FAIRHOPE Hospice and Palliative Care Honor Commissioner Dave Levacy

Fairfield County Commissioner Dave Levacy was presented with The Gordon B. Snider Community Award during FAIRHOPE Hospice and Palliative Care’s Annual Celebrate Life Event.

The Gordon B. Snider Community Legacy Award honors member(s) of our community who represent a servant’s heart through actions of community service, education, and community initiatives. The honoree diligently contributes to the well-being of others, specifically to those whom FAIRHOPE’s mission serves. This award is named in honor of Dr. Gordon B. Snider, whose guidance promotes a spirit of altruism through continuing support and advocacy.

“Commissioner Levacy is a community servant and truly demonstrates the grit and ambition necessary to lead with positive change. This community is better for it, and FAIRHOPE is better because of it,” said CEO of FAIRHOPE Kristin Glasure.

Fairfield County Bond Rating Recently Upgraded to "Aa1"

Moody’s Investors Services notified the Fairfield County Commissioners of an upgrade to its bond ratings to “Aa1”, citing the healthy financial structure, excellent ability to meet its obligations, and a robust general fund to meet citizens’ needs. This is an upgrade from the previous rating of “Aa2”, which the County had maintained since 2022. The County’s “Aa1” bond rating places Fairfield County among a very select group of only 10 other counties in Ohio that have the same bond rating and only 3 counties in Ohio with a stronger bond rating. In fact, Fairfield County’s bond rating of “Aa1” is the same as the United States bond rating as of March 2.

A press release by Moody’s stated that “The upgrade to Aa1 reflects the county's strong and improving financial position and growing economic base near Columbus that will continue benefitting from major regional economic developments.”

Bond ratings are similar to an individual’s credit score – reflecting the trustworthiness of the borrower to pay back their debt and manage their finances. The County’s very strong bond rating allows it to employ the use of various funding mechanisms for short and long-term financing, due to the high creditworthiness relative to other state and local governments, public schools and other publicly rated entities. The stronger the bond rating, the lower the interest rates are on financing. Since the “Aa1” rating is only one-notch lower than the highest available bond rating of “Aaa”, Fairfield County will now be able to access very low interest rates on new money financing and/or refinancing of existing bonds.

“We are exceedingly proud of the excellent stewardship of Fairfield County taxpayer dollars,” said Steve Davis, Commissioner. “This upgraded rating is a reflection that our fiscal policy and execution is strong and sound and there is high confidence in the County’s management team. At the end of the day, our taxpayers benefit from this bond rating because we have more financial options when making decisions about what is best for our citizens now and in the future. Additionally, we know that companies looking to grow their businesses use bond ratings when determining where to make significant economic and capital investment.”

Click here to read Moody's press release announcing the upgrade.

On with Aunie: The Link

Join Aunie Cordle, County Administrator, as she sits down with Fairfield County Transit Director Aaron Kennedy for the latest transit updates.

We’re proud to highlight the Fairfield County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Fairfield DD) and the important work they do to support individuals and families across our community.

Fairfield DD empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to live independent, meaningful lives by providing support such as education, employment, and community connections from early childhood to adulthood.

At its core, Fairfield DD focuses on ability over limitation, working alongside families, caregivers, schools, and local partners to ensure individuals have opportunities to learn, work, and fully participate in community life. Their mission is not just to provide services, but to advocate, support, and open doors while helping people build independence, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.

In recognition of National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Fairfield DD is highlighting "innovation in action," celebrating inclusion, innovation, and the many ways people of all abilities make Fairfield County stronger.

To learn more about Fairfield DD, visit https://www.fairfielddd.com/.

Meet Andy Robberts: Retired Sheriff's Deputy Now Serving as Transport Deputy at the Fairfield County Administration Office

For Andy, no two days look the same, but every day centers on safety, service, and support. In this role, responsibilities include ensuring the building is secure, monitoring cameras and alarms, guiding visitors and staff to the right offices, and making sure the facility is safely cleared at the end of the day.

One of the most rewarding parts of the job is working directly with the public. Many visitors arrive unsure of where to go, often handling important or time-sensitive matters. Being able to help guide them and provide reassurance makes a meaningful difference. Just as important is the strong sense of teamwork among staff, creating a supportive environment where everyone works together toward a common goal.

For those interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, becoming a Transport Deputy can be a great starting point. Candidates can apply through the department’s website and, if selected, may begin in corrections within the jail bureau. From there, or independently, individuals can attend a police academy, earn certification through Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA), and take the next steps toward becoming a sworn deputy or police officer. Whether assisting the public or maintaining security behind the scenes, Transport Deputies play a vital role in keeping operations running smoothly and safely every day.

Meet Mark Bohach, Board Member of The Fairfield County District Library

The Fairfield County District Library (FCDL) is guided by a seven-member board of trustees. Four of the seven trustees are appointed by the Fairfield County Commissioners and the rest are chosen by the Fairfield County Common Pleas Court Judges. While each member brings a unique perspective, they share a common goal: being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars while ensuring the library continues to meet the evolving needs of the community.

For Mark, a broadcaster and small business owner, the decision to serve came from concerns for protecting the First Amendment and promoting literacy. Appointed by the Common Pleas Court to this board, he sees supporting the library is a meaningful way to give back while championing access to information and lifelong learning.

One of the most rewarding aspects of board service has been seeing the library’s impact on children and families. From story times for all ages to initiatives like 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten, the library fosters a love of reading early in life. Recent additions like early literacy centers and the Millersport kiosk have expanded access across the county, while maintaining a strong financial position, including operating debt-free, remains a point of pride.

Mark hopes the community understands that the library offers far more than books. With over a million items loaned each year, resources range from museum passes to Wi-Fi hotspots, along with digital tools like LinkedIn Learning. Above all, the Fairfield County District Library exists to serve everyone and the continued support from the community makes that mission possible.

Board Openings:

The following boards currently have vacancies:

• Revolving Loan Fund - The Fairfield County Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) provides gap financing to provide low-interest loans to small-size and medium-size businesses in Fairfield County, OH. To learn more about the RLF, please visit https://www.co.fairfield.oh.us/dev/RLF/.
• Regional Planning Commission - Retail Merchant representative. The Fairfield County Regional Planning Commission (RPC) is responsible for overseeing and coordinating development in Fairfield County. The RPC currently has a vacancy for a representative who is employed as a retail merchant. To learn more about RPC, please visit https://www.co.fairfield.oh.us/rpc/.

Click here to access the Board Member Application.