Lorain County, OH

Board of Commissioners

Visitors Bureau Board

Board of Commissioners

The Lorain County Board of Commissioners will vote on an expedited annexation of about 65.26 acres from Amherst Township to the City of Elyria, and will consider several contract amendments and agreements, including increases to TANF and Medicaid transportation contracts, a consulting agreement for a sewer project, and funding for jail medication-assisted treatment. The agenda also includes routine items like investments, appropriations, and transfers, and a possible executive session.

• Annexation of ~65.2559 acres from Amherst Township to Elyria (Petitioner: Builders & Developers, Co., Inc.)
• Amend JFS subgrant with United Way of Greater Lorain County: increase by $100,000 to $415,000 for TANF
• Extend Americab Transportation contract for non-emergency medical transport: up to $750,000
• Extend Charak Center contract for non-emergency medical transport: up to $450,000
• Approve $8,500 consulting agreement with Chagrin Valley Engineering for SR2 & Baumhart Road sewer project

Lorain County Land Bank Board

The Lorain County Land Reutilization Corporation board will consider two disposition agreements for properties at 1050 Reid Ave. and Fulton Rd. in Lorain, along with routine items like approving minutes and hearing public comment. The meeting is mostly procedural, with the two agreements being the only substantive new business.

• Disposition Agreement LCCAA – 1050 Reid Ave. Lorain
• Disposition Agreement Raise Up – Fulton Rd. Lorain
• Approve minutes of July 9, 2026
• Public comment period
• Next meeting scheduled for October 15, 2026

Board of Commissioners

The Lorain County Board of Commissioners will vote on routine resolutions including investments, appropriations, and transfers, plus specific items: two Job & Family Services fund transfers, a stormwater construction contract, Children Services board reappointments, and credit card authorizations for Prosecutor's Office staff. The agenda also includes public comment, old business, and a possible executive session.

• Authorize JFS to transfer $226,980.53 from Public Assistance Fund to CSEA Fund for State FY26
• Authorize JFS to transfer $314,536.00 from Public Assistance Fund to CSEA Fund for TANF activities
• Award contract to Mark's Construction Inc. for $82,374.92 for Martins Run Lateral Stream Restoration in Elyria Township
• Re-appoint Roberto M. Davila and Lee Armbruster to Lorain County Children Services Board
• Authorize two $2,500 credit cards for Prosecutor's Office staff (Olivia Herbert and Billie Jo Belcher)

Board of Commissioners

The Lorain County Board of Commissioners will consider routine resolutions including investments, appropriations, and transfers, plus several notable items. They will vote on a $1,085,146 mandated share payment to Job & Family Services, a $142,446 contract extension with NEOGOV, and a change order for the Kelner Ditch project. The board will also discuss funding applications for five road and bridge projects through OPWC Round 41.

• Approve $1,085,146 payment to Lorain County Job & Family Services as mandated share
• Enter into $142,446 service agreement extension with NEOGOV for SaaS applications (June 2027-June 2028)
• Approve change order #1 for Kelner Ditch extending completion to Oct 31, 2026, no cost change
• Authorize OPWC funding applications for Baumhart Road resurfacing, Smith Road bridge, Island Road safety, Butternut Ridge bridge, Baumhart signal
• Approve 6-month transit agreement with Erie County Board of DD at $30/trip

The board approved a $1,085,146 mandated share payment to Job & Family Services, a one-year NEOGOV service extension for $149,779.56, and a no-cost change order extending the Kelner Ditch completion date to October 31, 2026. They also authorized OPWC funding applications for five road and bridge projects and a transit agreement with Erie County Board of DD. All votes were unanimous (3-0).

• Approved $1,085,146 JFS mandated share payment (3-0)
• Approved NEOGOV service extension for $149,779.56 (3-0)
• Approved Kelner Ditch change order #1, extending completion to Oct 31, 2026, no cost change (3-0)
• Authorized OPWC Round 41 funding applications for 5 projects (3-0)
• Approved 6-month transit agreement with Erie County Board of DD at $30/trip (3-0)
• Approved $263,000+ in requisitions including fleet vehicles and consulting (3-0)
• Approved $10,051.70 in general fund bills and other fund payments (3-0)
• Approved travel expenses for 9 employees totaling $6,197.53 (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Lorain County Board of Commissioners will consider a tentative three-year collective bargaining agreement with the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 18 S, effective September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2029. The board will also act on routine financial resolutions, including investments, appropriations, transfers, and bills, and may enter executive session for personnel matters. A change order for a housing rehabilitation project and participation in the federal CDBG program are also on the agenda.

• Tentative agreement with IUOE Local 18 S, effective Sept. 1, 2026 – Aug. 31, 2029
• Change order of $9,900 for porch rebuild at 623 East Avenue, Elyria; total project cost $77,515 (Jenmet Construction)
• Authorize participation in HUD CDBG Entitlement Program as an Urban County
• Proclaim August as Child Support Enforcement Month
• IRS mileage reimbursement rate increased to 76 cents/mile effective July 1, 2026

The Board approved Resolution 26-430, amending a prior contract with Jenmet Construction for a PY23 LSO project at 623 East Avenue, Elyria, increasing the total project cost to $77,515 due to a $9,900 change order for front porch repairs. The vote was 2-1, with Commissioner Moore voting 'under protest' and Commissioner Gallagher voting no after questioning the bidding and change-order process. The board also approved a resolution to pursue HUD Community Development Block Grant entitlement funding as an 'urban county,' and authorized over $1 million in appropriations including $650,000 for cybersecurity and $200,000 for legal services.

• Approved $77,515 amended housing rehab contract for 623 East Ave, Elyria (2-1, Moore under protest)
• Approved $650,000 appropriation for cybersecurity expenses (2-0)
• Approved $200,000 appropriation for legal services (2-0)
• Approved $55,168 for Justice Center 3rd Floor repairs (2-0)
• Approved $83,955 for Janell Dr sanitary sewer repairs (2-0)
• Approved resolution to pursue HUD CDBG 'urban county' entitlement status (2-0)
• Approved tentative 3-year agreement with Operating Engineers Local 18S (2-0)
• Proclaimed August 2026 as Child Support Awareness Month

Board of Commissioners

The Lorain County Board of Commissioners will consider two resolutions to increase the sales and use tax by one-fourth of one percent for 15 years, with the revenue supporting the construction, equipping, repair, and operation of the Lorain County Jail and Detention Home facilities. Both measures would be placed on the November 3, 2026 ballot. The board will also consider an annexation, health care plan rates, and several contracts.

• Resolution #9: 1/4% sales tax increase for criminal and administrative justice services, jail and detention home, placed on Nov. 3, 2026 ballot
• Resolution #10: 1/4% sales tax increase for jail and detention home construction, placed on Nov. 3, 2026 ballot
• Resolution #12: Proposed annexation of 65.2559 acres from Amherst Township to City of Elyria (Builders & Developers Co., Inc.)
• Resolution #13: Establish Lorain County Health Care Plan premium rates effective Jan. 1, 2027, with 3 plan sections, 4 tiers, spousal surcharge
• Resolution #14: Amend consulting agreement with K.E. McCartney & Associates for $3,179,200 for Quarry Rd Sanitary Trunk Sewer Extension

The Board denied a proposed 0.25% sales tax increase for jail construction and repair, voting 0-3 after public hearings and concerns about language and timing. Instead, commissioners encouraged the Sheriff to conduct a year-long public outreach effort, with a possible ballot measure in 2027. The board also approved routine financial resolutions, health care premium changes, and two subdivision agreements.

• Denied sales tax increase for jail/detention home construction (0-3)
• Approved $5.03M appropriations for sanitary sewer project (3-0)
• Approved $270K for Veteran Services relief (3-0)
• Approved $78,617 for 3 Ford Escapes for Domestic Relations (3-0)
• Approved $26,591 for computer software for Auditor (3-0)
• Approved health care premium changes with 14% increase and new plan options (3-0)
• Approved subdivider agreement for Eaton Crossing Subdivision No. 6 (3-0)
• Approved subdivider agreement for Jayna Reserve Subdivision No. 2 (3-0)

Investment Advisory Committee

The Lorain County Investment Advisory Committee is meeting to approve or correct the minutes from its May 26, 2026 meeting, discuss other business, and confirm the schedule for upcoming quarterly meetings. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific investment decisions or financial items listed.

• Approval/correction of May 26, 2026 meeting minutes
• Next meeting scheduled for October 27, 2026 (3rd quarter)
• Following meeting scheduled for January 26, 2027 (4th quarter)
• Public comment period

Lorain County Economic & Industrial Development Corporation

The Lorain County Economic and Industrial Development Corporation trustees are meeting to approve minutes, discuss financial account-type changes, consider an electronic application option, update regulations to allow electronic notifications, and delegate officer duties. The agenda is mostly routine administrative items with no major public decisions.

• Approval of minutes from December 18th, 2025 meeting
• Financial account-type update (old business)
• Second change to account-type (new business)
• Electronic application option
• Code of regulation update to permit electronic notification to members and trustees

Board of Commissioners

The Lorain County Board of Commissioners is holding two public hearings on a proposed ¼% sales tax for 15 years. The first hearing covers criminal justice and administrative services for the Lorain County Jail and Detention Facility, and the second covers construction, equipping, or repair for the same facilities. These are the second hearings on each measure, following prior sessions. The meeting also includes public comment and adjournment.

• Second public hearing on ¼% sales tax for 15 years for Criminal Justice & Administrative Services for Lorain County Jail Facility & Detention Facility
• Second public hearing on ¼% sales tax for 15 years for Construction, Equipping or Repair for Lorain County Jail Facility & Detention Facility
• Public comment period (2-minute limit)

The Board of Commissioners held two public hearings on a proposed 0.25% (quarter-percent) sales tax for 15 years to fund construction and operation of a new Lorain County Jail and Detention Facility. No vote was taken on the tax itself; the board heard public comment and closed both hearings. Commissioners indicated they may place one or both tax proposals on the July 28 or July 31 agenda for a decision on whether to put it on the ballot.

• Closed first public hearing on criminal justice sales tax (3-0)
• Closed second public hearing on construction sales tax (3-0)
• No vote taken on placing sales tax on ballot; decision deferred to July 28 or 31 agenda

Board of Commissioners

The Lorain County Board of Commissioners will vote on the FY2027 tax budget, a new IT contract, stormwater and transit agreements, and a resolution to place a Children Services levy on the November ballot. The agenda also includes public hearings on proposed sales taxes for jail facilities and updates on highway permits and other county business.

• Adopt FY2027 Lorain County Tax Budget
• Contract with Conversant Group for endpoint management, $428,757 quarterly for 550 endpoints
• Approve 3rd amendment with K.E McCartney & Associates for Willow Creek Watershed, $77,000, total not to exceed $1,356,710
• Agreement with River North Transit for microtransit extension, not to exceed $1,220,000
• Resolution to place .45 mill Children Services levy on November 2026 ballot

The Board of Commissioners adopted the FY2027 tax budget, projecting $84.8 million in receipts against $109.8 million in requests, a $17.5 million shortfall. They also placed a .45-mill Children Services levy on the November ballot, transferred $16.3 million from the jail construction fund back to the general fund, and extended microtransit service for six months at a cost not to exceed $1.22 million. All votes were 2-0 with Commissioner Riddell absent-excused.

• Adopted FY2027 tax budget with $109,799,809 in requests vs $84,840,222 projected receipts (2-0)
• Approved .45-mill Children Services levy for Nov 3, 2026 ballot, est. $5,405,086/year (2-0)
• Authorized $16,306,220.72 transfer from jail Q-Construction fund to general fund (2-0)
• Approved $1,220,000 microtransit extension with River North Transit/Via through Jan 30, 2027 (2-0)
• Approved $77,000 third amendment for Willow Creek/Carpenter Ditch restoration (2-0)
• Approved $428,757/quarter endpoint management contract with Conversant Group (2-0)
• Approved $1M stormwater contract appropriations and other fund adjustments (2-0)
• Approved $22,889.36 in general fund bills and other payments (2-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Lorain County Board of Commissioners is holding two public hearings on proposed ¼% sales taxes, each lasting 15 years, to fund criminal justice and administrative services for the Lorain County Jail and Detention Facility, and for construction, equipping, or repair of those facilities. These are the first hearings on each proposal. The meeting also includes public comment and adjournment.

• First sales tax hearing on a ¼% for 15 years for Criminal Justice & Administrative Services for Lorain County Jail Facility & Lorain County Detention Facility
• First sales tax hearing on a ¼% for 15 years for Construction, Equipping or Repair for Lorain County Jail Facility & Lorain County Detention Facility
• Public comment limited to 2 minutes

The Board of Commissioners held two public hearings on proposed 4% sales and use taxes for 15 years to fund the Lorain County Jail and Detention Facility. No one spoke at the first hearing; one person spoke in support at the second, urging local workforce agreements. Both hearings were closed with unanimous votes, and a second set of hearings is scheduled for July 21.

• Closed first sales tax hearing on 4% for 15 years for Criminal Justice & Administrative Services (2-0)
• Closed first sales tax hearing on 4% for 15 years for Construction, Equipping or Repair of jail and detention facility (2-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Lorain County Board of Commissioners will vote on several resolutions, including a $232,680.70 contract for ditch restoration in Penfield Township and a $45,000 amendment to a consulting agreement. They will also consider amendments to prior resolutions regarding a truck purchase and health district tax certification. The agenda includes numerous correspondence items, notably many townships declining participation in the Urban County Designation, while several cities and villages will participate. Public hearings on proposed sales tax increases for jail facilities are scheduled for July 17.

• Award contract to Mark's Construction Inc. for $232,680.70 plus 10% contingency to restore a ditch in Penfield Township (Unnamed Tributary of Wellington Creek)
• Approve First Amendment to Consulting Services Agreement with MCM Consulting Group, Inc. for $45,000
• Amend Res 26-320 to correct payment schedule for Volvo Tandem Plow Truck purchase (annual amount $53,333.66)
• Amend Res 26-254 to correct ORC citations for health district tax certification
• Public hearings on July 17 for two proposed 1/4% sales tax increases for jail facilities

The Board approved routine financial resolutions including investment confirmations, appropriations, fund transfers, requisitions, travel expenses, and bill payments. They also awarded a stormwater ditch restoration contract to Marks Construction Inc. for $232,680.70 plus 10% contingency, amended a consulting agreement with MCM Consulting Group, and approved a lease amendment for a Volvo plow truck. Public comment focused on the JFS strike and urban county designation process.

• Awarded $232,680.70 contract to Marks Construction for Wellington Creek restoration (3-0)
• Approved $45,000 amendment to MCM Consulting Group agreement (3-0)
• Amended Volvo plow truck lease to $53,333.66/year for 7 years (3-0)
• Approved $28,576.41 in general fund payments (3-0)
• Authorized $1,159,000+ in appropriations (3-0)
• Approved 17 requisitions totaling $180,000+ (3-0)
• Confirmed treasurer investments (3-0)
• Approved travel expense for JFS employee (3-0)

Lorain County Land Bank Board

The Lorain County Land Bank Board will consider entering into a construction and development services agreement with Community Building Partners, LLC to support new affordable homeownership units, and will accept a $902,000 Ohio Department of Development award for the 2026 Welcome Home Ohio program to rehabilitate 9 homes. The board will also discuss demolition of 418 Broadway Ave (Style Center) in Lorain. The meeting includes approval of minutes from March 19, 2026, and public comment.

• Enter into Construction & Development Services Agreement with Community Building Partners, LLC for affordable homeownership program
• Accept $902,000 Ohio Department of Development award for 2026 Welcome Home Ohio funding to rehabilitate 9 homes
• Demolition of 418 Broadway Ave (Style Center), Lorain
• Approve minutes from March 19, 2026

The board approved a demolition contract for 418 Broadway Ave (Style Center) in Lorain, with GID Construction at $287,000 plus a $60,000 contingency to shore up adjacent buildings. It also approved two Welcome Home Program agreements: a $75,000 service contract with Community Building Partners and acceptance of a $902,000 Ohio Department of Development award for the 2026 program. All votes were unanimous except the demolition resolution, where Mayor Bradley abstained.

• Approved Resolution 2026-13: demolition contract with GID Construction for $287,000 plus $60,000 contingency at 418 Broadway, Lorain (4-0, Bradley abstained)
• Approved Resolution 2026-14: construction & development service agreement with Community Building Partners for Welcome Home Program, $75,000 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2026-15: accepted $902,000 Ohio Department of Development award for 2026 Welcome Home Ohio (5-0)
• Approved minutes of March 19, 2026 as submitted (unanimous)

Stormwater Management District

The Lorain County Stormwater Management District is meeting to approve 2026 community grants, including $51,000 for an emergency culvert replacement in LaGrange Township and up to $33,000 for a drainage project in Pittsfield Township. The board will also review minutes, hear staff and engineer reports, and take public comment.

• Approve 2026 Community Grants
• $51,000 to LaGrange Township for failing culvert at Biggs Rd and Wheeler Rd
• Reimburse Pittsfield Township up to $33,000 for Hughes Rd Off Road Drainage project (includes $7,500 mini grant)
• Approve minutes from February 3, 2026
• Public comment period

Board of Commissioners

The Lorain County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the Curtice Ditch stormwater project in Penfield Township, presented by Don Romancak. The meeting is otherwise limited to adjournment, with no other substantive items on the agenda.

• Public hearing on Curtice Ditch, Penfield Township – Don Romancak, Stormwater

The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing and unanimously approved Resolution 26-389, adopting the Curtice Ditch Project in Penfield Township as a drainage improvement. The project will restore approximately 3,800 feet of ditch, replace failing culverts, and improve drainage for eight septic systems. No special assessments will be levied; the Stormwater District will fund the work.

• Approved Resolution 26-389 adopting the Curtice Ditch Project (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing on the drainage district (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Lorain County Board of Commissioners will vote on routine resolutions and several notable items, including rescinding a $16.3 million transfer from the jail construction fund back to the general fund, approving a $1.19 million sanitary sewer contract, and renewing the county's healthcare insurance provider. They will also consider a Community Reinvestment Area agreement for a Sheffield Township redevelopment project and changes to Children Services levies.

• Rescind Res#22-869, transferring $16,306,220.72 from Q-construction Fund 5000.5054 back to the general fund
• Award $1,189,159.00 contract to Underground Utilities Inc for Rolling Heights Allotment Sanitary Sewer Phase 1 in Sheffield Township
• Approve CRA Agreement with Damsa Ltd. for $2.57M redevelopment in Sheffield Township, creating 13 full-time and 21 part-time jobs
• Renew Medical Mutual Services as healthcare insurance provider for 2025
• Request auditor certification for Children Services levies of 0.3, 0.35, 0.40, and 0.45 mills for November 2026 ballot

The board repealed the permissive homestead exemption (Res#26-330) by a 2-1 vote, citing the state's HB479 property tax credit, and rescinded the 2022 resolution that set aside $20 million for the jail, returning $16.3 million to the general fund. They also approved numerous routine appropriations, fund transfers, contracts, and purchases, including a $1.19 million sewer project and a $1 million transfer to cover jail operations. All votes were unanimous except the homestead repeal, which Commissioner Moore opposed.

• Repealed homestead piggyback exemption (2-1, Moore dissenting)
• Rescinded $20M jail Q-construction fund, transferring $16,306,220.72 to general fund
• Approved $1,189,159 contract for Rolling Heights sanitary sewer Phase 1
• Approved $8,582,828.88 for employee hospitalization Q2 2026
• Approved $48,880.77 for employee life insurance Q2 2026
• Approved CRA agreement with Damsa Ltd. for Dunkin restaurant in Sheffield Township
• Reduced Lorain County Transit routes effective July 1, 2026
• Approved $1,000,000 transfer to Sheriff for jail operations due to sales tax shortfall

Visitors Bureau Board

The Lorain County Visitors Bureau Board will meet to approve May minutes, review the current financial picture, and hear the director's report on recent and upcoming tourism events. The agenda is largely a recap of successful events and updates on future promotions, with no major policy decisions or contracts listed.

• Approval of May 28, 2026 meeting minutes
• Financial report by Budget Director KC Saunders
• Recap of Thrilla at the Villa boxing sellout (May 30)
• Update on permanent 4K camera at Lorain Lighthouse (installed June 18)
• Record attendance of 9,000+ at Taste of History (June 19-20)

Board of Commissioners

The Lorain County Board of Commissioners is holding a special meeting to set public hearing dates for a proposed ¼% sales tax to fund the Lorain County Jail and Detention Facility. The tax would last 15 years and be placed on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Four hearings are scheduled for July 17 and July 21, 2026, covering criminal justice services and jail construction, equipping, or repair.

• Set public hearings for ¼% sales tax on November 3, 2026 ballot
• Hearings on July 17, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Hearings on July 21, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
• Tax for Lorain County Jail Facility & Detention Facility
• 15-year tax under ORC 5739.021, 5741.021, 5739.026, 5741.023

The Lorain County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved two resolutions scheduling public hearings for proposed sales taxes to fund jail facilities on the November 3, 2026 ballot. Hearings will be held July 17 and July 21, 2026, at the Commissioners Meeting Room B, 226 Middle Avenue, Elyria. No substantive decisions were made beyond setting the hearing dates.

• Approved Resolution 26-358 setting public hearings for a 0.5% sales tax for Criminal Justice & Administrative Services for jail facilities (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 26-359 setting public hearings for a 4% sales tax for Construction, Equipping or Repair of jail facilities (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Lorain County Board of Commissioners will meet to consider routine resolutions including investments, appropriations, and transfers, and may enter executive session for personnel matters. They will also vote on several specific items: approving credit card limits for the deputy administrator and IT director, entering a pharmacy services agreement, increasing a sanitary sewer project contract, rescinding a drainage improvement project, and placing a .5 mill renewal levy for the Lorain County Health District on the November 2026 ballot. The agenda also includes public comment and reports from the county administrator and clerk.

• Resolution to place .5 mill renewal levy for Lorain County Health District on Nov. 3, 2026 ballot
• Increase of $47,955 to Fechko Excavating for Janell Drive Sanitary Sewer Extension, Columbia Township (new total $777,586)
• Rescind Resolution 24-577 and dismiss petition for Brown Ditch Lateral #1 drainage project, Pittsfield Township
• Authorize credit cards: $8,000 for Deputy Administrator, $5,000 for IT Director
• Enter Pharmacy Services Agreement with TrueScripts Management Services, LLC

The Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to place a .5 mill renewal levy for the Lorain County General Health District on the November 3, 2026 ballot, estimated to collect $3,785,431 annually for five years. The board also rescinded the Brown Ditch Lateral #1 drainage project in Pittsfield Township and dismissed the related petition, ending the project due to pending litigation. Numerous routine resolutions were adopted unanimously, including appropriations, requisitions, travel expenses, and payment of county bills.

• Approved .5 mill health district renewal levy for Nov. 3, 2026 ballot (3-0)
• Rescinded Resolution 24-577 for Brown Ditch Lateral #1 drainage project (3-0)
• Dismissed petition for Brown Ditch Lateral #1 drainage improvement (3-0)
• Approved $1.2M transfer from Clerk of Courts to General Fund (3-0)
• Approved $499,090.55 for Airport Main Apron Phase 3 project (3-0)
• Approved $47,955 increase for Janell Drive sanitary sewer extension (3-0)
• Approved 17 requisitions totaling over $600,000 (3-0)
• Approved payment of county bills totaling over $160,000 (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Lorain County Board of Commissioners will consider several resolutions, including authorizing a permissive 'piggyback' homestead exemption and a 2.5% partial real property tax exemption for tax years 2026-2028. They will also vote on an emergency pump replacement contract, a transit grant application, airport apron rehabilitation contracts, and a resolution to reject a tentative sheriff deputy union agreement. The agenda includes routine items like investments, appropriations, and transfers, plus a presentation on a health district levy.

• Authorize permissive 'piggyback' homestead exemption (ORC 319.304(B)) for tax years 2026-2028
• Authorize 2.5% partial real property tax exemption (ORC 323.152(B)(3)) for tax years 2026-2028
• Emergency contract with Buckeye Pumps, Inc. for $15,214.00 to replace a Myers Submersible Pump at Middle Ridge Road Lift Station
• Authorize ODOT Workforce Mobility Partnership Program application for $860,000 to support transit in Vermilion and Vermilion Township
• Award contract to Erie Blacktop, Inc. for $499,090.55 for Lorain County Regional Airport Main Apron Rehab Phase 3

The Board of Commissioners voted 2-1 to deny a 2.5% owner-occupied property tax exemption (Resolution 26-331), with Commissioners Gallagher and Riddell voting against it. They separately approved a homestead exemption for seniors, disabled veterans, and surviving spouses (Resolution 26-330) unanimously. The board also approved a $499,090.55 contract for airport apron rehabilitation, rejected a tentative deputy union agreement, and approved solid waste waivers for four haulers.

• Denied 2.5% owner-occupied tax exemption (2-1)
• Approved homestead piggyback exemption (3-0)
• Awarded $499,090.55 airport apron contract to Erie Blacktop (3-0)
• Rejected tentative deputy union agreement (3-0)
• Approved solid waste waivers for Rumpke, Kimble, Waste Management, Pete & Pete (2-1)
• Approved $15,214 emergency pump replacement contract (3-0)
• Authorized $860,000 transit grant application for Vermilion (3-0)
• Approved $30,000 appropriation for two K-9 dogs (3-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Lorain County Board of Commissioners will vote on a $1,034,821.50 contract with Melway Paving Co. for chip and seal work on 48 miles of county and township roads. The board will also request the Auditor to certify revenue projections for a potential 911 system levy to be placed on the November 2026 ballot. Additionally, the board will approve a $1.23M agreement with the Ohio Department of Youth Services for RECLAIM programming and a $162,273 interagency agreement for summer youth employment.

• Award $1,034,821.50 contract to Melway Paving Co. for 2026 Countywide Chip and Seal program on 48 miles of roads
• Request Auditor certification for 911 system levy options (.50, .75, or 1 mill) for November 3, 2026 election
• Approve $1,228,399.10 agreement with Ohio Department of Youth Services for RECLAIM programming
• Authorize $162,273 interagency agreement with Lorain County Workforce Development Agency for summer youth employment
• Authorize 7-year lease/purchase of Volvo Tandem Plow Truck for $298,471.00

The Board of Commissioners held a lengthy public hearing on the previously tabled Resolution 26-295, which authorizes a piggyback homestead exemption and a 2.5% owner-occupied credit. After hearing from numerous school officials, city leaders, and residents, the board agreed to split the resolution into two separate measures for a vote on Friday, June 5, 2026. The board also approved a request to place a 9-1-1 levy on the November ballot and awarded a $1.03 million chip and seal contract.

• Agreed to split tabled property tax exemption resolution into separate homestead and owner-occupied credit votes for Friday (unanimous)
• Requested Auditor certify valuations for a 0.50, 0.75, or 1.00 mill 9-1-1 levy for November ballot (3-0)
• Awarded $1,034,821.50 chip and seal contract to Melway Paving Co (3-0)
• Approved $1.2M Clerk of Courts fund transfer to general fund (3-0)
• Authorized $438,500 in appropriations including TIF payments (3-0)
• Approved $162,273 summer youth employment agreement with Workforce Development Agency (3-0)
• Approved $1,228,399.10 RECLAIM grant agreement with Ohio Dept. of Youth Services (3-0)
• Approved $154,129.78 Drug Law Enforcement Fund grant for Drug Task Force (3-0)

Visitors Bureau Board

The Lorain County Visitors Bureau Board will meet to approve minutes, review the current financial picture, and hear the director's report on upcoming events and projects. The agenda includes updates on festivals, construction, and hotel developments, with no major policy decisions listed.

• Approval of March 26, 2026 meeting minutes
• Financial report by Budget Director KC Saunders
• Update on Lorain Lighthouse camera installation
• Updates on multiple events including Rockin' On The River and Wolleybear Festival
• Update on B&O Caboose restoration and hotel projects

The Lorain County Visitors Bureau approved three funding resolutions: $5,000 from the Heritage Fund for the Historical B&O Caboose restoration, up to $20,000 additional for the Discover Aviation Airplane & Car Show, and up to $45,000 annually for WNZN radio marketing. All motions passed unanimously. The board also discussed the new 3% bed tax, Airbnb notifications, and upcoming events.

• Approved $5,000 from Heritage Fund for B&O Caboose restoration (unanimous)
• Approved up to $20,000 additional for Discover Aviation Airplane & Car Show (unanimous)
• Approved up to $45,000 annually for WNZN marketing (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of March 26, 2026 (unanimous)

Port Authority Board of Directors

The Lorain County Port Authority Board will meet to approve minutes, discuss financials, and review old business, including preliminary approvals for four capital lease/tax exemption projects and the status of several others. The board may also discuss the sale of the mall and could enter executive session for real estate, litigation, or personnel matters. No new business items are listed.

• Preliminary approvals: R7 Motors (Avon), Amherst Health Realty (Amherst), Buckeye State Welding (Elyria), McGregor Place (Elyria)
• Final documents in process: Retreat at French Creek, Emeral Event Center, Just for Laughs, Midwest Transatlantic Line
• Conduit bond financing: Black River Forge project scheduled for Q3 2026
• Discussion of sale of the mall
• Executive session possible for real estate, litigation, or personnel