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Welcome to Lorain County, Ohio - USA
The Lorain County Commissioners' Official Website
 County Commissioners make up the general administrative body for County Government. The following individuals serve on the Board for Lorain County: Ted Kalo, Lori Kokoski, and Tom Williams. They perform duties which are specifically authorized by the Ohio General Assembly; which include (but are not limited to) taxing, budgeting, appropriating, and making annexations; in addition to duties outside of government.
This board is the executive and administrative agency of the County. The Commissioners administer the affairs of the County according to the laws of Ohio and can determine policy, by resolution, for the establishment of services in the county left optional by law. This means that the Board of Commissioners must take a broad view when making public policy and budget decisions.
The Commissioners are responsible for the supervision of construction and maintenance of county roads and bridges. As the taxing authority of the County, the Commissioners have power to purchase, lease, construct, repair and furnish the courthouse and all County offices - including the Lorain County Jail, Juvenile Detention Home, children's home, and the Lorain County Murray Ridge Center (managed by the Lorain County Board of Developmental Disabilities). Additionally, the Commissioners are obligated by law to provide institutional care for indigents, needy children and other needy individuals.
The Board also reviews the annual report of all County offices. They prepare a County Budget based on the estimated needs of all the County offices, including the courts. The Commissioners can exercise a measure of control over many of the County offices. No capital improvements by any County Departments can be made without formal action of the Commissioners. They also maintain all official bonds of the County elective officers, issue Public Notices/Notice to Bidders, receive bids and lastly award contracts for the deposit of public funds with banks.
Given their impact on the work of many other elected officials and different departments, they must be astute in matters of law enforcement, correction facilities, human services, business development, and other areas.
Given their budget-making authority, they must have a good business sense – matching available revenue streams to service needs.
Given specific and limited authority by the state legislature, County Commissioners hold title to all county property, serve as the sole taxing authority for the county, and control County Purchasing.
Firstly, they serve as the official borrowing and purchasing authority for the County, and hold the title to County Buildings and property.
Secondly, all formal/official actions must be taken by the board acting as a body by majority or unanimous vote, usually at Board of Commissioner Meetings. These generally weekly meetings are open to the public and appear on the County's Event Calendar.
These actions are recorded as a resolution by the
Lorain County Clerk of the Board, then journalized and indexed in the Board of Commissioners Agendas & Minutes; which are available to the public, in accordance with ORC Chapter 305.10.
Thirdly, they review and appoint members to serve on various County Boards, which serve as a basic support system for Lorain County.
Lastly, Commissioners also appoint Department Heads of offices for which they have responsibility. These County Departments are:
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