Lorain County commissioners approve routine appropriations, contracts and payments; several items set for later action

Lorain County commissioners on Tuesday approved a series of routine financial and administrative measures, including reappropriations of previously authorized 2024 funds, contract assignment paperwork for a county building project, a pharmacy-benefit manager contract, and a new service agreement for 9-1-1 call recording.

The board unanimously approved investments, appropriations and transfers that county staff described as reappropriations of funds authorized in 2024 for projects (including a dog kennel and runway work at county airports) that now require 2025 appropriations so the money can be spent. Casey, a county finance staff member, told commissioners the items “are for projects you guys that have already been approved and are moving forward” and that unused appropriations reset at year-end, necessitating reappropriation in 2025.

Other actions included consent to assign two architect contracts from Clark & Post to CPL Architects, Engineers and Landscape Architects (a housekeeping change after a firm sale); approval of a service agreement with True Scribe Management Services LLC as the county’s pharmacy-benefit manager, effective retroactive to Feb. 1, 2025; and authorization of a new eight-year service agreement with Eventide Inc. to provide next-generation 9-1-1 voice-recording services for Lorain County 9-1-1, at an annual service cost described in the meeting and with a $78,000 credit from Motorola noted.

The board approved a settlement and reimbursement to the City of Lorain (detailed in a separate action item) and allowed the Lorain County Conservation District to use a 2.6-acre county parcel at 42100 Russia Road in Elyria to establish a pollinator habitat using grant funds; commissioners noted no county general-fund money would be used and that the county reserves property rights.

Other approvals included payment to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation for a “true up” in the amount of $30,987 to be paid from the county’s workers’ compensation claims account; disposition of excess PPE donated during COVID-19 in accordance with Ohio law; and routine approvals covering travel, bills and meeting minutes.

The board also received a notice that it will decide on Feb. 25 whether to approve an expedited annexation request from Pittsfield Township to the city of Oberlin covering 39.221 acres; staff described the commissioners’ role as auditing that the city followed the correct statutory process before the board can award annexation.

Votes at a glance (selected items) - Investments: approved (unanimous) - Appropriations (reappropriation of prior-year project funds): approved (unanimous) - Transfers, requisitions, travel, bills (pages 1–3): approved (unanimous) - Consent to assign Clark & Post contracts to CPL: approved (unanimous) - Service agreement with True Scribe Management Services (pharmacy-benefit manager), retroactive Feb. 1, 2025: approved (unanimous) - Settlement agreement/reimbursement to City of Lorain (Case No. 23CV210434) in amount $685,210.50: approved (unanimous) — see separate article for details - Allow Lorain County Conservation District to use 2.6-acre parcel at 42100 Russia Road for a pollinator habitat (no county general-fund monies): approved (unanimous) - Payment to Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, $30,987: approved (unanimous) - Eventide Inc. service agreement for 9-1-1 recording (84 months): approved (unanimous) - Disposal of excess PPE received during COVID-19: approved (unanimous)

Several of the items approved on Tuesday were described by staff as bookkeeping or routine contract updates needed to continue previously approved projects. The board did not hold an executive session.