Roles

As the administrative leadership of Franklin County government, the Board of Commissioners sets the strategic direction and budget priorities for the 32nd largest county in the United States.

The board is made up of three elected commissioners who serve four-year terms. Like in 86 of Ohio’s 88 counties, they act as the general administrative body, with responsibilities defined by the Ohio Revised Code.

Key Responsibilities

  • Fiscal Management: The Board serves as the budget and appropriations authority for the entire county government, which includes the Sheriff's Office, Auditor, Treasurer, Courts, and other elected offices.

  • Taxing and Purchasing Authority: The Commissioners are the sole taxing authority for the County and oversee all county purchasing.

  • Property Oversight: They hold title to all county-owned property.

The Board manages an annual budget of $2+ billion and partners with local business and community leaders to maintain a high quality of life in Franklin County.

Commissioners' Core Principles

The County budget reflects a commitment to:

  • Efficient, Responsive, & Fiscally Sustainable Government Operations

  • Supportive Health & Human Services

  • Environmental Sustainability & Civic Engagement

  • Job Creation, Strategic Economic Development, & Fiscal Security

  • Community Safety, Security, & Justice

  • Racial Equity

Excellence in Financial Management

Franklin County is nationally recognized for its financial leadership. The County holds the highest bond ratings possible from both Moody’s (Aaa) and Standard & Poor’s (AAA)—a distinction held by only 1.8% of counties nationwide.

In addition, Governing Magazine and Syracuse University ranked Franklin County as one of the best-managed counties in America. Only four counties nationwide ranked higher in their five-tier evaluation.

 

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