Lorain County Sheriff addresses budget issues and outstanding invoices at commissioner meeting

The Lorain County Commissioners' Board Meeting on March 14, 2025, focused on budgetary concerns, particularly regarding the Sheriff's Office. The meeting highlighted significant issues related to appropriations and outstanding invoices from the previous fiscal year.

Sheriff's Office representatives addressed concerns about items number 3 and 5 on the agenda, which were proposed for disapproval due to budgetary constraints. Sheriff Moore confirmed that there were no objections to these items being excluded, as the necessary funds were available in restricted accounts, including the Furtherance of Justice Fund and the Law Enforcement Trust Fund.

A key point of discussion was item number 4, which involved over $240,000 in outstanding invoices from 2024. Sheriff Moore explained that these expenses had not been properly encumbered in the previous budget cycle, leading to their appearance in the current budget. He noted that many of these invoices had been discovered in filing cabinets and were not processed due to a lack of purchase orders from the prior administration. This oversight has affected the Sheriff's Office's creditworthiness, complicating negotiations with vendors.

The meeting also introduced Chief Deputy Tanya Zack, the first female chief deputy in Lorain County's history, who brings extensive financial expertise to the role. Both Sheriff Moore and Chief Deputy Zack emphasized the importance of responsible financial management to ensure timely payments and improve the department's standing with vendors.

Commissioner Moore proposed an amendment to exclude items 3 and 5 from the resolution, which was seconded and approved by the board. The meeting concluded with a focus on the need for transparency and accountability in the Sheriff's Office's financial practices, especially as the county prepares for public hearings regarding budget needs in the coming months.