Lorain County schedules public hearings on proposed $5 permissive license-plate fee to fund roads

The Lorain County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 25 voted to advertise public hearings on a proposed countywide $5 permissive annual motor-vehicle license fee under Ohio Revised Code 4504.24, with hearings set for April 15 and April 22, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. in Commissioners’ Hearing Room B226, Middle Avenue, Elyria.

Staff and commissioners said the fee is intended to produce local matching funds to help the county secure state and federal grants for roads, bridges and other infrastructure. County staff presented a countywide $5 fee as the option that “gives the most bang for the buck,” while commissioners discussed alternatives such as charging only townships or exempting trailers.

“We met with the trustees and heard feedback,” a county staff member identified as Bob told the board, describing outreach to townships and residents. Bob said the county could exclude trailers from the fee if the board decides that is appropriate.

Commissioner Riddell said the county needs local revenue so it can show “skin in the game” when applying for matching state and federal dollars and noted the funds would be restricted to construction projects. “If you can pay $5 and get $20 or $25 worth of work done, that’s a good value,” Riddell said.

Commissioner Bridal, who said he had opposed earlier versions of the proposal, described how township meetings and public input over the last year led to the current countywide option. Bridal said the county intends to restrict any revenue raised to road construction and related infrastructure and not use it for salaries or unrelated expenses.

Commissioner Moore noted the hearings are procedural and that the board is not yet enacting the fee. “Just setting the hearings, right,” Moore said after the board voted to advertise the hearings.

Board members discussed timing and statutory deadlines. County staff said the ordinance must be in place before July 1 for the fee to take effect for the next license-year cycle; staff said additional lead time is required to program county systems and ensure fees do not begin mid-year because license renewals are tied to registrants’ birth months.

The board agreed to hold at least the two advertised hearings and said it would consider holding additional meetings in the community if public demand warrants it. Commissioners encouraged residents to attend the hearings or submit written comments.