The Lorain County Board of Commissioners convened on February 25, 2025, at 3:30 p.m., addressing a range of fiscal and administrative matters, and county funding.
Agenda
Attachments
Commissioner Gallagher was not present due to commitments of Commissioner Training in Columbus. A quorum was reached with Commissioner Moore and Commissioner Riddell to conduct Lorain County business for the meeting
Key Resolutions and Decisions
The commissioners also approved several measures, including:
- Victims of Domestic Violence Fund – A $49,306.49 allocation to Lorain County Safe Harbor (Genesis House), funded through marriage license and divorce fees.
- 911 System Upgrade – A $423,496.80 contract with Interaction Insight Corporation for a Next Generation 9-1-1 (N-G-9-1-1) system, with partial reimbursement from Motorola.
- Traffic Signal Replacement – Approval to proceed with replacing the North Ridge Road and Elyria Avenue traffic signal.
- Annexation Decision – Consideration of a 39.22-acre annexation from Pittsfield Township to the City of Oberlin.
Additionally, the commissioners rejected a bid for the Lorain County Administration Cooling Tower Replacement Project, as it exceeded the architect’s estimate by more than 20%. A re-bid was authorized.
Proposed $5 Fee and County Revenue
A significant portion of the meeting focused on a proposed $5 fee for motor vehicles in the county, which Commissioner David J. Moore explained as part of a broader effort to increase local revenue and secure federal and state funding.
Moore clarified that the federal government often requires local financial participation—commonly referred to as having “skin in the game”—before granting funds. While the fee increase is not universally supported by taxpayers in the county, the discussion underscored the financial balancing act counties face when funding essential services without overburdening taxpayers. Commissioner Moore does go into greater detail in the video of the meeting above, further explaining his reluctance and unease at taxpayers having to pay out even more money in this current environment… even an amount as small as $5.
Tribute to Alan Zaleski
Towards the end of the meeting, during the Administrator’s report, County Administrator Jeff Armbruster paid a heartfelt tribute to Alan Zaleski, a longtime colleague, public public servant and former Lorain County Commissioner. The Board recognized his decades of service and impact on local governance. Commissioner Dave Moore also reflected kindly on his experiences and interactions with Mr. Zaleski.
Looking Ahead
The meeting set the stage for upcoming county discussions, including a public hearing on a proposed motor vehicle tax increase, scheduled for April 15 and April 22, 2025. The commissioners will also continue reviewing infrastructure and development projects, ensuring funding aligns with community needs.
As the county navigates budget constraints, taxpayer concerns, and infrastructure demands, future meetings will likely bring further debate over funding priorities and financial accountability.
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.
