The Lorain County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday, September 23, 2025. Commissioners Jeff Riddell, David J. Moore, and Marty Gallagher were present.
Routine approvals and recognition
The board approved investments, appropriations, transfers, advances/repayments, requisitions, travel, and bills. Commissioners also thanked the Columbia Eagles for donating $18,700 to help the Sheriff’s Office acquire a UTV.
Wilkes Villa renovation bonds
Commissioners approved up to $37,000,000 in tax-exempt revenue bonds for the Lorain County Metropolitan Housing Authority to acquire and renovate Wilkes Villa, a 174-unit senior housing complex at 104 Louden Court in Elyria. LMHA and bond counsel outlined a total project budget near $69 million using federal tax credits, HUD financing, equity, and bonds. Construction is expected to begin late 2025 with completion targeted for August 2027.
While commissioners questioned whether local labor and materials would be prioritized, LMHA officials explained federal rules prevent binding requirements. Tenants are especially enthusiastic about planned air conditioning upgrades for all units.
Appointments
David J. Moore was reappointed to the Natural Resource Assistance Council through September 21, 2028.
911/EMA
The county authorized disposal of 16 obsolete TELEX radio dispatch consoles: seven to Erie County EMA/911 to replace lightning-damaged units and two to Vermilion Police to add call-taking positions.
Community Development (CHIP)
Two home-rehab contracts were awarded under PY2023 programs:
• Aimee J. Kuru of Avon Lake — $54,796.50 for roof, gutters, windows, doors, hot water heater, electrical rewire, and related work.
• Anita D. Caldwell of Sheffield Lake — $91,003 for roof, gutters, windows/doors, plumbing, appliances, flooring, and a full electrical rewire.
The board also adopted the federally required Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan.
Job & Family Services extensions
Several contracts were extended through September 30, 2026, including:
• Big Brothers Big Sisters — up to $350,000 for mentoring programs.
• Horizon Education Center — up to $312,000 for tutoring services.
• Neighborhood Alliance — up to $230,000 for emergency shelter services.
• Harbor — up to $259,005 for work experience programs tied to SNAP and OWF.
Sanitary Engineer
Approved a $643,045 increase for SR 82 Sewer Extension Phase I in Columbia Township, revising the project total to $2,805,786.05. The increase stems from additional pavement repairs and relocating the sewer main into the pavement after utility conflicts.
Sheriff’s Office
Authorized $48,031 for body armor from Pro-Tech Sales, with $40,000 reimbursed by a state grant once received.
Healthcare forecast
Consultant Steve Parsons of Chelko Consulting Group presented the 2026 healthcare forecast, recommending a 13% increase to employee health premiums to offset rising medical and pharmacy costs and to rebuild plan reserves. A 10.1% increase would only cover current costs. Commissioners discussed longer-term measures, including possible plan design changes and adjusting the employee cost-share, which currently stands at 15 percent.
Announcements
Upcoming county events include the Sept. 25 Crisis Recovery Center celebration, the Sept. 27 Fall Farm Tour, and the Oct. 6 Kids Summit at the Lorain Shipyards, along with other community activities in October and November.
The meeting concluded without significant public comment.