Lorain County holds first public hearings on proposed 1/4% sales tax to fund jail projects

The Lorain County Board of Commissioners opened two public hearings July 17 on a proposed 1/4% sales-and-use tax, each with a 15-year sunset, intended to fund construction, equipping, repair and the operation of the Lorain County Jail and Lorain County Detention Facility. Commissioner David J. Moore said the county will hold additional hearings July 21 and that the two proposals follow different sections of the Ohio Revised Code.

County Clerk Theresa L. Upton read the resolution language for both hearings and confirmed the statutory citations the board is using to propose the tax measures: ORC 5739.021 and 5741.021 (criminal-justice/administrative services) and ORC 5739.026 and 5741.023 (construction/equipping/repair). County advisor Prugh explained the practical difference to the board: one code path is specific to criminal-justice purposes while the other authorizes raising revenue for construction of a public improvement.

Both hearings saw little public attendance. No members of the public spoke during the first hearing; the board closed that hearing by motion. The second hearing included one public commenter, Mike Sherman of Eaton Township, who spoke in favor of the project but urged the county to include local workforce participation requirements. "I would encourage your strong consideration for utilization of local workforce participation, project labor agreement or a community workforce benefits agreement on the new construction," Sherman said.

Each time the board moved to close a hearing, Commissioner Moore moved and Commissioner Marty Gallagher seconded; roll call votes recorded Ayes: Moore and Gallagher, Nays: none, with Commissioner Jeff Riddell absent-excused. The board adjourned the July 17 meeting at 1:33 p.m. and scheduled the second set of hearings for July 21 (times announced during the meeting).