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Council amends and refers ordinance on forgiving certain home loans to Federal Programs Committee
Summary
Council amended an ordinance that would authorize the safety-service director to forgive specified home loans and sent the revised measure to the Federal Programs Committee for further review after council action to amend by substitution.
Lorain City Council amended by substitution an ordinance authorizing the safety-service director to forgive certain home loans and referred the amended ordinance to the Federal Programs Committee for additional review.
Councilwoman Carter introduced the ordinance and moved to suspend the three-reading rule so the council could consider the measure. Council then voted to amend the ordinance by substitution; the amendment passed with two dissenting votes (Councilmember DeMakia and Councilmember Thornsberry). After the amendment, the council voted unanimously to refer the matter to the Federal Programs Committee.
Public commenter Harry Williamson spoke in opposition during the public-comment period, urging council to “think carefully and cautiously” before forgiving loan balances and noting that notes are recorded in the county recorder’s office. Councilmembers discussed practical limits to enforcement and collection, including cases where borrowers are deceased and the estate may not have assets to repay loans.
Councilmembers said the referral to committee will allow legal staff and the administration to evaluate recoverability, enforcement costs, and the administrative burden of pursuing small balances against estates. Councilmembers and staff also noted that the ordinance, as amended, includes exhibits and case lists that require legal review before any final action.
