MAHONING COUNTY, Ohio - Mahoning County Commissioners wrapped up nearly a month of budget hearings Tuesday, closing out a series of presentations from every department on what they are requesting for next year’s spending plan. 

The Board of Elections was among the final departments to present, requesting around $3.3 million for 2026. 

Chairman David Betras said the figure reflects a presidential election cycle and the higher turnout expected in even-numbered years.

“Around 3.3 million is a rough figure but that doesn’t take into account, like last year, we got [money] back from the state,” Betras said, “They have grants available to us so we got back over a half of a million dollars from the state of Ohio.”

He noted that while the request appears higher on paper, the department considers it in line with the costs associated with running a major election year.

“You’ve got to remember in a 2024 election which is an even year we’ll have a United States senator running, we’ll have all the statewide offices," he added, “So that adds to the expense that we need because you have a higher turnout in even years.”

Betras again emphasized his belief that the Board of Elections needs a new building, though he stressed that such a project would not appear in this year’s budget because it is a one-time capital expense.

“The building we’re currently in, I think, has outlived its usefulness,” he said, “We’re still working with them on a new building and hopefully soon, we’ll have a new home for the Board of Elections.”

Commissioners said they are exploring options for a future location.

Commissioner Anthony Traficanti said the county’s overall budget outlook remains steady, even with increases across several departments this cycle.

“There is nothing that I see that is really off from what was last year,” Traficanti said, “And I would say it would be within three to five percent.”

Budget Director Jennifer Pangio said county departments collectively requested about $51.7 million for 2026.

The county has about $49.45 million available to allocate, leaving roughly $2.2 million that may need to be trimmed during the review process.

Commissioners expect to review each department’s request in the coming weeks before finalizing the 2026 budget in December.