PAINESVILLE, Ohio — The Lake County Board of Commissioners confirmed revised special assessments for the Kirtland Old Town Sanitary Sewer Project after county staff and deputies described a multi-source financing effort that county officials said sharply reduced the assessment burden on affected households.

County utilities staff and commissioners described the sewer project as a long-running effort that followed a state order requiring sewer installation in the area. At the outset of public information meetings, staff said the estimated household cost to construct laterals and connect to sewer was approximately $28,000 per household. Commissioners and staff explained that the city, county and multiple grant programs helped reduce that cost.

Officials told the board that federal and state grant sources and local funding had been used to lower the household assessment to about $2,573 per household. Utilities and commissioners gave an overall project cost figure of about $3,700,000 and said roughly $3,100,000 of the project cost was procured from outside funds (federal/state grants and other sources). Commissioners said additional assistance programs (the health department, CDBG) would help qualifying residents with upfront lateral connection costs and permit fees.

One commissioner thanked county staff and Commissioner Beveridge by name for sustained work to secure funding and lower assessments. Commissioners moved and approved the resolution to confirm and levy the revised assessments; roll call was recorded as: Commissioner Plecnik Yes; Commissioner Beveridge Aye; Commissioner Rekovich Yes.

Why it matters: Special assessments are certified for collection and will affect homeowners in the Kirtland Old Town project area. The board said grant funding, ARPA funds and assistance programs were key to reducing the per-household assessment from initial estimates.

Details and caveats: The transcript records the approximate figures provided during discussion. The $28,000 initial estimate and the reduced $2,573 per-household figure were stated in meeting remarks; the board and staff characterized the latter as a result of combining outside grant funds, ARPA monies and program assistance but did not provide a parcel-by-parcel assessment schedule in the meeting record. Additional qualifying assistance through CDBG and the health department was noted for residents with upfront costs.

Next steps: Utilities staff will proceed with administrative steps to certify assessments and pursue collection processes; affected property owners should receive formal notices as required under county procedures.