Commissioners split over sheriff’s request to retain outside counsel for 9‑1‑1 matters

The Lorain County Board of Commissioners voted on Dec. 19 to retain outside counsel for the sheriff’s office to advise on 9‑1‑1 operations and regional emergency communications under Ohio Revised Code 305.14.

The request prompted sharp debate. One commissioner criticized the measure as a waste of taxpayer funds and said the sheriff already has in‑house legal counsel; another commissioner said prior actions by the previous sheriff had led to unapproved legal bills and the board must guard against similar bypasses of the ordinary process.

Supporters of the resolution said the current sheriff had followed the required process in bringing the request to the board and that outside counsel may be necessary when conflicts arise. Opponents said the prosecutor’s office had offered to assist and that the county should avoid paying for duplicative legal services.

When put to a vote the motion passed with at least one recorded “no.” Commissioners said they hope the step encourages negotiation rather than litigation but acknowledged differing views about appropriateness and cost controls.