The Lorain County Commissioners—Jeff Riddell, Dave Moore, and Marty Gallagher—held their regular meeting on March 14, 2025, discussing financial concerns, infrastructure projects, and public safety initiatives.
Sheriff’s Office Budget Concerns
Newly elected Lorain County Sheriff Jack Hall informed the board of over $240,000 in outstanding invoices from 2024 that were left unpaid by the previous administration. These invoices, some dating back to September 2024, had not been properly recorded, causing financial strain. Sheriff Hall assured the commissioners that his office is actively addressing these issues to restore fiscal responsibility and improve vendor relationships.
Sheriff Hall was also transparent with the commissioners regarding appropriations line items 3 and 5, acknowledging that they should not come from the general fund but rather from restricted accounts such as the Furtherance of Justice Fund and the Law Enforcement Trust Fund. He openly supported the board’s decision to exclude these items, demonstrating a commitment to responsible budgeting and financial oversight.
Infrastructure and Stormwater Projects Move Forward
Several resolutions were approved to advance infrastructure and stormwater improvements. A major focus was the Gerber property stream and wetland restoration project, which received funding from multiple sources, including a $1 million grant from the U.S. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and additional support from Ohio’s H2Ohio program. Beckett Thermal Solutions also made a key financial contribution to facilitate project completion.
Cybersecurity Investment for County Systems
A $1.5 million cybersecurity investment was approved to strengthen the county’s digital infrastructure. Officials cited recent cyberattacks on Cleveland and other municipalities as a warning, emphasizing the importance of staying ahead of evolving threats. The funds will support system updates, security enhancements, and ongoing monitoring to prevent breaches.
Lead-Safe Housing Program Extended
The commissioners discussed the expansion of the Lead-Safe Ohio program, which provides grants for lead abatement in older homes. The program, originally set to expire, has been extended until February 2026, with a homeowner application deadline of March 31, 2025. The county is working to spread awareness and encourage participation to maximize funding utilization.
Upcoming County Actions
Future meetings will include discussions on improving transit services and increasing contractor participation in county projects. The commissioners also held an executive session to review personnel and real estate matters. There are two public hearings in April to discuss sales tax increases as well. Keep your eyes open for an from Lorain County Government on the dates and times of those hearings.
Residents interested in county initiatives are encouraged to attend upcoming meetings or visit the county’s official website for more information.
