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Sheriff details repeated water damage at LEC; commissioners discuss contract renewals
Summary
Sheriff Lee told Stark County commissioners that recurring water and wastewater damage at the Law Enforcement Center has caused repeated flooding that has damaged offices and evidence storage, and described a phased repair plan that could cost several hundred thousand dollars.
Sheriff Lee updated commissioners on repeated water and wastewater intrusions at the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) and outlined a phased repair plan that officials estimate could exceed $600,000 for the next phase.
"The vehicle repair costs that we're incurring this year is ridiculous compared to years past," the sheriff said when opening his report, and later recapped building problems at the LEC: multiple floods onto office floors, water reaching an evidence room and near the county server room, and mold and wall repairs after repeated incidents. He told commissioners that earlier emergency and maintenance work totalled roughly $350,000 and that an estimate for a more extensive phase 2 repair could be nearly $600,000. Much of the largest upcoming expense will likely fall on the jail component.
Commissioners discussed the health and safety of employees and potential interim relocation or workspace modifications while phased repairs occur. One commissioner said officials have explored options and asked staff to continue evaluating alternatives and report back. The sheriff and commissioners agreed more planning and budgeting will be necessary, and some of the billing is likely to occur in the 2026 budget season.
Separately, commissioners handled items related to law enforcement contracts. The agenda included a request to authorize executing a renewed contract with South Heart for sheriff services once the county state's attorney reviews final wording. The board moved to approve execution of the contract subject to the state's attorneyreview; that motion initially failed on a voice vote but the board later took up contract approval again and created a motion accepting the county administrator's recommendation to execute the contract subject to review. Commissioners noted the existing services had continued despite a lapsed contract and that timely review and corrective wording were the immediate priorities.
Sheriff Lee also requested routine approvals, including renewal of mutual aid arrangements and signing a South Heart contract once final language is cleared by counsel. He also reported a $149.99 training reimbursement for a second officer to attend proactive patrol tactics and other small expenditures presented in accounts payable.
Commissioners asked the sheriff to return with cost alternatives and more precise schedules for the LEC repairs so that funding can be scheduled in the 2026 budget and any necessary temporary accommodations can be arranged for affected staff.
