Johnston delivers the state of the county address

“The state of the county is very good,” Judge-Executive David Johnston told those attending the Ohio County Chamber of Commerce meeting Jan. 23 during his annual State of the County address.

Many things have changed over the years, Johnston said, as the county can no longer depend on coal mining as its economic driver. He said the growing tourism within Ohio County is now becoming an economic driver.

He gave credit to the Ohio County Economic Development Alliance for the assistance in helping the county become a manufacturing and processing community with new plants opening and existing businesses expanding – some even doubling or tripling in size. Retail businesses and restaurants are also growing, he said.

Announcements of several new businesses as well as other expansions can be expected in the near future, he said. Space and transportation are two things the county has to offer new businesses and industries looking to locate in the county with the only challenge being the availability of housing for those wanting to work here.

According to Johnston, the county’s property tax rate is very low and only produces a small percentage of the revenue needed to provide county services. Occupational taxes are what provides the majority of the funds for which the county operates.

There have been lots of improvements in the county, according to Johnston. Roads and bridges have improved tremendously, he said, over the past few years. The county plans to replace its last wooden bridge this year, and the county’s miles of blacktopped roads have increased each year.

“The day is in sight when all roads with dwellings on them will be paved,” Johnston said.

The county’s parks, golf course, senior center and outside activities are among the things that provide its residents with a good quality of life, the judge said.

“But the thing that really makes us special, I think, is our interactions with each other through our churches and community events, at work and just daily lives. The way we interact with each other just makes this a special place to live.”

There are some challenges in the coming year. He said he expects the 2025-26 county budget will be the hardest with inflation and public demand for more services.

This was the 15th State of the County address Johnston has delivered. He said he plans to only deliver one more.

“I am announcing I will not run for a fifth term as your judge-executive.”

Johnston said that while the election is several months away, he wants the fact that he is not seeking reelection to be known early enough for people to explore their options.