It sounds to me more of a radio programming issue with the company that redone the radios in the whole county. Also relying on a "patch " to work isn't the best option either as your trying to tie in completely different radio systems. Ross and Hocking both use VHF high band radios, maybe the powers to be need to sit down and figure out what channels are appropriate for both counties to use. Not everyone has 128 channel radios available to them with different zones.
Someone can step in here if I have my facts wrong, but here goes.
Ross country Fire dispatch 154.130
Colerain FG 153.950 and 154.070
Laureville Fire disp. 154.2125
Pickaway Fire disp. 33.860
Tarlton (same as Pickaway) 33.860
Circleville Fire 154.415
Based on the above, the majority of the departments are high band, but using different channels. This is a prime reason to put the "National Radio Interoperability" channels into all their fire radios. There is a call channel and 4 tactical channels. The separation of these VHF channels does allow close in operation of multiple activities.
Generally if the departments can get their act together, one channel would be set up for fire ground operations, one channel set up as water supply, one channel set up as a medical channel and the last one can be used as a command channel.
Many counties around the country have got their act together and managed to put the politics aside and actually work with each other. If this is not the case, then the different departments and their members need to have a huddle and see what it will take to start working with each other. I know this is a major problem in parts of New York State. I am sure they are not the only ones.
As far as some of the low band departments, I generally have seen multiple radios installed in those vehicles that generally get dispatched mutual aid to the VHF land of other counties. This solves their compatibilities problems trying to communicate with other agencies.
The last problem is just which channels should be used. That is up to the local agencies to work out. It also will slightly depend on what abilities the radio equipment has. A low channel capacity ability today with mutual aid is a big limitation. VHF radios with 128 or more channels is common today. If your radio has less, your radio probably can't do narrow band operation either. If so, then the chief took the real cheap road when he bought the radios.
If it is just a programming issue with the radios, there is no excuse for not adding the channels that need to be there. Make sure you get the MOU (memorandum of understanding) in place and get with the program. If it's the money cost of programming the radios, have you tried contacting the local insurance agencies and see if they might be able to come up with some donations. It is much cheaper to have them front some money than to replace a burnt down house or business. I have seen them come up with AED medical donations and the likes before.
Come on guys, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to solve this communications problem. If it is the politics standing in the way, those individuals can be replaced too. You just need to show just cause why progress isn't being made. Sit down and talk with the upper management. If you don't get any place, take it to the county administration. Just make sure your ducks are in line when you do. That is a last resort.
I have been traveling around the country now for a number of years and try to give suggestions to the different departments I visit. My work is in radio interoperability. It has been about 45 plus years working with both the federal government and public safety agencies on radio systems. Have seen just about all the problems there ever can be. They can be solved. It just takes some real effort and dedication from the local people on the ground. By the way, I have about 35 years under my belt with different fire agencies. The last one was for 18 years, with most of it as the rank of Captain.