BOCC Meeting Turns Contentious over Remarks by Commissioner Spidalieri
and the Public about ADP Operations
Board of County Commissioners Meeting - December 9, 2025
Meeting Details: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met in Regular Session on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 at 9:30 am for a meeting at the Geauga County Office Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH. Meetings can be live streamed through the Geauga ADP Youtube channel. Recordings are available for the public. This meeting can be found here. As of this report’s publication date, the video has been viewed 556 times. Notations in the report refer to the minute notation on the video for a particular section. An agenda is available in advance via request to the Commissioners’ Clerk and at the meeting. Items discussed at the meeting but not on the agenda, if any, are addressed at the end of this report.
Public Comment Policy: Permitted as outlined in the BOCC’s Public Comment Policy that was adopted on January 28, 2025, revised on April 15, 2025, and again modified on September 30, 2025. Observer Note: The above link to the Policy does not have the April or September revisions. The April revision was simply to change the time allowed for public comment from two minutes to three minutes. The revision approved in September allows public comment on agenda items at the beginning of the meeting, with general public comment still at the end of the meeting.
Attendance: Present were Commissioners Carolyn Brakey, James Dvorak and Ralph Spidalieri. Also present were Commissioners’ Clerk Christine Blair, County Administrator Amy Bevan, Deputy County Administrator Mark Jimison, and Finance Manager Adrian Gorton.
County Representatives: Shane Hajjar, Deputy Engineer; Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand; Nick Gorris, Director, Water Resources; Charles Walder, Geauga County Auditor; Sheila Bevington, Clerk of Courts; Brandon Reed, Deputy Director, Emergency Management (EMA); Charles Tkach, Program Manager, Maintenance; Jessica Boalt, Director, Office on Aging; Reba Dykes, retired Senior Center Manager, Office on Aging; Krystal Thompson, Director, Law Library; Susan Wieland, Law Library Board member; Cindi Haycox-Wellman, Victim Advocate for the Prosecutor’s Office; Craig Swenson, Executive Director, Job and Family Services (JFS); Rick Carlson, Maintenance.
Others in Attendance: Adam Litke, Health Administrator, Geauga Public Health; Skip Claypool, Geauga Metropolitan Housing Board member; David Lair, former Geauga County Administrator and President of the Board of Developmental Disabilities; Phil Malensic (resident); Jim MacNeal, Republican Central Committee member; Jonathan Broadbent, Republican Central Committee member; Anastasia Nicholas, Chagrin Valley Times reporter; Alison Wilson, Reporter from the Geauga Maple Leaf; Tom and Diane Jones; members of the public and two members of the League of Women Voters Geauga - this Observer and Harry Rees.
6:55 Min Pledge of Allegiance -
A prayer was offered by Mr. Dvorak.
7:49 Min. Public Comment - Ms. Bevan explained the policy and asked if anyone had signed in to speak on an agenda item. She also said that there is an additional public comment period at the end. She said that there is another location for remote viewing down the hall if it gets crowded. She also noted that her business cards are in back if anyone wants to follow up with her.
No Comment by the public.
9:26 Min Administrator’s Report - Ms. Bevan reported on the following actions she took:
On December 2, 2025:
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Supplemental de-appropriations from Job and Family Services (JFS) in the emergency services grant, the Auditor in the mortgage revenue bond fund, and from the Engineer in the Huntington Ridge storm water fund.
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Cash transfer from the Commissioners’ Office to the unemployment rotary fund.
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Transfer from the Engineer’s Office from their road and bridge fund to their maintenance road fund for projects completed this year from the maintenance road fund.
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Transfer from Mental Health Board (GC-MHRS) from their Adams Board fund to the capital reserve fund.
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Travel incumbrance from JFS to accompany a child in custody to a court-mandated visit.
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Vouchers:
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$73,000 Office on Aging to Driverge Vehicle Innovations LLC for a new Ford T350 transit van to replace the unit that was totaled earlier this year.
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$263,302.75 from the Engineer to Oglesby Construction Incorporated for their application of pavement markings on various county roads.
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$349,330.00 from the Engineer to Miller Builders LLC for the construction of a new salt storage building.
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Revenue de-certification for the Auditor in their mortgage revenue bond fund for the revenue that will not be received in 2025.
On December 5, 2025:
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Approved for the Department on Aging the promotion of Melissa Wheeler to the position of full-time senior center manager effective December 8, 2025 with a 180-day probationary period.
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Accepted for Community and Economic Development the resignation of Tina Brunig, Office Coordinator, to be effective December 5, 2025.
11:46 Min. Minutes - Minutes from the Special meeting of September 24, 2025 were approved. Commissioner Brakey said she was going to abstain. She said that per Robert’s Rules of Order, she was still permitted to vote on them, but she said that, “it was such a different meeting from our regular meetings, I am going to abstain.”
Observer Note: This meeting was a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Geauga County Airport. The Agenda, sent in advance, stated one Agenda item as follows: The Commissioners will attend and be part of the Geauga County Airport Authority Ribbon Cutting and Groundbreaking Ceremony of the Parallel Taxiway and new T-Hangars – this will include speakers from the Airport Authority, the Commissioners, and the Village of Middlefield, then the official Ribbon Cutting and Groundbreaking.
Weekly LWVG Observer Reports for the BOCC are available online through December 9, 2025 for informational purposes but are not substitutes for approved minutes. Approved BOCC Minutes are posted online here through September 24, 2025.
13 Min. Financial Report: The following financials were approved:
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Various appropriations, transfers and supplemental appropriations and de-appropriations to adjust accounts and funds to balance for final invoices and payroll to year-end, including the Auditor, ADP, Engineer, Building Department, Maintenance, Prosecutor, Board of Elections, Coroner, Community Development, Juvenile Court, Water Resources, and Common Pleas Court.
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Travel incumbrances from the Commissioners’ Office, the Engineer, and for JFS to accompany a child in residential placement on a visitation.
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Then and Now from Water Resources to the State of Ohio Treasurer for an application fee for a storm water application from December 2025 that was not previously encumbered.
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Vouchers
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Revenue certifications and de-certifications for ADP in their contract services fund, Common Pleas in their drug court fund, Community Development in the demolition and site revitalization and brownfield remediation funds, JFS in their workforce development fund, from the Juvenile Court in the juvenile recovery fund, and from Water Resources in the McFarland Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades fund.
14:10 Min. Mr. Spidalieri asked Mr. Gorton, “What happened about the transfer we talked about Friday that was coming from the Sheriff's Office?” Mr. Gorton said that, “I received a request from Pam McMahan (Chief Operations Officer, Auditor’s Office) at the Auditor's Office to pull that transfer, that they had decided to fund ADP through internal transfers between the Auditor and ADP.” Mr. Spidalieri continued to question this, and Mr. Gorton said that the rationale is that there were services rendered by ADP to both the Auditor and the Real Estate Assessment Fund (REAF). When asked about the amount by Mr. Spidalieri, Mr. Gorton said it was a little over $132,000, including salaries and benefits.
Mrs. Brakey said, “I see that Auditor Walder is here.” Addressing Mr. Walder, she asked, “Do you want to make any comment on that?” Mr. Walder came forward and explained that they were doing the accounting for ADP work for GIS and REAF in December to true-up. Mr. Walder said, “this is a classic ‘much ado about nothing,’” but he was happy to answer questions. Mr Spidalieri disagreed that “it was much ado about nothing,” because, he said, “it was critical.” Discussion continued between Mr. Spidalieri and Mr. Walder about subjects such as overtime and work done by ADP related to moving the Board of Elections from 470 Center Street to the County Office Building. Mr. Walder pointed out that these kinds of questions could have been brought up during the department budget hearings but noted that Mr. Spidalieri did not attend that budget hearing. Observer Note: See the LWVG Budget Hearing Summary for ADP/Auditor here; this hearing was May 13, 2025 at 3:30 pm. The County’s Budget was presented on July 1, 2025; the LWVG report on it is available here.
Many additional points were raised by Mr. Spidalieri about ADP to which Mr. Walder responded. Observer Note: Please see the video starting at 22 minutes to view the discussion. Regarding property values, Mr. Spidalieri said that Mr. Walder should have “had the backbone to stand up and say these houses aren't worth what you're appraising them.” Mr. Walder countered that, “Ralph, you being this concerned about the taxpayers and the burden at their plate, why would you not once in eight years that I've been Auditor, not once attended a single Board of Revision hearing and listen to these people come in and argue and complain and pitch their case legitimately that the values of their homes are upside down. And why wouldn't you then vote to reduce their house values legitimately, but you don't even show up for the meetings, right? But you're criticizing me doing my job. And yet I went down three times to the State to argue that property taxes are outrageous.” Observer Note: The Board of Revision is the designated Board to hear taxpayer appeals. Click here for more information on the revision process and the Board members. The Board of Revision is composed of the Auditor, Treasurer and a member of the Board of County Commissioners. Mr. Dvorak is the current County Commissioner on the Board of Revision.
Mr. Spidalieri said, “And every day, every Saturday, they're at my store getting signatures because we do need a reset.” Reviewer Note: Mr. Spidalieri is referring to signatures on the petition to place a constitutional amendment abolishing property taxes in Ohio on the ballot. More information is available here. Mr. Walder said, “I just think therein lies the problem. I believe tax reform is what's necessary. You believe tax abolishment is what's necessary. We're both entitled to our opinion.”
Mr. Spidalieri questioned why ADP Chief Deputy Administrator Frank Antennucci received overtime. Mr. Walder said that Mr. Antennucci had cashed out his vacation and personal time and stated that it is classified as overtime. Mr. Walder said he gets 8 hours, but it is designated as overtime.
Someone called out from the audience, saying, “shame on you.” At this point Mrs. Brakey asked for “some order.”
At 37 minutes Mrs. Brakey said she wanted to “call the question.” Reviewer Note: The BOCC discussion about ADP and the tenor of that discussion was raised at the ADP Board meeting held in the afternoon of December 9, 2025 following the BOCC meeting. Comments from ADP Board members included the impact of the assertions made on ADP personnel and overall morale. Read the LWVG Observer report on the ADP meeting here.
The approval of the Financials was unanimous.
The Commissioners’ Office received approval for partial payments #26 ($870,262.02) and #27 ($912,622.93) to Infinity Construction Co, Inc. for the Geauga County Courthouse Expansion Phase 1 and 2.
39.06 Min. The Clerk of Courts received approval to execute the service Contract Agreement with Delta Designs Ltd. / Bruynzeel Storage Systems, Incorporated to provide mechanical assist high density storage systems for the Geauga County Clerk of Courts office as part of the Geauga County Courthouse Expansion project with work to be completed within three months of the contract encumbrance in an amount not to exceed $35,911.49. Clerk of Courts Bevington said that they needed to change the storage unit, and found one that worked. She said that there weren’t many vendors for this type of storage.
42.15 Min. The County Engineer’s Office received approval for the following:
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To execute the Snow and Ice Control Agreement among Geauga County Board of Commissioners, Geauga County Engineer and Bainbridge Township Board of Trustees to provide snow and ice control on 13.42 miles of County Roads (Chagrin Road, Bainbridge Road and Washington Street) for the winter season of 2025-2026 and pay Bainbridge Township for snow and ice control in the amount of $74,253.69 and for a similar agreement with Chester Township Board of Trustees to provide snow and ice control on 15.09 miles of County Roads (Wilson Mills Road, Sperry Road, Mulberry Road and Caves Road) for the winter season of 2025-2026 and pay Chester Township for snow and ice control in the amount of $83,493.91.
Mr. Hajjar noted that in the agreements above the County is paying these two townships, and in the agreements listed below, the townships are paying the County. He explained that this creates more efficient operation for all concerned.
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To execute the Snow and Ice Control Agreement among Geauga County Board of Commissioners, Geauga County Engineer and
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Claridon Township Board of Trustees to provide snow and ice control on 9.32 miles of Township Roads (Ensign Road, Forrest Road (two sections), Hall Road, Spencer Road, Stillwell Road and Taylor Wells Road) for the winter season of 2025-2026 and Claridon Township will pay for snow and ice control in the amount of $41,327.00.
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Montville Township Board of Trustees to provide snow and ice control on 10.712 miles of Township Roads (Burrows Road, Dewey Road, Hart Road (two sections), Hautala Road, Joann Road, Kile Road, Murphy Road, Sun Road and Whitney Road (two sections) for the winter season of 2025-2026 and Montville Township will pay for snow and ice control in the amount of $45,154.18.
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Troy Township Board of Trustees to provide snow and ice control on 11.83 miles of Township Roads (Stafford Road, Fox Road, Winagle Road, Patch Road, Nash Road, Tilden Road, Hoover Road, Grove Road and Greystone Road) for the winter season of 2025-2026 and Troy Township will pay for snow and ice control in the amount of $45,154.18.
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To execute Resolution #25-208 Appointing Board Member, Carolyn Brakey, Esq., as the Chief Executive Officer and Certifying Representative for several Bridge construction projects:
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The proposed Bainbridge Road Bridge (Structure #BR-0011-0021) Replacement in Bainbridge Township and further approve and authorize the Chief Executive Officer to execute the State of Ohio Public Works Commission application for financial assistance.
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The proposed Bascom Road Bridge (Structure #BR-0069-0101) Replacement in Hambden Township
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To execute Resolution #25-210 Appointing Board Member, Carolyn Brakey, Esq., as the Chief Executive Officer and Certifying Representative for the proposed Asphalt Resurfacing of Bass Lake Road (CH-0023, Sections F-G) in Munson Township and further approve and authorize the Chief Executive Officer to execute the State of Ohio Public Works Commission application for financial assistance.
51 Min. The Prosecutor’s Office / Victim Witness received approval to execute the Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) Grant #20226-VOCA-136360795 and State Victim Advocacy Act (SVAA) Grant #2026-SVAA-136360799 Grant Award and Acceptance Forms in the amount of $49,454.07. As part of this grant, $28,441.07 is being requested from federal VOCA funds with a local match from the County General Fund of $16,552.00 and $4,461.00 from SVAA with no local match. This grant is for the period October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Cindi Haycox-Wellman said that these come from the U.S. Department of Justice and then the grants are issued by the State.
53 Min. The Geauga County Law Library received approval for a supplemental appropriation from the General Fund in the amount of $24,000.00 to offset the decrease in revenue and increase in the annual cost of Westlaw Subscriptions for the Common Pleas Court, Probate/Juvenile Court, Municipal Court, Prosecutor’s Office and Public Defender’s Office over the past ten years. Ms. Thompson said that their unencumbered funds have been depleted which is why they are asking for a supplemental amount. She said that every year, their revenue changes. The cost for Westlaw has also gone up. Mrs. Brakey asked if they considered Lexus (the other legal research provider). Ms. Thompson said she had not compared the cost, but other law librarians have said that people prefer Westlaw. Mrs. Brakey said that the cost comparison would be a good idea.
59:16 Min. The Department on Aging received approval to execute Resolution #25-211 Honoring Reba K. Dykes for her dedicated service to Geauga County and its residents. Director of Aging Jessica Boalt said that Ms. Dykes had just retired from her position as the in-home service manager. She praised Ms. Dyke’s knowledge, resources, patience, kindness, and compassion. Ms. Dykes said she planned on continuing her service on the Geauga Mental Health and Recovery Services Board.
106:45 Min. The Emergency Management Agency (EMA) received approval for the following:
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To authorize Director Austin Rice to execute a Memorandum of Understanding between the Lake County, Ashtabula County and Geauga County Emergency Management Agencies to allow alerting authorities to establish a backup alert authority that can issue alerts, warnings and notifications on their behalf to the respective communities in the unlikely event the original alerting authority is not able to perform that function.
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To approve the revised Geauga County Radiological Emergency Response Plan (RERP) and execute and further authorize the Director to execute the RERP Plan (for an emergency at the Perry Nuclear Power Plant) Revision 30, dated January 2026.
1:09:40 Min. The Department of Job and Family Services received approval to execute the Ohio Department of Children and Youth – Geauga Memorandum of Understanding to address Child Abuse and Neglect, in accordance with O.R.C. 2151.421, which sets forth operation procedures and responsibilities for all officials involved in handling cases of child abuse and/or neglect. Mr. Swenson said this update has to be done every two years.
The Maintenance Department received approval for the following:
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To approve termination of the Professional Services Agreement with CT Consultants, Incorporated /Verdantas Architecture, Incorporated for the Geauga County Courthouse Annex Basement Remodeling project, effective immediately, and further authorize processing of the final invoice and settle all outstanding financial obligations with the firm as specified in the contract’s termination clause, not to exceed $9,556.50, and to transfer the remaining project funds accordingly in the amount of $22,641.50. Mrs. Brakey asked if there was an early termination fee and Mr. Tkach said there wasn’t and that this was just for work completed.
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To execute a Declaration of Restrictive Covenants for Inspection and Maintenance by the Geauga County Maintenance Department for Stormwater Dry Pond Maintenance at the Geauga County Office Building, located in Claridon Township (Parcel #13-705036) for the benefit of the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District.
1:15 Min. The Department of Water Resources received approval for the following:
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To execute the Agreement between the Board of County Commissioners for Geauga County and the Geauga County Department of Water Resources Employees, Local 4340 Communications Workers of America, AFL-CIO/CLC for the period January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2028. Mr. Gorris said that the department is funded through fees, and therefore 99% self-funded. They do their own improvements and maintenance.
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To execute the Subaward Agreement between the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) and Geauga County for Water Resources for the USEPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant Program in the amount of $29,075.00. Mr. Gorris said that NOACA received a US EPA grant and a portion of that came to Geauga County. They will be looking at solar or other types of energy as potential sources for 24-hour operations.
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For the submission of the Amended 2025 Certification List of delinquent sewer user fees, water fees, tap-in installments and subsequent certification to the Geauga County Auditor, in accordance with O.R.C. 6117.02 and the Geauga County Department of Water Resources Rules and Regulations (Section F.501) in the total amount of $459,519.40 ($430,568.44 Arrearage and $28,930.96 Penalty), amounts current as of 7:30 a.m. December 2, 2025. Mr. Gorris said that most users were in arrears over $1,000. He said he wants to move to collect delinquencies twice a year, so they can catch properties that are being transferred.
l:24 Min. The Commissioners’ Office received approval for the following:
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To execute Change Order #1, increasing the Contract with APG Office Furnishings for power and a/v connection boxes and cabling into the conference room tables, including installation and shipping, in the amount of $16,170.86, for a new not to exceed amount of $576,411.40. Ms. Bevan said that new furniture is anticipated to start moving in the following day,
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To approve and execute Change Order #2, decreasing the Contract with APG Office Furnishings for the removal of high-density shelving and installation for the Clerk of Courts ($34,497.99), for a new not to exceed amount of $541,497.99 and extending the length of the contract by one month through January 1, 2026. Observer Note: This was referred to above by the Clerk of Courts.
1:26 Min. 2026 Budget Presentation Finance Manager Adrian Gorton presented a slide presentation of the 2026 Budget with the following key points: Observer Note: The draft was first discussed at a Public Hearing on July 1, 2025. See the LWVG Observer Report for more details. A Public Hearing allows the public to ask questions outside of the normal public comment rules for the BOCC. However, Mr. Gorton did ask if anyone had questions. There were lengthy comments from the public. Please see the video for more in-depth information and summary below.
Mr. Gorton said this was the final step in the 2026 Budget. He said that the unencumbered funds at the beginning of the year are included in what is expected as Resources for the year. In August, the Budget Commission certified these (estimated) resources:
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General Fund 2026 Carryover: $ 6,669,334
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Revenues: $47,813,129
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Total Resources: $54,482,462
Mr. Gorton said that the carryover would probably be closer to $15 million. He said there were multiple reasons for this, including some unused appropriations from the prior year, increases in the amount received from sales tax, interest, prisoner housing and a modest increase in property tax revenue, among other things.
Mr. Gorton said that “of the $47,813,129, the largest share, the $21.75 million, which is a little under half of our revenue, 45.5% is estimated to come from sales tax. This is that 1% of the county portion of the total county sales tax is 6.75%.” He said that real estate taxes ($11.53 million) is the second highest source of revenue, and third is Interest income at $3 million. Observer Note: See the presentation for more detail.
The total appropriations (expenses) estimate is $167,411,097.
Mr. Gorton said that, “All the requests that were submitted were fully funded. There are no items waiting for funding.”
Divided by category, the budget breaks down as follows:
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40% goes to public safety, which includes the sheriff, coroner, and the building department.
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37.4% goes to legislative and executive, which is the other elected officials, including the Auditor, Treasurer, Prosecutor, Commissioners, Recorder, Board of Elections, ADP, planning and maintenance.
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15.4% goes to judicial, which includes the courts and the public defender.
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The remaining categories are fairly small.
Mr. Gorton said that starting in 2026 on January 1 there will be about $15 million in the General Fund, and it is “our intention to transfer $5 million out of the general fund and into the building improvement fund. We are estimating our carryover encumbrances at about $2.5 million, leaving a $12.5 million unencumbered balance.” He continued the recap by saying, “The certified revenue for 2026 as I mentioned is $47.8 million less appropriations of $51.3, (this) leaves $9 million for the building improvements projects and other unbudgeted requests. Commissioners will evaluate current and future projects in order to determine the best use for the remaining appropriate balance.”
Mr. Gorton said they continue to take a cautious approach to balance needs and wants and they will continue to look at the issue of property taxes. Observer Note: According to a press release from the Geauga County Board of County Commissioners, at their December 16 meeting, the Board adopted a resolution amending Resolution 25-184, to suspend collection of the 0.5 mill Children Services levy for the 2026 collection year, after determining it was not needed to fund county operations. The resolution is projected to reduce property taxes for residents by approximately $1.7 million “while maintaining the County’s strong financial position.” See here for additional information on the tax relief resolution.
Mrs. Brakey asked what projects they would be looking at. Mr. Gorton replied that these included the roof at the Safety Center, the roof at the Annex, and a few others. Mrs. Brakey asked about expansion of the county office building parking lot. Mr. Gorton said that this project is underway.
Mr. Spidalieri asked about the difference of the $167 Million (total appropriations), compared to the General Fund. Mr. Gorton said that the $167 Million includes the General Fund which is used to operate all the departments inside the General Fund as well as everything outside the General Fund. Mr. Gorton said that there are various Funds outside the General Fund, including such things as the Department of Disabilities (DD), JFS, Health Department, and Mental Health.
Mr. Spidalieri commented on the fact that Geauga County gets $21.7 million from sales tax with just 1% of the sales tax total. He said that it would be better to allow Geauga County to determine how to use this revenue.
Mrs. Brakey agreed but said that she didn’t see any desire on the part of the State government to give back any of the sales tax revenue that the State collects from Geauga County.
Mr. Spidalieri said that, “there has to be a reset.”
1:53:49 Min. - Mr. Gorton permitted questions from the public.
One question concerned getting rid of the debt on the new county office building. Mr. Gorton said that they were not going to try to pay back that debt early due to the fact that they have a very favorable interest rate on their loan and can get more on collecting interest.
The second question was whether the County should be giving money back since there appeared to be such a surplus of cash. Mr. Gorton said they want to be cautious because they don’t know what will happen with property taxes and also whether other revenue could decrease.
Another question was whether the County should build up a rainy day fund so that the County could refuse federal money. Mr. Gorton said he thought that a rainy day fund was limited. He said he would do research on this. He pointed to Capital Reserve funds which can be set aside for ten years, which the County has done for the new county office building and for the courthouse.
Another individual asked why property tax was not returned to taxpayers if there was such a surplus. Mr. Gorton mentioned that in previous years the Commissioners have suspended collection of the JFS levies. Mr. Gorton also said that they were being cautious because they didn’t know what would happen if property taxes were eliminated.
Ms. Bevan at this point said that they would take one more question and offered the public her business card which she said was in the back of the room.
Mr. David Lair (former county administrator) asked another question about “exactly where the property taxes fit into the budget.” Mr. Gorton offered to find this information.
Mrs Brakey attempted to conclude the discussion.
Mr. Gorton talked about where the taxes go from levies. Observer Note: See information above in the tax budget presentation.
Mrs. Brakey said that if “you look at your tax bill, you will see where it is allocated.”
Mr. Gorton continued and then Ms. Bevan suggested that people take a look at the video on Youtube to see the information presented in the presentation.
Permanent Annual Appropriation - The Commissioners voted to execute Resolution #25-212 (Permanent) Annual Appropriation, for the year ending December 31, 2026, in accordance with O.R.C. Sections 5705.38 and 5705.40. A motion was made and then Mr. Spiadliati said that he would move to approve everything in the budget, but could not approve the ADP budget. He said he still had a lot of questions that weren’t answered. He said he didn’t feel comfortable with the ADP “inconsistencies.”
Speaking from the floor, an individual suggested a “motion to amend.”
Mr. Dvorak said that “the motion on the floor is to pass everything.”
Mrs. Brakey said that ”I mean, we had a tax budget hearing for ADP. Unfortunately, I was the only commissioner that showed up for that. I just feel like these issues should have been flagged earlier. We passed the budget, when, this summer? I think that was a unanimous vote.”
The Budget passed with Mr. Spidalieri voting not to approve.
Board Discussion – Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) - Mrs. Brakey gave a report on the status of her testimony to PUCO concerning the closing of the Middlefield office. She said that her comment (questioning the closing of the Middlefield Service office) was noted in the PUCO decision and at this point she said that PUCO must take several steps. She said that the comment notes that “the Middlefield service center is near the geographic center of Geauga County and that the service center is the only First Energy Ohio line shop located in Geauga County, and then it says that we filed public comments and our comments included a correspondence with First Energy Ohio.” Quoting the language from the PUCO opinion, she said, “The commission understands the concerns raised by the Geauga County Commissioners. Accordingly, we direct First Energy Ohio to work with staff.” She went on that “then they say that they have to do two things. They have to demonstrate to staff that First Energy Ohio has thoroughly explored all other alternatives to clear closing the service center and two, it has to demonstrate that the closure of this station will not have an adverse impact on the reliability of the circuits serving Geauga County. Staff is further directed to report back to the commission in appropriate proceeding if First Energy Ohio is unable to demonstrate that it has thoroughly explored all other alternatives to closure of the service station or that the closure of the station will not have an adverse impact upon the reliability of the circuits serving Geauga County.” Mrs. Brakey said that this is not routine and that she thinks it is a big win for Geauga County. She offered to reach out to First Energy staff so that the county can continue to have input. This course of action was approved by all commissioners. Observer Note: See LWVGeauga Observer report for May 6, 2025 BOCC meeting for more information.
2:28:12 Min. Public Comment
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Walter “Skip” Claypool thanked Mr. Spidalieri for “calling out the ADP situation.” He said that this is a separate board, and the Auditor is the Secretary of the board. He said that any decisions transferring money should be done by the Board, not the Auditor. He said he was concerned that the ADP board is not living up to its responsibilities and asked the Commissioners to look into this. He also said that, “whatever was being said today did not smell right to me. And so I'd like this board (Commissioners) to be able to respond regarding what was going on and whether you're watching the store relative to the Auditor and the ADP board.” He continued that he wanted the Board to “think about that and maybe respond in some way because I'm very concerned there may be some goofiness going on there and we've already lived through an experience with the auditor in the past and some goofiness. “ Reviewer Note: The composition of the ADP Board and its responsibilities are spelled out in O.R.C. Section 307.84 found here.
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A South Russell resident mentioned that this is the 80th Anniversary of the end of the war with Japan. He said that a sailor from Geauga County recently died and he was on the USS Arizona when the treaty was signed. He urged everyone not to forget the sacrifices made to protect the country.
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A resident identified as Phil Malensic questioned the snow removal agreements approved above and Mrs. Brakey explained this. He also said that he was concerned that septic owners had to pay a $100 fee.
Mrs. Brakey said they did send a letter to the State protesting this unfunded mandate. She said that the Board of Health is separate and she asked Board of Health Administrator Adam Litke if he would comment. Mr. Litke said that with the newer systems, the EPA must inspect the system, usually NPDES systems (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) . Observer Note: See more information here. He said that when you buy a system like that, you sign a contract with the Ohio EPA stating that you will have it inspected twice a year every single year. He said that he had that system as it is the only option for his property but you have to sign the contract. Mr. Litke continued that for the older systems, there is a $100 fee for inspections every five years ($20 a year). He said that the last time they did this type of inspection for the whole county, a large number failed. He mentioned that the Geauga Board of Health has also set up a fund to help people who can’t afford to maintain their systems. Observer Note: See Geauga Public Health website here for more information.
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Jonathan Broadbent said “the issues on this budget spread like wildfire.” He said that “ADP stood out like a sore thumb.” He said that comparable counties have “8-12 employees” and that there are 16 full time and 3 part-time employees in Geauga County ADP. He also mentioned that all 19 employees are collecting overtime pay. He said that this “doesn’t pass the smell test.” He then asked what would happen, “if the budget had been denied today and pushed back to the agencies?” He wanted to know if they would have had to submit a revised budget. Ms. Bevan reminded the public that the Commissioners are under no obligation to address questions from the public at this meeting.
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Jim McNeal referred to the climate reduction pollution program referred to early in the meeting. Observer Note: This was the NOACA funding for looking at alternative energy sources that was approved for Water Resources. He said they were looking at carbon dioxide and pollution and he said that there is no relationship between CO2 and warming. He said, “This is utter and complete nonsense.”
Mrs. Brakey said she wanted to comment on what Mr. Claypool said about the ADP Board. She said that, “ADP does not look at the financials.” She said they “approve technology,” and that the Commissioners then can deny the cost of the technology. She said this about the ADP Board: “It is not a financial oversight for ADP.”
2:44 Min. The Commissioners’ Office received approval to move into Executive Session at 12:07 pm for the purpose of discussing the employment and compensation of public employees, pursuant to O.R.C. 121.22(G)(1). The Commissioners were joined by Ms. Bevan, Mr. Jimison and Ms. Hostutler.
2:57 Min. Return from Executive Session at 12:20 pm: with the following action:
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Appoint Bob Weigel Director of Maintenance to be effective December 15, 2025. Approved unanimously.
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Close County offices on December 24 and December 26. Observer Note: December 25 is already a scheduled holiday.
The Commissioners approved a resolution to execute Resolution 25-213 honoring the life and public service of a Lake County Commissioner Richard J. Regovich who recently died. Mr. Dvorak said that he worked with him on the Ohio One Foundation board region 13. Mr. Dvorak said that “he brought a lot to the table about opioids and addiction and then while he was mayor, he started the Hearts to Hammers program.“
Ms. Bevan said she had reached out to express condolences and that she would personally deliver the resolution.
Meeting adjourned at approximately 12:30 pm
Information and Posted Minutes: Available here.
Next Regular Meeting of the BOCC: The next two Regular Meetings of the BOCC will be on Tuesday, December 16, and Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at the County Administration Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH.
Observer: Gail Roussey
Editor: Rooney Moy
Reviewer: Carol Benton
Date Submitted: December 18, 2025
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