Erie County Commissioners approve jail control system contract, joint CHIP agreement and one-time staff bonuses

Erie County Commissioners met April 14, 2025 at the Services Center and unanimously approved a series of routine resolutions and personnel actions that county officials said support operations and intergovernmental programs.

County Administrator Hank Solowiej reported that March gas tax collections totaled $276,000 compared with $274,000 a year earlier and that year-to-date collections were $1.224 million versus $1.218 million at the same point last year. "Sales tax has not posted yet, but I will email the Commissioners when it does," Solowiej said.

The Board voted to enter into an agreement with Securitas Technology Corporation for a jail control system installation under Resolution #25-101; the motion was made by Mr. Shoffner and seconded by Mr. Old and passed on a roll call of All Aye. The commissioners also adopted Resolution #25-104 to participate in the Program Year 2025 Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) program through a joint cooperating agreement with the cities of Sandusky, Huron and Vermilion.

Other votes included adoption of Resolution #25-102 authorizing Memorial Day appropriations under Section 307.66 of the Ohio Revised Code and Resolution #25-103 to execute a Preferred Provider Agreement with Vytalize Health Reach, LLC to add The Meadows of Osborn Park as a provider in a Medicare accountable care arrangement. The Board approved a Then-and-Now certification payment authorization presented by the County Auditor pursuant to O.R.C. 5705.41(d)1 (Res. #25-105) and declared certain items surplus under Resolution #25-106; all motions passed on unanimous roll calls.

The commissioners approved two one-time bonuses for Erie County Department of Job and Family Services (ECDJFS) staff: a Medicaid Timeliness Bonus of $792.33 and a Fraud Overpayment Processing Incentive Bonus of $1,000, each to be included in paychecks dated May 9, 2025. The Board also executed proclamations for National Therapy Animal Day and National Child Abuse Prevention Month, approved a personnel action moving Camme Sharkey from Eligibility Specialist 3 to Eligibility Specialist Aide 3 effective May 5, 2025, and authorized several recruitment requests for county positions.

The Board voted to cancel six May commission meetings (May 1, May 5, May 8, May 26, May 28 and May 29, 2025). President Shenigo signed a letter to U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur requesting federal funding assistance to route Sawmill Wastewater Treatment Plant flows to the Huron Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Votes at a glance

- Res. #25-101 (Securitas Technology Corporation agreement for jail control system): Mover Mr. Shoffner; Second Mr. Old; Outcome: approved; Roll Call: All Aye. - Res. #25-102 (Memorial Day appropriations under O.R.C. 307.66): Mover Mr. Shoffner; Second Mr. Old; Outcome: approved; Roll Call: All Aye. - Res. #25-103 (Preferred Provider Agreement with Vytalize Health Reach, LLC): Mover Mr. Shoffner; Second Mr. Old; Outcome: approved; Roll Call: All Aye. - Res. #25-104 (Joint CHIP agreement with Sandusky, Huron and Vermilion): Mover Mr. Shoffner; Second Mr. Old; Outcome: approved; Roll Call: All Aye. - Res. #25-105 (Then-and-Now Certification payment authorization under O.R.C. 5705.41(d)1): Mover Mr. Shoffner; Second Mr. Old; Outcome: approved; Roll Call: All Aye. - Res. #25-106 (Declare surplus items): Mover Mr. Shoffner; Second Mr. Old; Outcome: approved; Roll Call: All Aye.

The meeting adjourned at 9:40 a.m. on a motion of Mr. Old and second of Mr. Shoffner. The Board scheduled a Blue Ribbon Meeting on education for April 15, 2025 at McCormick Middle School in Huron.