Lorain County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lorain County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Victim Witness Program grant
A state grant of $108,253.18 would fund partial salaries for six victim advocates in the Prosecutor's Office, retroactive to October 1. The county must chip in a $27,062.82 local match.
TANF Clothing and Jacket Programs
The board extended contracts with Tower Educational Consulting Group and El Centro de Servicios Sociales through December to provide winter clothing, shoes, and jackets for TANF-eligible children.
Public Health Subgrants for Adult and Family Services
The commissioners approved subgrants with Lorain County Public Health for adult protective services and the Planet Safety Care program supporting families affected by substance abuse.
Parliamentary Procedure and Governance
Commissioners discussed reviving past proposals to expand the board from three members to a seven-district system to provide more localized representation.
Riverside Trail Subdivision No. 2
Developers are moving forward with Riverside Trail Subdivision No. 2 in Columbia Township after submitting required financial and engineering guarantees.
Tick-Borne Diseases and Public Health Surveillance
The health department gave an update on rising tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and ehrlichiosis, highlighting new tick tracking websites and tick check stations in county metro parks that recently helped save a resident's life.
County Recycling and Environmental Programs
Solid Waste officials highlighted successful community recycling efforts, including a plastic bag recycling contest where schools collected over 2,250 pounds of bags, and announced a new FirstEnergy tree-planting program.
Housing Rehabilitation Grant and Change Order
Commissioners debated a $9,900 change order for a porch repair project at 623 East Avenue in Elyria. Concerns were raised about administrative delays and vetting processes involving project consultants.
Lawsuit Settlement
Lorain County is paying out $6.35 million to settle a civil rights lawsuit after a local inmate was left partially paralyzed while in custody. Since this money comes straight from county funds, it's a huge hit that could end up affecting taxpayers down the line.
Curtice Ditch, Penfield Township
The Commissioners held a public hearing on the Curtice Ditch in Penfield Township, a drainage matter typically involving maintenance and potential assessments on properties in the ditch's watershed. No record of the hearing or any determination was available.
National Foster Care Month Proclamation
The board recognized May as Foster Care Month, celebrating local foster parents and highlighting the ongoing need for families to care for children entering the system due to abuse and neglect.
Del Webb Hickory Greens Sanitary Sewer Infrastructure
The county entered into sanitary sewer agreements with Pulte Homes for phases 5 and 6 of the Del Webb Hickory Greens subdivision in Columbia Township, raising questions from residents about western county sewer integration and maintenance.
Lorain County Regional Airport Financial Viability
Residents questioned county officials regarding how county-owned airport property was rezoned to industrial park use, arguing that proper township application procedures were bypassed.
Airport Parcel Zoning and Land Use Concerns
Residents questioned county officials regarding how county-owned airport property was rezoned to industrial park use, arguing that proper township application procedures were bypassed.
Discontinuation of Downtown Elyria Loop Transit Route
Lorain County Transit plans to eliminate the underused downtown loop bus route and reallocate the vehicle and driver to dial-a-ride services to help clear booking backlogs.
Rezoning Denial
Local leaders recently shut down a massive mega site rezoning plan in Lorain County. This decision blocks a big project that could have totally changed the local landscape.
Creekwood Development and Fortune Ditch Infrastructure Loan
The county approved a $900,000 loan to Creekwood Development to accelerate land assembly and drainage improvements along Fortune Ditch, paving the way for over 700 new housing units and improved regional stormwater management.
Comprehensive Planning
Lorain is rewriting its 15-year master plan, which means big changes are coming to the zoning and housing rules right in your neighborhood. You'll want to pay attention because these updates will shape what gets built around you for years to come.
County Financial Management and Port Authority
During public comment, a resident questioned county loans and finances involving the port authority, asking about interest rates and deficit management.
Affordable Housing
Lorain County Land Bank is joining a new push to bring more affordable housing to your neighborhood. This means you might soon see new housing options popping up right in your local area.
School Levy
Voters in Lorain County just gave the green light to renew levies for Lorain City Schools. This keeps the cash flowing for everyday operations without raising your property taxes.
Local Government Roundup
Get caught up on the latest Lorain County news, covering higher utility bills, fresh redevelopment initiatives, and important safety updates. It's a quick look at the local changes hitting your wallet and neighborhood this week.
Levy Restrictions
Ohio lawmakers are considering new limits on property tax levies, which has Lorain County schools stressing over potential budget cuts. If these restrictions pass, local districts might have to rethink how they fund daily operations and programs.
Abandoned Property
Amherst and Lorain County health officials are finally stepping in to clean up a neighborhood eyesore after years of delays. It's about time they deal with this abandoned house so the block can finally feel safe again.
Immigration Policy
Lorain County just got dropped from the federal sanctuary list, meaning local law enforcement will now change how they handle federal immigration requests. If you live here, expect potential shifts in local policing priorities and community trust.
Event Preparation
Lorain is getting ready for a massive influx of visitors for the 2024 total solar eclipse. Expect heavy traffic, crowded local spots, and extra safety measures across the city.