Mahoning County commissioners approve routine contracts, allocate opioid funds for EMS training and appoint new emergency management director

Mahoning County commissioners at their May 7, 2026 meeting approved a slate of routine contracts and budget actions, directed opioid settlement funds to local EMS training, authorized roadwork and change orders, and appointed a new county emergency management director.

Agreements and contracts approved included a $15,000 continuing operation agreement for an e-filing system for the clerk of courts (presented by Kathy Roz), an annual drug-testing services contract with Meridian Healthcare (estimated $3,500), and a transition to LexisNexis for prosecutor legal research. County prosecutor Mara said switching to LexisNexis will reduce costs while expanding services: "by switching to Lexis, we're saving over $60,000 and we're actually getting a lot more services than we had before," including additional training and database features.

The board approved multiple change orders for lead-hazard control and healthy homes work on specified properties (amounts listed by staff) and a $842,729.30 change order for the 2025 road and bridge safety upgrade program tied to 2026 sales-tax resurfacing. Engineers also secured approval to close Mahoning Avenue at Bailey Road beginning May 11, 2026, for approximately 120 days to construct a roundabout as part of the Mahoning Avenue industrial corridor project.

Commissioners approved a resolution directing $200,000 of opioid settlement funds to the Mahoning County Fire Chiefs Association to continue EMS training and awarded $100,000 in non-general funds to Viola Environmental Services for residential household hazardous waste collection. They reappointed Maria Kougris Papus to the Children's Services Board for a four-year term effective May 1, 2026.

Human resources presented and the commissioners approved the appointment of Connor O'Halerin as the county emergency management agency director; staff and commissioners praised his performance during recent exercises and emergency events. The board also authorized a $215,000 transfer from the general fund to the information technology fund for the 2026 PC refresh and approved a $2,500 CVB sponsorship grant for the Simply Slavic Festival (June 26–28, 2026).

Several budget additions were discussed as procedural steps to certify revenues and set up funds before contracts or purchase orders are issued; county staff explained some additions reflect federal grant funding (including a Glenwood Avenue project) and that more detailed contract items will appear on future agendas.

Most motions passed by roll call with commissioners recording affirmative votes; the meeting adjourned after routine commissioner remarks and confirmations of the next meeting date (Thursday, May 14 at 10 a.m.).