The Rotary Club of Akron had the pleasure of learning more about our Summit County Government with a presentation by Greta Johnson, Assistant Chief of Staff for Summit County Executive, Ilene Shapiro, during our Tuesday, March 21, 2023 weekly Club meeting.
Ms. Johnson began her presentation listing a few County statistics. Summit County is about 413 square miles, a population of 540, 333 citizens. Akron comprises 190,409 of that number. Summit County is the 4th largest county in the State. Summit County was the first county in Ohio to adopt a Charter form of Government. Summit County consists of 31 communities (14 cities, 8 villages, and 9 townships).
As a charter form of government, Summit County has “home rule,” which permits the county to have the power to exercise authority outside of State government. Summit County can use local power to address local problems.
What comprises County Government?
Unique to Summit County’s Charter Government is its organizational structure. Under the umbrella of Summit County Government, the following departments exist: (1) County Executive, (2) Fiscal Officer, (3) Engineer, (4) Prosecutor, (5) Sheriff, (6) Council, and (7) Clerk of Courts.
What comprises County Council?
County Council is comprised of 8 District Council members, 3 At-large Council members, plus the County Executive. There are 10 departments that the County Executive oversees. These departments are: (1) Administrative Services, (2) Public Information, (3) Community and Economic Development, (4) Finance and Budget, (5) Human Resources, (6) Law and Risk Management, (7) Job and Family Services, (8) Medical Examiner, (9) Public Safety, and (10) Sanitary Sewer Services.
What are some of the County Executive’s Responsibilities?
The primary duties are: (1) Administrative, (2) Budgeting, and (3) Contract Authorization. In addition the County Executive manages the 10 departments listed above. The County Executive’s office is responsible for maintaining all county owned government buildings. The Executive oversees a $639 million dollar county budget. The Executive’s office works directly and indirectly will all of the municipalities.
County Executive Shapiro’s philosophy is Strategic, Facilitative, and relationship driven:
- Make forward-thinking investments.
- Foster cross-section/community partnerships.
- Pursue a greater good.
To learn more about Summit County government, check out the website at https://co.summitoh.net/departments/Summit-County-Executive
To hear more of Ms. Johnson’s presentation view the recording by clicking here.
Yours in Sevice,
Terry Dalton
Club Secretary and Scholarship Chair
