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Geauga County Commissioners

Board of County Commissioners Department Budget Hearings – 9/29, 10/4 and 10/6

The Board of County Commissioners met on three different days to review the budgets submitted by individual departments for 2023. After these hearings, the departments can re-submit additional material. The County Commissioners can revise budgets based on their statements and the responses from department personnel. The final budgets are reviewed again at public hearings in December. These hearings were all in person with no virtual option and there was no video.

As a general rule, most budgets seemed to elicit approval from the Commissioners, although the final determination will occur before the December hearing. A few departments were encouraged to submit additional budget requests, such as the Airport Authority. Others were strongly criticized, such as the Board of Elections, Auditor and ADP. Some general trends were discussed by many departments such as the difficulty of finding employees, and supply chain issues. It was also acknowledged that this is an uncertain economic climate and difficult to predict how interest rates or other changes in the economy could affect budgets next year. Two observers were present, covering 22 of the 32 sessions

Here are a few highlights:

Thursday, September 29 – (8:45-9:30 and noon – 4:35 (Observer Gail Roussey)

At the hearing today, County Finance Director Adrian Gordon was present, along with Deborah Ashburn, senior fiscal specialist. Mr. Gorton reviewed budgets and directed questions to department personnel if there were items in the budget that were unclear. All three Commissioners and Mr. Gerald Morgan were present.

Treasurer’s office - represented by Chris Hitchcock, Geauga County Treasurer and Chief Deputy Caroline Mansfield.

Discussion of foreclosures and the work of the office to keep people on track to avoid a foreclosure. Payment plans are encouraged, but if the taxpayer doesn’t follow the payment plan then foreclosure results.

Board of Elections – Staff members Michelle Lane, Nora McGinnis and Scott Daisher, as well as Board Chair Dennis Pavella were present.

The Commissioners, particularly Mr. Lennon and Mr. Spidalieri, criticized the requests of the Board of Elections, including their request for a vehicle to transport ballots and voting equipment.
Mr. Spidalieri then gave his opinion that the Board of Election members should not receive medical benefits, which he stated costs $75,000 a year. He stated that no other board received medical coverage and that it is not mandated by Ohio Revised Code (ORC). Michelle Lane, Director, offered a defense concerning the responsibilities involved and Mr. Pavella stated that Board Members routinely work many hours before, during and after elections.
Mr. Spidalieri suggested to finance director Adrian Gorton that by eliminating the medical benefits, there would be funds for the other requests from the Board. Mr. Daisher asked if this would need to be done at a public meeting, but that question was not answered.

Auditor/ADP – The Auditor had a presentation to give, but most of this presentation was not actually presented.

Mr. Walder did state that revenues have increased under his leadership.
There did not seem to be any dispute that a new weights and measures vehicle would be required.
Mr. Gorton stated that some large requests from ADP had to be removed.
There was a long discussion about IT infrastructure and the need to update and move to more secure systems, such as cloud-based systems. These changes will cost money.
Mr. Lennon questioned the need for 22 employees and stated that he had reviewed other counties and they didn’t have those levels of staffing. It was explained that one of the reasons for high numbers is that they have moved to a more centralized system, rather than each department having their own IT person or persons (as occurs in some other counties). The Auditor stated that it was a decentralized system that led to 9 years of theft prior to the removal of his predecessor and his election.

This observer had no clear idea at the end of this session which requests from the Auditor/ADP would be funded.

Airport Authority - Rick Blamer and Chip Hess (Board President) were present for the Airport Authority.

There was a discussion of improvements from this year including expansion of the runway, new fuel tanks and Hangar One improvements.
It was suggested that the Airport Authority pursue a second new Hangar (cost of $866,000). There are no grants available for this, but it was stated that they already have people ready to deposit (from potential users of this Hangar).
Mr. Lennon suggested using ARPA funds. Mr. Gorton stated that a big chunk of the ARPA money was committed to the Chardon City projects (Courthouse).
There was another discussion by Mr. Lennon and Spidalieri about the medical benefits for the Board of Elections and whether the Airport Authority received medical benefits. (They stated that the Board did not receive medical benefits.)

Geauga Soil and Water – Jeff Huntsberger and Carmela Shale represented the Geauga Soil and Water District (not actually a department but they receive funding).

It was stated that wages were an issue in attracting and keeping employees. They needed to increase salaries in order to get staff. Currently their salaries are not even average in the state.
The program with the Geauga Health District to begin monitoring of septic systems was discussed as well as the Erosion Special Improvement Districts (ESID) which the Auditor is working with them to implement.

Prosecutor’s Office – Mr.Jim Flaiz represented the department.

He reported that salaries are an issue as surrounding counties are now offering starting salaries far greater than Geauga’s $52,000 (Lake - $60,000 and Cuyahoga now $74,000). As a result they have had openings for a while.
Another expense they have had is for the conversion to Microsoft 365.

Common Pleas/Court Technology - Judge Paschke and Judge Ondrey represented as well as David Lobecki.

Judge Paschke stated that due to the separation of powers, they were present voluntarily and that no action taken by the Commissioners would or could impact any decisions they might make in court cases.
Judge Paschke stated that they need another employee and they have asked for funds to upgrade to Microsoft 365.
In Court Technology, they are getting new software so that they can do more online. They are buying jury software which will help with the jury selection process. Mr. Lennon asked if they are working with ADP and Judge Pashke stated that they did have a good relationship.
There was discussion about the need for greater mental health care and the fact that the Drug Court had been selected as a model for others implementing a drug court.
They are still doing foreclosure mediation and will start doing Domestic Relations mediation.
They are finding it difficult to get attorneys who are willing to represent indigent defendants (when the Public Defender has a conflict).
They are looking for grants for court technology so that they can move to the more secure cloud-based system.
Mr. Spidalieri said that they might have to wait on renovating the courthouse due to increases in building supplies. Judge Ondrey said they are excited about what the architects are proposing, and Judge Paschke stated that the renovations will provide a more secure environment.

Transit - Ms. Joanne Santilii, Director and Mr. Bedlock, Finance answered questions.

At the time of the hearing they were waiting on NOACA funds that had not come in yet.
They have six new computers coming in.
They are using a Capital fund to put money in for equipment and for vehicles.
There is a backorder to receive vehicles. Transit has six vehicles on order now in the hopes that they will get at least two next year.

Public Defender - Mr. Robert Unholtz and Victoria Janasek (office manager) represented the Office.

Mr. Umholtz stated that they are using one of the secretary positions to help with things that should be handled by a social worker. There is a greater need to help defendants find housing and navigate other issues. Mr. Lennon commented that the Commissioners just approved the Stepping Up program which has an aim of helping those in jail start planning for life after jail. An assessment of resources will be conducted in October.
The State of Ohio will reimburse at the rate of 90% this year (it had been 100% last year). In Mr. Umholtz opinion the State had to reduce the reimbursement because many counties were using funds for building and not just for indigent defense.
He also stated that there has been an increase in the caseload.
They need additional money for a Public Defender with trial experience. They have just hired an attorney who has such experience.

Tuesday, October 4

No observer was present for the following departments: Recorder, Veterans, Planning, County Engineer, Dog Warden, Coroner, Emergency Services, Clerk of Courts, Law Library, Maintenance

Thursday October 6

8:30 – noon (Observer Gail Roussey)

In attendance at all sessions were Finance Director Adrian Gorton, Senior Fiscal Specialist

Deborah Ashburn, and Commissioners Jim Dvorak and Tim Lennon. County Administrator Gerry

Morgan attended. Mr. Dvorak exited the hearings on two separate occasions.

Building Department – Commissioners Lennon and Dvorak arrived while this presentation was in progress

The Department is selling vehicles – 2 are brand new and one has over 75,000 miles, The Fuel account was discussed.
It was discussed that they might “hit a wall” in terms of building next year as this has happened in Houston and we are usually 6 months behind them. On the plus side, there are builders who already have contracts for next year.
It was also noted that it was easier for builders to have several agencies together in the new County Building,
A question was raised as to whether Plumbing inspections would come under Building, but it appears that the Health District will not want to relinquish those (because of permit fees and the revenue generated.)

Community Development

Ms. Gina Hofstetter discussed the decrease in revenue and the fact that the Revolving Loan fund is not seeing a lot of activity. This year $307,00 was paid off – people used Covid money and in one case there was an inheritance.
Ms. Hofstetter said it was her responsibility to go out in the community and talk with people. She said they have a great staff and are continuing to work grant programs.
They just paid $5,000 for a new copier.
They don’t anticipate needing more staff next year.
Their tax-exempt status has been reinstated.
She would like Tourism to move into the new County Building. She said they would be happy to manage this through their department. They could have a kiosk.

Municipal Court - Judge Stupica attended the Budget hearing

She stated that the caseload is higher than last year although traffic offenses are down. Felonies are still high, OVI’s have leveled off.
There is an increase in domestic violence, mental health and drug abuse related offenses.
Collections are up right now over budget. The Ohio Attorney General identifies tax returns where there is a refund (and court cost due) and collects the refund – also for lottery winnings.

Job and Family Services - Director Craig Swenson, Asst. Director Paul Rimon and Alyssa Parnabi

Mr. Swenson stated that overall nothing crazy predicted for next year. They had their .5 mil levy suspended by the Budget Commission because they have 10 million carried over. Part of the carryover was because they anticipated needing it for a Youth Center project. They are meeting with Then Design and NV5. There is concern about the estimated cost, although the latest projection was down 1.6 million.
Mr. Lennon stated that he didn’t think there should be any guarantee that Ravenwood would run this new facility. Mr. Swenson stated that there wasn’t anyone else in the county. Mr. Lennon again stated that he didn’t want to put any obligations on the county for the future.
Mr. Lennon also stated that he doesn’t feel it was right for the Budget Commission to reduce the levy which was approved by the voters.
Mr. Swenson also stated That Cuyahoga County just increased the starting salary of social workers by $26,000 so they will have even more trouble getting employees.
Mr. Swenson said that there is now a meth crisis. He also stated that they will need staff when they finally unwind from Pandemic rules. Right now, under Pandemic rules, they can’t take action on cases even if the person/family might be ineligible.
Child Support is steady
They have staffing issues.
They have a fleet of vehicles and had assumed that the county would do the maintenance. That didn’t happen and the vehicles were neglected and now they have issues with them. They are looking to replace 2 vehicles. They need a fleet management contract. There was a suggestion of looking into having Enterprise provide vehicles and service them. Some counties have gone to that model.

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