Warren County Admin Resigns, Fair Results, And Park Board Discussed At Aug., 4th Meeting

LEBANON, OH --  Warren County commissioners accepted the resignation of County Administrator Martin Russell on Tuesday, setting his final day with the county for Aug. 28.

No reason for Russell’s resignation was provided during the Aug. 4 commissioners meeting. Russell continued to participate in the meeting, providing updates and answering commissioners’ questions.

Commissioner Tom Grossmann gave a preliminary financial report from the 2026 Warren County Fair. He said final fair numbers were still being calculated, but preliminary figures showed total income of $591,083 and expenses of $413,266. Grossmann reported a preliminary profit of $178,537.

Junior Fair livestock sales totaled $910,006, compared with $773,339 in 2025. The sales provide money to 4-H participants who raised and sold animals at the fair.

Grossmann said the Feeding Our Neighbors project generated 16,534 meals from 35 hogs purchased during the livestock sale.

The fair sold 552 memberships, 1,521 weekly passes and 24,147 daily passes. Grossmann said attendance and pass sales increased over previous years.

Commissioner Dave Young credited favorable weather, increased volunteer participation and improvements made to the fairgrounds with helping produce a successful fair. Young added that  changes in signage, maintenance and presentation gave the fair a more businesslike appearance. He aslo noted the fair board president told him the organization sold more than $70,000 in advertising connected with signs at the fairgrounds.

Grossmann said increased sponsorships and volunteer efforts also helped improve the fairgrounds. Volunteers assisted with painting, cleaning and other projects before and during the fair.

A more complete fair report, including final financial and attendance figures and aerial drone images, is expected to be presented at the commissioners’ next meeting.

Grossmann also reported that the Warren County Park District Board voted to rescind its proposed levy and will not place the tax request before voters.

The commissioners discussed whether they should recommend candidates for an expected opening on the park board. Grossmann said board member Wendy Monroe’s term is expected to end this year.

Russell said park board members are appointed by the Warren County Probate Court. Bruce McGary of the Warren County Prosecutor’s Office said the probate judge would likely be receptive to recommendations from the commissioners.

Young emphasized that the final appointment decision belongs to the probate judge but said commissioners have the right to offer their opinions.

Young said appointments to the board are important because the unelected park board has the authority to place tax levies on the ballot. Grossmann noted that Monroe had voted against the proposed levy before the board later rescinded it.

Commissioners indicated they would consider possible candidates and provide recommendations to the probate judge.

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