Economic Update at the Fairfield County Workforce Center

A record crowd of stakeholders assembled last week at the Economic Update at the Fairfield County Workforce Center, presented by the chambers of Lancaster-Fairfield County, Pickerington and Canal Winchester.

Director Rick Szabrak introduced the keynote speaker, Brian Anderson, Regional Executive at the Cleveland Federal Reserve Bank. Anderson shed light on the role of the Federal Reserve, an assessment of national and regional economic conditions, and presented data views on a local level.

Commissioners Approve 2026 Budget - 5.4% Decrease over 2025

The Board of Fairfield County Commissioners approved the county expenditure budget for 2026. The 2026 general budget, which covers expenditures for daily operations of county services, was approved at $70.8 M, an approximate 5.4% decrease form the current budget. Click here to read more!

Fairfield County Foundation's Scholarship Application is Open!

The Fairfield County Foundation's scholarship application for the 2025/26 school year is now open. Click here for more information!

On with Aunie: The Salvation Army

Tune in to the latest episode of On with Aunie as County Administrator Aunie Cordle speaks with Captain Kelsey Senak about The Salvation Army of Lancaster and Fairfield County's Christmas Cheer Campaign. Every dollar donated to a Red Kettle in Fairfield County, stays in Fairfield County to support programs for local kids and families.

Community Partners Make the Holidays Brighter for Fairfield County Youth

The Fairfield County Job and Family Services Holiday Drive was a huge success thanks to the generosity of local businesses, organizations, and community partners who stepped up in meaningful ways to support children and teens this season.

• Hugh White Honda, led by Rick Ellas, collected hundreds of toys along with a significant monetary donation designated for older youth in custody. Their support helped ensure teens received gifts that reflect their needs and interests during the holiday season.
• X Church provided a generous amount of gift cards for older youth, offering teens the flexibility to purchase items they truly need and want.
• Anglers Angels fulfilled multiple wish lists for children and provided holiday meals for each family they supported.
• Fast Lane Foundations adopted more than 60 children and fulfilled their holiday wish lists, including a donation of over 20 bicycles!
• Bike Buckeye Lake also donated more than 25 bicycles to the agency.
• The Lancaster Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol hosted a charity basketball tournament alongside Lancaster Police Department, Fairfield County Sheriff's Office, Berne Township Fire Department, and Walnut Township Fire Department to collect toy donations.
• Kumler Collision and Dr. Connor & Malaga Orthodontics, along with many other organizations, also donated toys and gift cards.

Fairfield County Job and Family Services extends heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to this year's Holiday Drive and made a lasting difference for children, teens, and families throughout our community.

The Fairfield County Sheriff's Office and the Lancaster Police Department Bring Holiday Cheer to Local Families

Fairfield County Sheriff's Community Response Unit and School Resource Officers joined forces with Lancaster High School class officers to shop for children and families in Fairfield County. This year's event marks a decade-long partnership.

The Lancaster Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association (LCPAAA), with the help of Lancaster Walmart, Fairfield County 2-1-1 and other local businesses, held their annual LPD Kids and Gifts Event. Because of this overwhelming generosity, 11 families and more than 35 children benefited this holiday season.

Foster the Future Alliance Featured on 10TV WBNS

Foster the Future Alliance was recently highlighted in a story on 10TV WBNS. This helped shine a light on the new initiative to recruit more foster families who can help children with mental or behavioral health issues and keep them connected to their communities. Local foster parents, Ike and Melinda Carr, graciously shared their life changing story that started over six years ago. Click here to read more and watch the interview.

Meet Josh Goddard, Bus Driver for Fairfield County Transit

As a transit bus driver, Josh plays a vital role in helping community members reach work, medical appointments and other daily destinations. With about two years experience behind the wheel of a bus, his top priorities are safety, timeliness, and creating a welcoming environment for every rider. Josh strives to make each trip calm, comfortable and positive, with a smile along the way.

"I enjoy helping people get where they need to go safely and reliably. Knowing that many riders depend on transit as their primary or only form of transportation makes this work especially meaningful," says Josh.

Whether it's sharing a laugh or simply being a steady presence during someone's day, Josh takes pride in serving the community and making a difference one ride at a time.

Meet Matt Johnson, Member of the Fairfield County Revolving Loan Fund Committee

The Fairfield County Revolving Loan Fund Committee is a county-sponsored organization that supports small businesses by providing gap and alternative financing at favorable rates and terms. Through a variety of federally funded accounts, the committee reinvests in local businesses to promote growth, employee retention and long-term economic stability across the community.

A longtime legal counsel for small businesses in Fairfield County, Matt was inspired to join after witnessing the need for flexible financing options that help businesses grow and remain local. Serving alongside community and business leaders, the committee works collaboratively to support entrepreneurs and strengthen the local economy.

"What makes serving on the board most rewarding is hearing the unique stories behind each business and seeing how thoughtful planning and financial support leads to success," says Matt.

The Revolving Loan Fund plays a critical role in bridging funding gaps when traditional loans fall short, creating true local impact and helping Fairfield County businesses thrive.

To learn more about the Fairfield County Revolving Loan Fund Committee, click here. 

Board Openings:

The following boards currently have vacancies:

• Port Authority - The Fairfield County Port Authority promotes Fairfield County, forming relationships to foster economic growth and utilizing available tools to help finance economic development projects. To learn more about the Port Authority, please visit https://www.co.fairfield.oh.us/dev/fc-dev-port-authority.html.
• 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/.

Click here to access the Board Member Application.