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Lorain County commissioners authorize $5,000 credit cards for each commissioner after months of policy work
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Summary
The board moved to permit each commissioner to apply for and use a county credit card with a $5,000 limit under Ohio Rev. Code §301.27, after extended discussion of a 10‑page policy, internal controls and past problems with using personal cards for county business.
The Lorain County Board of Commissioners voted Nov. 11 to allow each commissioner to apply for and use a county-issued credit card with a limit not to exceed $5,000 under Ohio Revised Code §301.27.
The item was introduced as three separate authorizations for Commissioner Jeffrey R. Riddell (item 10), Commissioner David J. Moore (item 11) and Commissioner Marty Gallagher (item 12). Commissioners and county attorneys described a 10-page policy developed over several months that the prosecutor’s office said contains controls and accountability measures. "This policy... was months and months and months of discussions and determinations of how this policy should be put in place," a prosecutor's office representative said.
Supporters said cards will make it easier to pay vendors promptly when county credit is refused, reduce burdens on staff or commissioners who otherwise use personal cards and help restore vendor relationships. Commissioner speakers described past incidents where using personal cards caused delayed reimbursements and incidental interest charges.
Opponents and questioners raised oversight questions, tax consequences and reward-point issues. Public commenter Gerald Phillips, who identified himself as a certified public accountant, asked whether the county's policy meets the statutory requirements in Ohio Rev. Code §301.27 and whether card use would be treated as an accountable plan for IRS reporting or as taxable income. Commissioners said receipts remain public records and that the policy includes required approvals and scrutiny.
The board approved the authorizations by voice and roll-call votes for the individual items; commissioners also discussed operational controls such as keeping cards in the office and restricting personal carriage by cardholders.
Ending: The board said the policy includes checks and balances and that credit-card receipts will remain public records to ensure accountability.
