The State of the County is getting strong, healthy and getting better says the top elected administrative official in Summit County. That includes Summit County's ranking as the most efficient of the six largest counties in Ohio for per-capita cost of government and low sales tax rate.

So says Summit County Executive Russ Pry in his annual address delivered today/Thursday at a sold-out John S. Knight Center. These "State Of..." speeches usually center on achievements, and Pry's address was no different.

Pry highlighted a budget that was still $80 million dollars less than levels before the start of the 2008 recession but reported the economy was showing improvements despite a significant drop in state funding. Pry noted building plans and fees were up 50% since merging Akron's building department with the County and credited online applications for keeping development business a 24/7 process. He told the audience during their question and answer period there had been no ongoing discussions relating to construction of a new arena downtown.

The Summit County Executive -- running for re-election in November against former County Council member Bill Roemer -- also touted consolidation into new offices in the Firestone Tire complex, savings through new IT initiatives upgrading the County's computer programs, closer partnerships with local governments on public services and programs and programs to develop stronger mentoring and workforce development programs.

Pry also lauded efforts to move ahead with needed upgrades to the County's emergency radio system used by public safety first responders and said the new system would go online in 2017. He also highlighted investments in sewer system projects in the southwest portion of Summit County, especially the impact helping with development in the Barberton, New Franklin and Clinton areas.

Pry's address was broadcast live on 1590 WAKR. The text of the full speech is included as a .PDF at the attachment field in this story.