Three Commissioners, One Shared Vision: Serving Wayne County

What do a fire/EMS professional, a teacher, and a fair secretary have in common? They’re all now Wayne County Commissioners, and two of them also previously served as township trustees. Jonathan Hofstetter, Dave McMillen, and Matt Martin may come from different backgrounds, but they share one common goal: doing what’s best for Wayne County. And serving a county of nearly 117,000 residents is a tall order, one that requires strong leadership, collaboration, and a clear vision for the future. Fortunately for Wayne County, our three commissioners are more than up to the task. In fact, they stand tall in more ways than one.

With 2025 marking their first full year working together, we sat down with them to learn how they’ve blended their strengths, what they’ve accomplished and what they’re preparing for in 2026.

“We complement each other well, and we’re genuinely having a lot of fun working together,” said McMillen, who was initially appointed June 1, 2024, to complete a partial term and transitioned into his first full term on January 3 of this year. “Most importantly, we trust one another. There’s a lot to cover, so we divide and conquer, then come back together to share information and make decisions for the greater good. That trust matters; you must know everyone is bringing accurate facts and the right intent to the table.”

Martin, the newest commissioner, who took office on January 2 of this year, added, “We’re like-minded in our goals, but we don’t always see things the same way, and that’s a good thing. We each bring a different lens to the discussion. But once a decision is made, we move forward together and fully support it.”

As the team settled into their first full year together, much of their focus centered on understanding county operations and building relationships across departments and the community. “We’ve spent a lot of time getting to know the roles of our county employees and talking about the culture we want to foster,” said Hofstetter, the most senior of the three commissioners, who began his term on January 1, 2023. “We have about 250 employees, and we want every one of them to feel connected, to know they matter and that the work they do makes a difference in this community every day.”

One of the commissioners’ first priorities in strengthening county culture was navigating the transition of longtime County Administrator Patrick Herron, who’s retiring after 31 years of service. “Replacing someone with that kind of experience is no small task, but Judy Becker has exceeded every expectation,” said McMillen. “Her leadership skills, professionalism, and the way she approaches challenges; we couldn’t be happier.”

Martin agreed, noting that the county’s department directors are also strong leaders who understand their roles and are set up to succeed. He added that the commissioners have been intentional about opening lines of communication and listening closely to residents’ concerns, an approach that became especially important during the recent property tax hearings.

As the county moves through budget season, the commissioners are keeping a close eye on state-level developments that could impact local finances. “Part of my role is looking outward for the county and understanding how decisions at the state level affect our residents,” said Hofstetter, who represents Wayne County on the Board of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio. “Local government can be challenging because our control is limited, and property taxes are always top of mind, especially with potential changes and ballot initiatives aimed at eliminating them.” Through the recent property tax hearings, the commissioners gained valuable insights directly from the community, reinforcing their commitment to being front and center in county governance. Hofstetter added that these hearings reflect the team’s guiding principles—their “three-legged stool” of accountability, transparency and service.

Two major projects have also been a focus for the commissioners this year, the Wayne County Jail expansion and the Sterling sewer system. “We’re pushing to get the Sterling sewer project completed,” said Martin. “Once it’s done, residents will be able to tap in early next year.” The Jail project will take a bit longer to complete. “We’re finishing up the new section first,” he explained. “After that, we’ll transfer those in custody to the new section and remodel the existing facility, with hopes of having the entire project completed by the end of 2026.”

Martin also noted that their role as commissioners isn’t just about focusing on one area but overseeing how different parts of the county interact. For example, the county is responsible for providing 200–300 meals a day and handling laundry for both the county home and the jail. To streamline operations and prevent interruptions, the commissioners asked the Wayne County Care Center to manage both areas. “It’s a unique opportunity,” said Martin. “Everything flows smoothly, and it also saves the county money.”

With roughly 70% of the county’s budget going to the justice system, one of the main focus areas for 2026 will be working with the Wayne County Community Corrections Board to explore how a positive impact can be made on those currently serving time. “We’re working to determine how we can positively influence the lives of those currently serving time, in ways that benefit both them and the broader community,” said McMillen.

“As we continue planning and preparing for the year ahead, we’ll rely on our department directors, who are truly experts in their fields, to help us make the most informed decisions,” continued McMillen. “We are fortunate to work alongside them. They’re our superstars!”

Hofstetter also emphasized the importance of building a strong foundation for county operations, while they navigate potential changes to property taxes and funding systems. “We’re always looking for ways to improve, with the goal of leaving the county in an even better position than the year before.”

Beyond their work in Wayne County, the commissioners also make time to connect with colleagues across the state. Each summer, they attend the County Commissioners of Ohio Summer Symposium, what they jokingly call “summer camp.” Held at Hocking Hills State Lodge, the event gives them the chance to hike the trail to Old Man’s Cave, recharge, and build camaraderie with commissioners from across Ohio while discussing shared challenges. “We have our hands in a lot,” said McMillen. “It’s like connecting the dots; working with other commissioners and leaders for the betterment of Wayne County.”

Whether they’re tackling local priorities, learning from statewide peers, or simply enjoying time together on the trails, the three commissioners continue to complement each other well and, as they’ve said all along, have genuine fun doing it. They also want residents to know they’re always accessible by calling the front desk or sending an email. For contact information, visit wayneohio.org/board-of-commissioners