The Lorain County Board of Commissioners handled routine approvals Friday, September 26, while also questioning the high price tag of a federal housing rehab and hearing pointed public comments on health care, jail funding, and regional debt. Commissioner Jeff Riddell, Dave Moore, and Marty Gallagher were present for the 9:30 a.m. meeting.
Routine Business
The board approved investments, appropriations, transfers, requisitions, travel, and bills. Appropriations included a transfer from the General Fund to cover a shortfall in sales tax revenues earmarked for jail operations. Commissioners also awarded Foster Ditch restoration in LaGrange Township to Garza Dirt Works for up to $759,000 and approved a $227,433 change order with Williams Brothers Builders to advance fourth-floor office renovations aimed at consolidating staff and improving efficiency. Job and Family Services received approval for four contracts beginning October 1: $12,600 with Lorain County General Health for adult protective services, $100,000 with Lorain County Public Health for maternal and child supports, $315,000 with United Way to prevent evictions and utility shutoffs for TANF-eligible families, and $750,000 with the Educational Service Center for school-based social workers. Director Chris Kitts reported the programs have served hundreds of families, from suicide-risk screenings to food assistance.
Housing Costs in Question
Commissioners revisited last week’s vote granting tax-exempt status to the Wils Villa rehabilitation project. With 174 units at a reported $69 million total, they calculated roughly $396,000 per unit and $433 per square foot. Members said they want more explanation from the developer before approving similar requests in the future.
Public Comment: Brian Baker
Brian Baker of Brownhelm Township, a frequent speaker, raised several concerns. He said the county’s health-care consultant presentation understated finances by excluding $3.1 million in rebates noted elsewhere in the packet. He also asked whether the county audits employee enrollment in Medicare at age 65, and whether benefit changes during contract talks could trigger mandatory bargaining with Job and Family Services and Children Services unions. He requested answers before the Oct. 10 discussion. Later, Baker urged commissioners to explore federal project labor agreements to ensure local hiring on the Wils Villa work, asked whether the jail consultant’s reduced monthly fee is coming from the restricted jail fund, and pressed for an update on repayment of the $13.9 million Midway Mall investment. He said taxpayers should also see the roughly $1 million in interest returned.
Regional Issues
During discussion, the board reported the Lorain County Regional Airport master plan remains on schedule for FAA review by year’s end. They agreed to stop using the term “mega site,” rebranding the west-county property as an “advanced manufacturing campus.” Staff also noted Ohio EPA recently removed two additional impairments from the Black River, leaving one hurdle before full delisting as an Area of Concern. Public comment also came from Avon Lake resident William Zimmer, who cautioned that city ratepayers should not be left subsidizing LorCo debt if the regional 6119 utility district proceeds. He cited $14 million still outstanding and urged commissioners to consider fiscal fairness.
The meeting closed with reminders of upcoming sessions, including an Oct. 7 vote on the personnel policy manual and a ditch hearing for Mason Lateral No. 1.