Medina County approves $480,135 change order for County Home repairs and a counseling contract not to exceed $10,000

Medina County commissioners approved two resolutions related to County Home repairs and resident services: change order No. 2 for foundation repair work with a cost to complete of $480,135, and a service contract with Mix SAS and Ohio Guidestone for mental‑health counseling at $630 per session, not to exceed $10,000 for the contract term.

County Administrator Matt Spreier said the approved change order represents the bulk of the repair work. Spreier noted the county had set aside $1,000,000 in contingency funds for the project; with the change order and costs already incurred, the county is at about $600,000 in total expenses so far, including design fees. Spreier estimated additional interior repairs—primarily cafeteria work—could cost roughly $150,000, and said the current authorizations keep the project under the contingency worst-case projection.

A County Home staff member, introduced as Greg Brown, provided a census update: 43 residents in the facility and one in adult day care. Brown said staffing had improved, with one full-time second‑shift vacancy that had an applicant pending background check; intermittent LPN and aide positions remain open but current staff are covering vacations and short-term needs. He said maintenance had been handling minor emergencies and upgrading light fixtures to LED as repairs are made.

Brown described recent resident activities and community support, including visits from local groups, early voting assistance by the board of elections, and regular donations from churches and community organizations. He also noted the earlier resolution authorizing the repairs allowed work to proceed on the North Wing.

Both resolutions passed on roll call; Commissioners Sweatick, Hambley and Harrison voted yes.

The county will continue to monitor remaining repair needs and bring any additional change orders or funding requests back to the commissioners if required.