Commissioners approve MetroParks legal-services agreement after debate over conflicts

The Trumbull County Board of Commissioners voted to approve an agreement authorizing the Trumbull County Prosecuting Attorney to provide legal services to the Trumbull County Metroparks for the 2026 calendar year.

During discussion before the vote a commissioner raised concerns that extending prosecutorial services to outside entities could create conflicts that force the county to hire outside counsel in related matters, potentially costing taxpayers significant sums. "I voiced my opinion about this yesterday, and I said I would go with the consensus of the board. I just caution us in doing so," the commissioner said, recounting a prior case that ultimately generated "about $50,000 in bills that would have been free for the citizens, had we not allowed our prosecutor to represent them for a dollar a year." The commissioner urged caution to avoid repeating that outcome.

Another commissioner responded that the prosecutor's office already represents other departments and that providing representation to MetroParks — which oversees trails and parks across the county — is appropriate. "I really don't see an issue with it," that commissioner said, adding that potential lawsuits are hypothetical and the office should be available to provide representation when needed.

The board took a recorded voice vote. The motion carried 2–1: Malloy voted no; Hernandez and Bernard voted yes. The agreement covers legal counsel and assistance to the MetroParks board as directed by the park board and is effective 01/01/2026 through 12/31/2026.

The board moved on after the vote; no amendment to the agreement was recorded during the meeting.