Commissioners approve $78,898 loan to LaGrange for MARCS radios; sheriff objects over unfinished courthouse radio boosters

The Lorain County commissioners voted to enter a cooperation agreement and loan the Village of LaGrange $78,898.02 so the village can buy MARCS radios and equipment. The measure was adopted as Resolution No. 26-490.

Sheriff Jack Hall told the board he objected to the loan because, in his view, the justice center still requires BDAs that would cost roughly $89,000–$90,000 to complete in-building radio coverage. "My objection is providing nearly $79,000 to the Village of LaGrange without first appropriating the $90,000 which is required to finish the radio communication system in the justice center," he said. County staff (Perkins) said grants are being pursued to pay for BDAs and that Motorola's contract priorities had focused on schools; commissioners voted to approve the LaGrange loan while discussions about BDAs and courthouse coverage continue.