The Lorain County Board of Commissioners met Tuesday, October 7, approving new homeowner tax relief measures, adopting an updated personnel policy, and reaffirming support for turning the former Avon Lake power plant into a public lakefront park. Commissioners Jeff Riddell, Dave Moore, and Marty Gallagher were all present.
The meeting opened with two proclamations. Riddell read a declaration recognizing October as Manufacturing Month in Lorain County, citing the county’s long industrial history dating back to 1819 shipbuilding, 1894 steel production, and early automotive manufacturing in 1904. He praised local schools and workforce programs for preparing new generations of skilled labor as baby boomers retire.
Gallagher followed with a proclamation recognizing October 15 as Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) Awareness Day. North Olmsted City Council President Lou Brossard, who lost his daughter Brenna to SUDEP in 2022, shared his family’s experience and called for better education and communication about the condition among doctors and patients.
Commissioners then approved routine financial resolutions for investments, appropriations, transfers, and travel, followed by a new personnel policy manual effective November 7. Human resources staff said the manual had been reviewed and updated for compliance, and employees will acknowledge receipt through the NeoGov system.
A major portion of the meeting centered on property taxes. Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution doubling the county’s Homestead Exemption and the 2.5 percent Owner-Occupied Credit beginning with the 2025 tax year. Moore said the change was necessary to offset steep increases that followed the 2023 countywide reappraisal. “Homeowners across our county, seniors, families, and especially first-time buyers are struggling to keep up with this burden,” he said.
Gallagher called the measure a pivotal moment in returning fiscal control to local government, while Riddell offered historical context, explaining that valuation laws and the 20-mill floor caused the unexpected spikes following the COVID-era inflation surge. The state of Ohio will reimburse local entities for the credits, meaning there is no revenue loss to schools or other agencies.
Commissioners also voted to shift 0.20 mills from the bond retirement fund to the general fund, a move that frees roughly $2 million for next year’s budget. Fiscal Director K.C. Saunders explained the transfer was made possible by a healthy carryover in the debt service fund. Riddell described it as “budgeting 101,” noting the board is leading by example while encouraging other departments to tighten spending.
The board approved a $9,327 annual lease for a new mailing system for Job and Family Services, while tabling a separate five-year shredding contract. Moore suggested using the county’s new Solid Waste shredder truck instead, which could save about $10,000 a year pending federal approval.
Under the engineer’s report, commissioners approved a $49,500 consulting agreement with Euthenics, Inc. for professional design services on 2025 road and bridge projects.
During board correspondence, Gallagher announced growing regional support for the Avon Lake power plant redevelopment, including endorsements from Lake County, several mayors along Lake Erie, and county park districts. He said he will meet later this month with Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz, following coordination with Governor Mike DeWine’s office, to discuss state involvement. “This could be a public asset on the scale of Edgewater Park in Cuyahoga County,” Gallagher said.
Public comment included a Chinese-American resident and Falun Gong practitioner, referring to a spiritual movement from China that blends meditation with moral teachings based on truthfulness, compassion, and forbearance. The speaker shared concerns about Chinese Communist Party influence and the harassment of Falun Gong members in the United States. Commissioners thanked him for bringing awareness to the issue.
Avon Lake resident Gerald Phillips raised concerns about a proposed $60 million tax-increment financing plan tied to the power plant redevelopment, arguing it could divert funds from local schools. Fellow resident William Zimmerman questioned the proposed 6119 regional water district, saying it may not fairly address existing debts between Avon Lake and Lorain.
Commissioners later entered executive session to discuss personnel matters, potential litigation, and real estate issues. No action was taken afterward, and the meeting adjourned shortly after 4 p.m.