LORAIN COUNTY – The Lorain County Board of Commissioners convened on February 28, 2025, to discuss a range of county matters, including infrastructure funding, emergency management, stormwater mitigation, and public concerns over potential tax increases. Commissioners Dave Moore, Marty Gallagher, and Jeff Riddell were all in attendance.
Agenda
Attachments
State Issue 2 – Renewing Infrastructure Funding
One of the major topics of discussion was the renewal of the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP), which has provided funding for local infrastructure projects for nearly 40 years. The program, up for renewal in the May 6 statewide election, helps maintain roads, bridges, and water infrastructure across Ohio’s 88 counties.
Roger Lee explained that Lorain County benefits significantly from SCIP, receiving approximately $10 million annually for 30 to 40 projects. Without renewal, these funds would be lost, affecting local governments’ ability to maintain essential infrastructure. Commissioners clarified that this is not a new tax; instead, rejecting the renewal would shift tax dollars elsewhere rather than reducing them. The measure was approved unanimously.
Emergency Management Investments
The board approved an Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) of $110,431, allocated to improve the county’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities. Roger Lee emphasized that the funds, distributed through FEMA’s funding formula, will enhance planning, training, and readiness efforts.
Commissioners also approved a Master Services Agreement with Sustain, LLC, which will provide full-service disaster response and environmental services when needed. The agreement ensures that Lorain County has access to emergency support without upfront costs, as expenses will be covered by the communities utilizing the services.
CodeRED Emergency Alert System Upgrade
Dave Freeman, Director of the Emergency Management Agency (EMA), led the discussion on upgrading Lorain County’s emergency alert system to CodeRED. The decision came after ongoing failures with the previous system, which had significant delays in sending alerts.
CodeRED, chosen from five competing bids, offers more reliable and efficient alerts, including text, voice, app-based, and social media notifications. The system will automatically clean duplicate registrations and provide better county-wide emergency communication. The first month of implementation will be free as the system transitions.
Stormwater Project and Bid Concerns
Commissioners awarded a $55,000 contract to Hammer Down Industries for selective tree clearing on the Eaton Township Gerber property, an essential step for a $4.5 million flood mitigation project. The project will create wetlands to manage stormwater from Fortune Ditch, Carpenter Ditch, and other key drainage areas.
However, debate arose over the bidding process, with Commissioner Gallagher expressing concerns over receiving only two bids, one of which was significantly higher at $97,000. While county officials had reached out to multiple contractors, they acknowledged the need to improve outreach to local businesses. A tight deadline due to federal regulations on protecting the Indiana bat species factored into the decision to move forward with the existing bids.
Solid Waste Contract Amendments
A series of amendments were approved to correct account numbers on contracts related to the Lorain County Solid Waste Management District’s collection services. These contracts cover electronic waste, hazardous waste, tire recycling, and bulb disposal. While largely administrative, commissioners noted that the contracts ensure continued waste management services through 2027.
Other Business
- Children Services: The board approved rescinding various personnel’s ability to use the agency’s Mastercard, citing administrative changes.
- Domestic Relations: Commissioners approved an agreement for emergency use of Penfield Township Hall by Lorain County Juvenile Court in case of evacuation.
- Engineering Projects: Approval was granted for a subdivision agreement with Sandstone One, LLC for Four Seasons at Sandstone Subdivision Nos. 2 and 3 in Amherst Township. Additionally, the board accepted the county’s 2025 Bridge Report, which assesses the condition of 235 bridges under county jurisdiction.
Microtransit Program and Jail Funding
County Administrator updates included ongoing efforts to sustain Lorain County’s microtransit program. The service, which has proven successful in Elyria and Lorain, is seeking funding sources beyond the current pilot program. A roundtable discussion with private and nonprofit stakeholders is scheduled to explore funding options.
Additionally, the county is applying for funds from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections for both maintenance of the current jail and planning for a new facility. The application includes funding for HVAC repairs, roofing, and initial site planning for a potential replacement facility.
Public Concerns Over Possible Sales Tax Increase
During the public comment portion of the meeting, resident Brian Baker raised concerns about potential tax increases, mentioning rumors of two 0.25% sales tax hikes in November. Commissioner Moore assured him that if such increases were proposed, public hearings would be held before any decision was made.
Executive Session and Adjournment
The commissioners moved into an executive session to discuss legal matters before adjourning approximately one hour later.
The Lorain County Board of Commissioners holds regular public meetings at the Lorain County Administration Building, located at 226 Middle Avenue, 4th Floor, Elyria, OH 44035. As of February 2025, meetings are typically scheduled bi-weekly on Tuesday evenings and Friday mornings. However, meeting times can vary, and additional sessions may be added as needed. For the most current schedule, including specific dates and times, please refer to the official Lorain County Commissioners’ website or contact the Clerk of the Board, Theresa, at 440-329-5103.
