach that goal, the commissioners recently hired a full-time communications director, Alex Aspacher, who has experience covering county government as a journalist with the Sentinel-Tribune, and who has held lead communication roles with the Wood County Health Department and most recently with TMACOG.
As another step toward accessibility, the commissioners plan to resume on-the-road meetings with townships and municipalities in the next few months.
“Hearing directly from residents and local officials is important to us, and we recognize that many people cannot attend our regular public meetings due to work or family obligations,” LaHote said.
A schedule of upcoming meetings around the county will be available soon on the commissioners’ website, LaHote added.
Commissioner Ted Bowlus also talked about efforts to get public input on the county land use plan update currently underway by the Wood County Planning Commission. The plan serves as a guide for growth and development in the county.
The steering committee includes leaders from public and private sectors, who represent schools, infrastructure, economic development, natural resources, agriculture and government.
“This broad membership helps ensure the plan includes relevant and diverse perspectives from across the region,” Bowlus said.
“One key consideration will be balancing farmland preservation and economic development – we feel both are important, and we know many residents feel the same,” he said.
“Input from the public is an important element of this plan,” Bowlus said.
From now through the end of April, Wood County residents can complete a short survey to share their views on topics like land use priorities, housing needs, transportation, and parks and recreation. The survey can be accessed on the county’s website.
Economic development
The county thrives on its diverse economy, LaHote said.
“Wood County experienced another successful year of economic development in 2025,” LaHote said, listing off some of the top investments in the county:
- Third Amazon project in Perrysburg Township, with a $30 million investment and 150 new jobs.
- Meta data center in Middleton Township, representing a $750 million investment and current employment of more than 1,000 construction workers each day.
- La Linea Verde, with headquarters in Italy, investing $15 million and creating 77 new jobs at its new production facility in North Baltimore.
“We’re fortunate to have a diverse economy in Wood County, where we are not overly reliant on any one industrial sector,” LaHote said. “We value that stability, and will continue to prioritize balanced and strategic economic growth across the county.”
LaHote recognized the ongoing collaboration between business partners, local elected officials, and a team of economic development organizations.
County finances
Wood County’s financial position continues to be driven by a healthy local economy, consistent revenue streams, and conservative budgeting, LaHote said.
In December, the commissioners approved the 2026 general fund operating budget totaling $56.3 million – a 2.5% increase over last year.
Sales tax continues to be the largest source of revenue for the county. Last year, the county collected more than $31 million, continuing the county’s long trend of annual sales tax growth.
“When you choose to make your purchases in Wood County – rather than somewhere else – you are supporting the core services we provide to our community,” LaHote said.
Investment income also increased last year due to favorable interest rates, with receipts for the year totaling $9.8 million. LaHote explained that since interest rates fluctuate, the county does not depend on this revenue for day-to-day operations. Instead, that revenue is used for capital improvements and other one-time expenditures without passing new costs to taxpayers, he said.
LaHote also talked about the “significant budgetary concern” posed by an effort to eliminate all property taxes in Ohio. A proposed amendment to the Ohio Constitution could appear on ballots in the November election.
Projects underway
Bowlus talked about some county government projects underway. Work continues on the space study of the courthouse’s first floor, focusing on security improvements for the Domestic Relations Court.
The study will also evaluate the possible need for a new elevator in the courthouse. The existing elevator is certified and regularly inspected, but it is small and outdated. Bowlus explained that last fall the elevator broke down and was unusable for many weeks due to difficulty finding parts.
The county is also working on plans for a new highway garage facility. The current garage on East Poe Road is “significantly undersized” and no longer meets the county’s needs, Bowlus said.
The current property is being assessed to see if it could accommodate new construction, and two possible sites near the county’s existing East Gypsy Lane Road Complex are being evaluated.
Bowlus also praised the ongoing quality care provided at Wood Haven Health Care, which was recognized by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and which earned a customer satisfaction rating of 9.46 out of 10.
And he noted the new IGNITE initiative at the Wood County Jail, which provides opportunities for inmates to experience personal growth, education and skill development while in jail.
America 250th Celebration
Wood County is fully onboard with events recognizing the 250th celebration.
“This milestone is more than a birthday. It is an opportunity for all generations to reflect on our shared history, and to celebrate our core principles of democracy and freedom,” Herringshaw said.
Wood County Common Pleas Judge Matt Reger spoke about the 250th birthday of the Declaration of Independence. The Wood County Courthouse opened 120 years after the declaration was signed, he said.
Reger talked about the lofty goals of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
“The dream that started in 1776 and continues today,” he said.
In recognition of the 250 years, every county in Ohio will be planting a white oak tree to honor Ohio’s role in the founding of the nation. “The white oak was chosen because it is native to Ohio and symbolizes longevity and strength – qualities that remind us of the toughness and resilience of the settlers here in the Great Black Swamp,” Herringshaw said.
Attending the State of the County and the tree planting was Michael Brennan, from the America 250 Ohio Commission.
Events are being held throughout the county to celebrate the 250th, including:
- A celebration on the county courthouse lawn on the evening of June 16, featuring patriotic music performed by the Bowling Green Community Band, courthouse tours and light refreshments.
- The Wood County Museum is offering a series of America 250 lectures focused on historical topics from around the region.
- The county’s America 250 Committee is distributing 13,000 coloring books to Wood County elementary schools. The coloring books include pictures of county landmarks and information about events planned for this year.
