Former Chillicothe mayor Jack Everson was sworn in Friday for his new role as Ross County Commissioner. Kevin Coleman was there and asked him about his new role.
Everson said he was not sure if there was ever a mayor who also served as a county commissioner. But, he said his experience as chief executive of the city will inform his role as one of the chief executives of the county.
He said the city's current five-year outlook is a perfect planning tool that the county can match. He says the county has been run well, but he wants it to be more open to growth, like housing and commerce.
When asked if the county government is the second largest government in the county compared the Chillicothe, Everson said it was probably about the same size. He pointed out that Chillicothe's budget is $75M but the operating budget is only $48M, and the county has additional funds that it manages and much more territory, to make numbers more even.
New county auditor Jeff Lehner won't be sworn in until March, which is standard procedure.
Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom or Kevin Coleman
1 of 2 2 of 2 Jack Everson with family after being sworn in for his new role as Ross County Commissioner.