The Lorain County Board of Commissioners convened its regular meeting on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 9:30 AM, with Commissioners Rudell, Moore, and Gallagher present. The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and a quorum confirmation.
Two significant proclamations were issued. The first declared June 2025 as Responsible Fatherhood Month. Amy Price of Children Services Health Support Office spoke about new fatherhood initiatives, including seeking state grants for early engagement programs, and noted positive outcomes from existing programs with “Passages” in terms of increased child support collections. The second proclamation designated June 15, 2025, as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Chandel Dusenbury, Supervisor of Adult Protective Services (APS), detailed their unit’s efforts, reporting 526 elder abuse investigations in 2024. She highlighted the underreporting of elder abuse, the severity of recent cases, and the ongoing need for public awareness. Christopher Kevin, Director of Job and Family Services, added that two new social worker positions for APS were posted, and the department is pursuing grants for preventative work in adult protective services.
Routine resolutions were then addressed, including the approval of investments, requisitions, and travel (notably for Commissioners to attend a real estate show in Las Vegas to promote county development). No appropriations, transfers, or advances/repayments were made. The Commissioners opted not to enter an executive session at that time.
During public comment, Brian Baker of Brownhelm Township questioned a proposed sales and use tax increase, asking for transparency on county budget details and the permanence of the tax.
A major discussion point centered on Resolution #10, proposing a 1/4 of 1% sales and use tax increase to support criminal administrative justice services, specifically the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office. Commissioners explained that this is intended to create a permanent funding source for the Sheriff’s Office, which currently relies heavily on the general fund. They provided historical context, noting a previous sales tax repeal that created a $13 million annual deficit, temporarily offset by ARPA funds. With ARPA funds depleting, a deficit is projected for 2026. Sheriff Hall and Chief Zach presented their budget, stating the Sheriff’s Office 2025 budget is approximately $30.37 million, with a projected increase to $32.5 million in 2026. The proposed tax is estimated to generate $13 million, alleviating pressure on the general fund. Two public hearings are scheduled for June 17th and June 20th to provide detailed information to the public.
Following this, a public hearing for the CHIP (Community Housing Impact and Preservation) Program was held. Lauren Falconee of Kleinfelder detailed the proposed PY25 application. The program seeks over $1.9 million for private owner rehabilitation and home repair, working with partner jurisdictions including Amherst, North Ridgeville, Oberlin, and Sheffield Lake. This funding will assist low and very low-income households with housing improvements, including lead-based paint remediation. The application is due to the state in late June, with awards expected by December 2025, and project activities commencing in 2026.
Further resolutions included:
- Sanitary Engineer: Approval of a sanitary sewer improvement agreement with Pulit Homes and an amendment to the service agreement with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District for expanding sewer services.
- Storm Water Management: Acceptance of a report for the Foster Ditch restoration and approval of a change order for Sheffield Township Russell Avenue storm sewer improvements due to unforeseen conditions.
- Engineer: Authorization for an LPA federal project agreement for the Derky Road safety improvement, approval of bridge and culvert replacements (Nef Road Bridge and Steuart Road Culvert), and approval of subdivider agreements for Emerald Wood and Riverside Trail subdivisions.
- Prosecutor: Approval to retain a law firm for an existing court case where insurance coverage has been exhausted.
- Treasurer: Approval to advertise for applications under the Uniform Depository Act for public funds, with bids opening in July.
The County Administrator provided updates, announcing that the dog kennel now accepts credit card payments and online donations. Progress on communication towers was also reported, with the fairgrounds site nearly complete and steel erection underway at other locations. The Clerk’s Report included information on an upcoming Investment Advisory Committee meeting and local community news from Avon Lake.
In new business, a unique resolution was approved: an agreement with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office to trade a 2021 Ford Explorer Police AWD for a 2012 Hovercraft and trailer. The Lorain County Sheriff explained this was a fair trade that also assists a smaller county with limited resources, providing a new rescue asset for Lorain County.
The meeting concluded after a brief executive session to discuss legal and potential settlement matters. A commissioner acknowledged the 81st anniversary of D-Day and announced an upcoming celebration for a 100-year-old World War II veteran.
The next notable meeting for the Lorain County Commissioners is an Investment Advisory Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 10th at 9:00 AM.
Overall, the meeting addressed crucial financial strategies, ongoing infrastructure projects, and community well-being initiatives, reflecting the Commissioners’ commitment to transparent governance and effective county management.
