[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6050369,"mediaKeyId","3477675-315ccd2b8e72e61498a5960fdbbf67e3","parentId",3477675,"title","Sheriff seeks to fund jail painting from restricted funds; commissioners question contracting authority and delay commissary contract","audioSeconds",540,"startMs",2032000,"endMs",2572000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3477675-315ccd2b8e72e61498a5960fdbbf67e3&start=2032&end=2572","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3477675-315ccd2b8e72e61498a5960fdbbf67e3/thumbnail_2032000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6050369/Lorain-County/Ohio/Sheriff-seeks-to-fund-jail-painting-from-restricted-funds-commissioners-question-contracting-authority-and-delay-commissary-contract","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6050369-d18839458d5fbb30314656f403915062/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166643&Signature=m0OyS1KMYDtLTLnGES-3YZHgKMMdO0~4Ts8nSZ-nN7CfLrF512v~vOHgbHNajmb0MTLpPlduBRJdW8LxAw-9iYZSfDkRWo~s-k6CEzd2nwyoW9IYKyI~QAxu2IOMG7-Yk9DQk8AUpthZ8Zl4RKVNV~b48fDm7-zuIXIdp-m6jeB5N1XW4HqPzovE1jdMeSmX3SgwcwfG16jVWt-NAIWYFHwd-mMywyyzUqxsZE3Evq0u3K6xyMb-J0ZwWdJ4n2-45rdaIcWlJq-deL8OSkbpYnfWzKh0PmFAIaad587WCWELzJEu1CjOFJZaNCzCrCmqmH099MfpRISjKb5owoic9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lorain County OH","date","2025-05-13T20:18:13Z","article","The Lorain County Sheriff’s Office asked the commissioners on May 23 to deny a $5,300 expenditure from the county’s building-and-maintenance account and to let the sheriff use restricted funds instead to pay for painting in parts of the sheriff’s offices and jail.

At the meeting the sheriff told commissioners the painting funds were not budgeted in the county’s 2025 general fund budget and said the department prefers to pay for the painting from restricted funds (forfeiture or other restricted court-provided funds) to avoid placing the cost on general-taxpayer-funded accounts. The sheriff said painting labor has been provided by trustees and community-service volunteers and that the project addressed booking-area and jail interior painting that had not been done in decades.

Commissioners responded positively to the sheriff’s budget stewardship but flagged legal and procedural concerns about whether the sheriff has authority to sign contracts or whether a contract must be signed by the commissioners. Commissioner comments urged caution about using restricted funds without confirming the correct sub-fund numbers and signing authority.

Commissary contract: The board considered a proposed three-year contract with Kefi Commissionary Network LLC to provide commissary services at the Lorain County Jail (retroactive to May 1, 2025). The sheriff asked the board to suspend or withdraw the resolution after his corrections inspector general raised concerns about company employees’ access and facility safety. Commissioners suggested withdrawing or voting down the resolution so the sheriff and county counsel could negotiate additional safeguards; the transcript shows the commissioners ultimately voted \"No\" on the item, and sheriff asked to bring it back with counsel to address security language.

Grant awards and applications: The sheriff’s office also presented and the board approved multiple subgrant agreements with the Ohio Department of Public Safety and the Attorney General’s office for drug enforcement and overdose-investigation staffing. The sheriff told the board he had been notified that an opioid remediation grant award of $200,000 had been approved and that the county would soon receive funds to support two drug counselors and two hydration stations. The transcript also records a 2024 Ohio Drug Law Enforcement Fund subgrant award of $153,633.70 and a Recovery Ohio Law Enforcement Fund award of $89,985.74; the transcript shows Aye votes recorded for those grant award acceptances.

Why it matters: The painting funding request, the commissary contract pause, and grant awards affect jail operations, budgets and vendor oversight. Commissioners emphasized the county’s role as the budget authority and requested a June 3 follow-up meeting with the sheriff to discuss operational and budget shortfalls and the jail’s status.

Ending: The sheriff and commissioners agreed to continued discussions in early June; the transcript shows commissioners invited the sheriff and chief budget staff for a June 3 meeting to review needs and operations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Commissioners' Board Meeting 5/23/25","oneSentenceSummary","The Lorain County Sheriff’s Office asked commissioners on May 23 to deny a $5,300 general-fund expenditure for interior painting and to instead use restricted funds; the sheriff also asked to pause a proposed commissary contract after security concerns.","taxTitle","Lorain County, Ohio","taxId",4370,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6050374,"Lorain County holds final CDBG hearing; staff recommends Meals on Wheels funding and multiple infrastructure requests to state",1273,4527000,5800000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3477675-315ccd2b8e72e61498a5960fdbbf67e3&start=4527&end=5800","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3477675-315ccd2b8e72e61498a5960fdbbf67e3/thumbnail_4527000.jpg","/articles/6050374/Lorain-County/Ohio/Lorain-County-holds-final-CDBG-hearing-staff-recommends-Meals-on-Wheels-funding-and-multiple-infrastructure-requests-to-state","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6050374-c970495e8e8c2f72b2a25a779cfebdac/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166643&Signature=GLWGp4Pkl3U7wCv2OqWXjBSqe00eH3K030nTFHdLZgl13Iqoe~v9lVq7jTnl-3dBjC~YzDh4zM~2Qd9Uc3oS-tiYxSG4jiMBRvISEjeHLN9a3Zw~uI7yNCYhsd7j-sp1LVOxwlSuVO5filSa4UAHJxXueCIZpcqWGyCXzPBua5u~K2uaIWkxWqXIcVimSYiyPdMihPZpzwacGhFY5-TTPLtE1pZfQGo2arX~h9xlEkE6~xRFxYFeRC9cWUqyDrjILkEsUg~N5ReVjm8XhIEDFt~2pkVOFAlL1pMxEyfBabS714QrxUWLH9V4D0ueluXdf1N6LKbYLROPf0s7QhDDYA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lorain County held its final public hearing on proposed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocations on May 23, with staff recommending funding priorities and announcing intent to submit critical infrastructure applications on behalf of two municipalities.

Don Marmachuk, presenting county CDBG staff recommendations, said the county anticipates a $648,000 federal allocation. Marmachuk outlined requests received through outreach: the city of Oberlin sought $150,000 for a splash pad; Sheffield Lake requested $250,000 for sewer improvements and paving on East Drive; Neighborhood Alliance asked for $50,000 for a courtyard playground at the Haven Center; North Ridgeville sought $150,000 for a phase-1 waterline replacement affecting about 31 homes.

Marmachuk said the county’s recommended public-service set-aside would be Meals on Wheels at roughly $97,200 (the 15% cap for public services), noting the Meals on Wheels program reaches isolated residents in southern and township parts of the county. Marmachuk also said the county planned two separate critical-infrastructure grant applications: North Ridgeville for phases 2–3 (requesting $500,000) and Sheffield Lake for an additional $250,000 to pursue broader sewer/waterline/paving work; if awarded, the North Ridgeville award would enable consolidation of phases 1–3.

Neighborhood Alliance’s representative explained that the group is the sole Meals on Wheels provider in the county, serves multiple townships and municipalities, and uses climate-controlled vehicles and consistent drivers rather than ad-hoc volunteers; she said Meals on Wheels has delivered more than 1.4 million meals over a two-year period in applications presented to the county. Public commenter Brian Baker urged the commissioners to approve Neighborhood Alliance’s request, noting local food distribution work and federal prevailing-rate rules for construction contracting.

Outcome and next steps: The public hearing was closed by motion and recorded Aye votes; Marmachuk and staff said the board will consider a resolution to adopt allocations at a June 3 meeting. Marmachuk emphasized that the CDBG fund is limited and the county used local leverage to strengthen applications. No final allocation votes were recorded at the May 23 hearing; the transcript shows commissioners will vote on allocations on June 3.

Why it matters: The CDBG allocation and related critical-infrastructure grant applications could deliver hundreds of thousands of federal dollars to municipal water and sewer projects and to a Meals on Wheels program that county staff said serves isolated seniors in townships and small cities. Staff also flagged the importance of local matching funds and the county’s role in applying on behalf of municipalities.

Ending: Staff invited questions, offered technical clarifications on match sources and federal requirements, and closed the hearing; the allocation resolution is scheduled for the commission agenda June 3.","At a public hearing, county staff outlined a proposed $648,000 federal Community Development Block Grant allocation and recommended 15% funding for Meals on Wheels; staff also said the county would apply on behalf of North Ridgeville and Sheffield Lake for larger critical infrastructure grants.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6050378,"Lorain County approves $2,500 change order to contractor for Gerber property clearing, staff notes wet conditions",484,1170000,1654000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3477675-315ccd2b8e72e61498a5960fdbbf67e3&start=1170&end=1654","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3477675-315ccd2b8e72e61498a5960fdbbf67e3/thumbnail_1170000.jpg","/articles/6050378/Lorain-County/Ohio/Lorain-County-approves-2500-change-order-to-contractor-for-Gerber-property-clearing-staff-notes-wet-conditions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6050378-31765e185642b3154939b8ba9f06a1b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166643&Signature=oGmHDC85zdHK~PYVEgLn48KZsMomDBTQTu3CxVWb5ngRm7msoMnAsr-MC3MzReH9Wzgv5xMNjxP1k0g063o8ggPE-5GTTctNQjt00K8vf~QFRi6~Z5ltFSZyGfky1BBEzxqZ-T199dzdNvhIg0bVqo5t46O4smCOikKHEGz4~potf~OrWqdJXgohlROZ5RNBFJMZpVupGToiMhrwq51-ggFyVaKbTBAfbUHMD7ANh1ZX3s8SyFd1e5gh0pEmKOj2BEW6BsOk2uhSZ3dMR~MEWzCnHNxvFPycQdwYFisu7ZvTl96vypFSC-6a8O6CYRbvBlDLYYjbUA1FpVZeY~4Vzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lorain County commissioners on May 23 approved a change order to Hammer Down Industries for selective tree clearing at the Gerber property after work was halted because of wet, soft field conditions.

A public commenter, Brian Baker, raised concerns before the vote, saying he was puzzled contractors were seeking an early $2,500 change order near the start of work and warned that early change orders could indicate a pattern of contractors using change orders to recover bid shortfalls.

County staff explained the payment request arose after wet mid-March conditions forced Hammer Down and a second contractor (Marks Construction) to remove equipment to avoid damaging soft ground. Staff said Hammer Down left the site, later returned to complete the work and submitted $2,500 for mobilization and weather-related costs. Staff described the choice to pause as preferable to risking damage to a field that will become a wetland and said the larger contract that followed was worth approximately $3.4 million.

Why it matters: County staff and commissioners said protecting the site and avoiding pre-construction damage justified the extra cost; staff noted the Hammer Down contract was nearly complete except for this payment. Commissioners asked staff to monitor the contract for additional change orders.

Discussion vs. action: The transcript records a motion to approve the change order followed by staff explanation and a recorded discussion. The transcript shows commissioners voting \"Aye\" on stormwater and related votes surrounding the item. The change order was described as payable from the county’s contractual services account.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to watch for further change orders on the project. The transcript records staff saying crews adjusted methods (hand removal where necessary) to reduce site impact and then returned with machinery to finish work.","Commissioners approved a change order to Hammer Down Industries for selective tree clearing on the Gerber property in Eanes Township after crews mobilized in wet conditions; staff said the change order covers weather- and mobilization-related costs and explained coordination with a larger contractor.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6050383,"Lorain County commissioners mark May as Foster Care Month, urge more rural foster families",220,329000,549000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3477675-315ccd2b8e72e61498a5960fdbbf67e3&start=329&end=549","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3477675-315ccd2b8e72e61498a5960fdbbf67e3/thumbnail_329000.jpg","/articles/6050383/Lorain-County/Ohio/Lorain-County-commissioners-mark-May-as-Foster-Care-Month-urge-more-rural-foster-families","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6050383-d6c94ae9bbb777daf3368822039326a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166643&Signature=nbxNF2q6TfPR7~pQ-Z6r6YcLmvAed8U~kk4PRvrDNBAHL-9EMmPptAUTMY1VGIRRT7XGGEp9AN8BCdztXJOQPiAdpsK9yKgaJG3lg4vMR9onJaHtCWlfz1VdiPYN1tQnzOk6~q2rRNq~G5ym~vhMH9M-Zvk7vhWlxyr~AX1mq6KgLFDsY8uDpdIAJhjCBFm~bhF9JoJe1V3xh1QEaqgMvnbzpOqdvQU-1bdIs-NoNJ-RjDOyJt3qfFKoYAHvGXsGokdV5zQGghpNVPvzE6GUuouBdSKsHMWh7hFCYsjbIeGMumDwSEw~jQEzMJqBa1E9KoM1lwrr1fIc8jpG3-aeXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioners for Lorain County on May 23 hosted foster parents and Lorain County Children’s Services staff to present a proclamation recognizing May as Foster Care Month and to urge residents to consider fostering.

Nancy Griffiths, a foster and adoptive licensing supervisor at Lorain County Children’s Services, thanked the commissioners and said the agency is “grateful to the many families that have chosen to become licensed foster parents here at Lorain County.” She described the licensing process as including background checks, a detailed home study and extensive training.

The presentation included testimony from foster parents Brenda and Daniel Walsh and Maribel Rivera. Griffiths said the Walshes have been licensed since 2021 and have provided respite care for other foster families; Rivera, who retired from fostering in January, cared for 11 children since 2015 and continues to volunteer at Mercy Health Hospital.

Why it matters: County staff and foster parents said the county has fewer foster homes than needed in rural townships. Griffiths said roughly 11 percent of referrals come from Lorain County’s rural communities but that the county has “few foster homes in the rural Lorain County,” and asked listeners to encourage potential foster parents to visit childrenservices.org.

County context and next steps: During the presentation Commissioner Rodell read or summarized the proclamation and cited agency figures the board provided: \"each month approximately 85 children need to stay in foster care in Lorain County,\" and \"58 highly trained and dedicated foster families licensed through Lorain County Children's Services\". Commissioners and attendees discussed outreach priorities: recruiting in rural townships, among veterans and within school systems.

Discussion vs. action: This event presented a proclamation and public recognition; the transcript records the proclamation being read and discussed but does not record a formal vote on adoption of the proclamation in the minutes. No new ordinance, contract, or funding decision was made at the meeting.

Voices in the record: Griffiths emphasized the county’s recruitment needs and the role of community referrals in expanding the foster pool. Commissioner Moore and other commissioners offered personal recollections and encouraged the public to refer candidates. There were no public motions or funding commitments recorded related to foster services in this segment.

Ending: Children’s Services asked residents to encourage suitable friends, neighbors or coworkers to consider licensing as foster parents; staff pointed potential applicants to childrenservices.org for details.","Lorain County officials and Lorain County Children’s Services presented a proclamation recognizing May as Foster Care Month and called for recruitment of more foster families, especially from rural townships and among veterans and school staff.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6050364,"Lorain County officials return from Las Vegas trade show, tout airport master plan progress and development leads",351,2977000,3328000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3477675-315ccd2b8e72e61498a5960fdbbf67e3&start=2977&end=3328","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3477675-315ccd2b8e72e61498a5960fdbbf67e3/thumbnail_2977000.jpg","/articles/6050364/Lorain-County/Ohio/Lorain-County-officials-return-from-Las-Vegas-trade-show-tout-airport-master-plan-progress-and-development-leads","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6050364-abbc8f6a27a3e95f524b6bb6b6582067/orig.mp4?Expires=1771166643&Signature=S6LOpLb9vDMPcB-UBLcxbI0uSw~jsyGDyNfKMx5PpqYudtPtaOR-DS6SAp5U1-VEAbB7RCcSrA9vil199yiNvaTaS3QYW-6VGVBiNU8HUzyVlP8DzGcO12GUlktbugeAlH5c1MDohxMX9CnyHQFutnsWuRL6V51YzngU9oPNncKYJvr2mbfHNgOMAf0iZPubWOxkscYGhFHq1B~PsM-mwqBOf6SZQA8A-t8YQ5ItsvQ3uOEf1Aj5hZvnDUDONiXuNqa6~Dj1yssjl9zmNGZ82ldepNJk4LtwI8UgxByxdOE1NRae2iW56pOh-mUK~~SAd8qyRd-4dY0pkFdisqi0oA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lorain County commissioners and county administrators reported on a business-development trip to Las Vegas and on progress updating the Lorain County airport master plan during the May 23 meeting.

Commissioners and county staff said their 10-by-20 booth at a national trade show drew steady traffic and produced roughly 30–40 promising business leads. Commissioners credited the Lorain County Visitors Bureau and Port Authority for the display, and said the promotional materials—particularly a short county video created for the show—generated interest among developers, investors and Ohio-based companies.

Airport master plan update: County staff reported the master plan, prepared with consultant CMT, is moving forward. The county submitted a forecast to the FAA’s Airport District Office in Detroit and is responding to questions; staff said they expect the administrative steps for the non-aviation land release to be complete later in the year and anticipated resubmitting minor property-descriptive updates by June. The county also plans stakeholder meetings at the airport in June.

Economic-development outreach and next steps: Commissioners said they met developers interested in the county’s lakefront and non-aviation land and that one serious developer could potentially assist with runway-extension financing tied to non-aviation land redevelopment. Commissioners urged nearby municipalities to participate in VIA (public transit) contract discussions and to consider cost-sharing; staff reminded municipalities the county’s Via contract expires in July and that local commitments are needed to sustain the program.

Why it matters: County officials described the trade show as a successful marketing effort that raised Lorain County’s visibility to developers and investors, produced leads for site-development opportunities (including industrial and data-center interest), and advanced the airport planning and non-aviation-land release process that could support runway extensions and future taxable development.

Ending: County leaders said they will continue stakeholder outreach, host airport stakeholder meetings in June, and pursue follow-up with developers and municipalities on VIA funding and participation.","County leaders said their trade-show booth in Las Vegas generated dozens of development leads, highlighted interest in lakefront and non-aviation land, and reported the airport master-plan update is advancing with an expected completion later this year.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Sheriff seeks to fund jail painting from restricted funds; commissioners question contracting authority and delay commissary contract

Lorain County holds final CDBG hearing; staff recommends Meals on Wheels funding and multiple infrastructure requests to state

Lorain County approves $2,500 change order to contractor for Gerber property clearing, staff notes wet conditions

Lorain County commissioners mark May as Foster Care Month, urge more rural foster families

Lorain County officials return from Las Vegas trade show, tout airport master plan progress and development leads