Medina County commissioners declare emergency for county home repairs and hire consultants to assess damage

The Medina County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday unanimously approved an emergency declaration for repairs at the Medina County Home and authorized contracts with two private firms to begin design and pricing of the work.

County Administrator Matt Springer said the step was needed so the county could move past competitive bidding and immediately shore up and assess structural problems at the county-run long-term care facility. "We have to take immediate steps at the county home, and unfortunately we don't yet know the scope of the cost there," Springer said during the meeting.

The board approved two related resolutions: one declaring an emergency that allows the county to bypass the competitive bidding process for this work, and a second authorizing the county administrator to enter consulting service agreements with Envelope Consulting Services and Waller Construction to begin design, diagnostic work and firm pricing. Springer said the initial work will preserve foundations and allow additional diagnostic work to determine the full scope of repairs; he said the county will retain the option to change course if a different, more cost-effective solution is identified.

Commissioners acknowledged community offers to assist with excavation and related tasks and said some private firms had already reached out to county staff and the architect to offer reduced-cost services or donations. The board did not commit county funds beyond the consulting agreements at this meeting; Springer said the total repair cost remains unknown.

The two resolutions passed on a roll call vote: Commissioner Sweatick — yes; Commissioner Hambley — yes; Commissioner Harrison — yes. The board then moved on to other business.

Background and next steps: Springer said the work will begin with diagnostic and preservation measures and that staff will return with more detailed cost estimates and scope recommendations once consultants complete the initial assessments. No dollar amounts for the consulting agreements or an overall repair estimate were provided at the meeting.

Votes and formal actions on the county home item are recorded in the meeting minutes as an emergency declaration and authorization to negotiate and enter agreements with the named consultants.