Commissioners Recognize August 31, 2026 as International Overdose Awareness Day;
Dog Warden Discusses Increase in Fees and Puppies Arriving Weekend of August 22nd
Board of County Commissioners Meeting - August 18, 2026
Meeting Details: The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) met in Regular Session on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 9:30 am at the Geauga County Office Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH. BOCC Meetings can be live streamed through the Geauga ADP Youtube channel and can be accessed here by scrolling down and clicking on the section for YouTube videos. Recordings are available for the public. This meeting can be found here. As of this report’s publication date, the video has been viewed 273 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 and February 24, 2026.
Attendance: Present were Commissioners Carolyn Brakey, James Dvorak and Ralph Spidalieri. Also present were Commissioners’ Clerk Christine Blair, County Administrator Amy Bevan, and Finance Manager Adrian Gorton. Deputy County Administrator Mark Jimison was absent.
County Representatives: Christine Lakomiak, Director, Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services; Gina Hofstetter, Director, Community and Economic Development; Liz Rubino, Contract Coordinator, Maintenance; Chuck Tkach, Program Manager, Maintenance; Nick Gorris, Director, Water Resources; Matt Granito, Dog Warden; Dean Helkowski, Deputy Dog Warden; and Joseph Rice, Communications/Media Specialist
Others in Attendance: Rob Weigle, Director, Maintenance; Adam Litke, Lake/Geauga Public Health Commissioner; Kathy Johnson, Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services; Shane Hajjar, Deputy Engineer; Geauga Maple Leaf reporter Allison Wilson; Chagrin Valley Times reporter Anastasia Nicholas; other members of the public and this LWVG Observer.
Observer Note: There is no audio displayed on the video at the beginning of the meeting. It begins after the Financials are presented at 6:10 Min.
2:50 Min. Pledge of Allegiance and Prayer (Commissioner Dvorak)
Public Comment on Agenda Items - None
Report from Administrator Amy Bevan - Ms. Bevan reported on the following:
She approved the waiver of a hearing on a liquor license for CVS at 16801 Chillicothe Rd, Bainbridge.
Minutes - No minutes were submitted for approval. Observer Note: Weekly LWVG Observer Reports for the BOCC are available online through August 18, 2026 for informational purposes but are not substitutes for approved minutes. Approved BOCC Minutes are posted online here through March 10, 2026.
Report of Financials - County Finance Manager Adrian Gorton received approval for the following:
6:10 Min. Observer Note: The audio begins at this point.
6:41 Min. The Commissioners’ Office received approval to execute the Service Agreement with Maximus US Services, Incorporated to provide professional consulting services in the development of the County’s Central Services Cost Allocation Plan for the period August 18, 2026, through February 28, 2031, in the amount of $13,000.00 per year. Mr. Gorton explained that the County uses Maximus to help figure out how much departments receive for services from the General Fund. This is required for departments that receive federal grants. He said that they went out for bids this year and that Maximus was the best option.
The County Engineer’s Office received approval to execute Change Order #1 and Final, decreasing the Contract with Eclipse Company, LLC for the Realignment of Bainbridge Road at Washington Street Traffic Signalization in Auburn Township in the amount of $20,570.31. There was no discussion of this item.
8:53 Min. The Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services received approval to execute Resolution #26-127 Recognizing August 31, 2026, as International Overdose Awareness Day with the theme of “Every Life Matters: Prevention, Recovery and Hope.”
Ms. Lakomiak discussed reasons to recognize this day and gave information about activities that will be happening in connection with this day.
Mrs. Brakey said that the resolution references 61 overdoses since 2020 and she asked what has caused the recent decline in overdose deaths. Ms. Lakomiak said that the numbers have been decreasing: 2023 had 12 overdose deaths, 2024 had 6, and 2025 had 5. She said that right now in 2026 there is only 1 death attributable to an overdose, but that there are several being investigated. She also said that just because there are fewer deaths, does not mean that there are fewer overdoses, which involve first responders and families.
Ms. Lakomiak said there were a variety of factors for the decrease, including funding available from the local, state and federal levels, Narcan availability, and medication-assisted treatment.
Mr. Dvorak also added that there are more recovery houses.
Ms. Lakomiak said there will be a free community event on August 31 from 10 am to 6 pm at the MHRS board office (located at 13244 Ravenna Road in Chardon). The event will provide practical tools, education and resources to help prevent overdose deaths, support recovery and strengthen hope throughout Geauga County. Observer Note: See more information here. Community partners will be at the event, and there will be resources as well as free items such as lockable medication bags, 3-year planners and other items that were received through a grant.
Other Activities mentioned by Ms. Lakomiak are:
14:41 Min. The Community and Economic Development Department received approval for the following:
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for the creation, title and job description for the position of Program Grant Administrator (#1413) (Grade 12E) to be effective August 18, 2026.
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to abolish the position of Project Manager (#1411) to be effective August 18, 2026.
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for the revised Organizational Chart to include the new position of Program Grant Administrator (#1413) and remove the position of Project Manager (#1411) to be effective August 18, 2026.
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to grant permission to advertise for the position of Program Grant Administrator (#1413). This position will remain posted until filled.
Ms. Hofstetter said that she is the only employee now and she worked to change the job description to make it more in line with need. Mrs. Brakey asked about the pay grade. Ms. Hofstetter said the pay grade is higher, but because it is a different position, the actual pay will be less.
Mrs. Brakey also said that there will be a more in-depth review of Community and Economic Development (CED) on September 10th when, in addition to the regular BOCC session, there will be a work session focused on CED.
18:32 Min. The Dog Warden received approval to execute Resolution #26-128 Authorizing an Increase in Dog and Kennel Registration Fees in Geauga County, effective beginning December 1, 2026, for the 2027 Dog and Kennel Registration Years, in accordance with O.R.C. 955.15, increasing a one-year dog registration to $20.00, a three-year dog registration to $60.00, a lifetime dog registration to $200.00, and kennel registration to $100.00.
Mr. Granito talked about the reasons why they are asking for higher fees. He said that if nothing is done, they will have a deficit of $40,000 next year. He said that without the increases, they would have to reduce services, and possibly staffing.
Mrs. Brakey asked about how much the Ohio State Veterinary School receives from fees. Mr. Granito said it was about $0.10 a license.
Mr. Dvorak asked if they have made progress on establishing a separate 501(c)(3). Mr. Granito said he has the paperwork and is actively working on it.
Mango, a cockapoo stray, attended the meeting and was warmly welcomed by everyone. Mr. Granito said that the dog is available for adoption soon, but that the “finder” has the first option to adopt her and he thought this person would adopt Mango. Mr. Granito said that there are ten or twelve puppies coming in from Tennessee the weekend of August 21-23 if anyone is interested in adopting a puppy.
Mr. Granito also said that at some point they will be asking for funds for a new shelter.
34:56 Min. The Maintenance Department received approval for the following:
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to execute a service Contract Agreement with Auburn Fence Corporation to provide fence installations and repairs as needed per the Director, effective August 18, 2026, for a three-year period, in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00.
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to execute a service Contract Agreement with M & L Laundry Equipment Company to perform annual preventative maintenance and repairs to the two (2) washers and the two (2) dryers at the Geauga County Safety Center, per the Director, effective August 18, 2026, for a three-year period, in an amount not to exceed $12,000.00.
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to execute the Construction Agreement with Grunwell-Cashero Company for the Opera House Masonry Repair and Restoration Project in the amount of $129,894.00 ($118,394.00 Base Bid, $11,500.00 Owners Contingency), with work completed no later than December 31, 2026. The Bid Bond submitted shall be held to serve as the Performance Bond for this project.
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to execute the Notice of Commencement of Public Improvement, pursuant to O.R.C. 1311.252 for Grunwell-Cashero Company for the Opera House Masonry Repair and Restoration Project.
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to execute the Notice to Proceed for Grunwell-Cashero Company for the Opera House Masonry Repair and Restoration Project on or before September 7, 2026.
Mr. Tkach spoke about delayed maintenance since 2004 on the Opera House, which necessitated the more extensive repairs.
39:08 Min. The Department of Water Resources received approval for the following:
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to authorize Ralph Spidalieri to execute the Request for Partial Payment #13 for Shook Construction Company for the McFarland Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project in the amount of $1,791,908.40 and the Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) Contractor’s Estimate, and the OWDA Fund Payment Request #13 (loan #11217) in the amount of $1,791,908.40.
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to authorize Ralph Spidalieri, authorized representative, to execute the Request for Partial Payment #14 for Shook Construction Company for the McFarland Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements Project in the amount of $2,994,477.53 and the Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) Contractor’s Estimate, and the OWDA Fund Payment Request #14 (loan #11217) in the amount of $2,994,477.53.
Mr. Gorris said that they are 68% complete with the McFarland Wastewater Treatment Plant update. He said that payments will be coming down as they are getting to more cosmetic aspects of the project. There are 12 months left on the contract.
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to execute Contract Maintenance Form #1 increasing the service Contract Agreement with Auburn Fence Corporation, for additional services in the amount of $5,000.00 for Wastewater for a new, not to exceed amount of $20,000.00 ($15,000.00 Wastewater and $5,000.00 Water).
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for the revised job description for the position of Maintenance Technician (#2328) to be effective August 18, 2026.
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for the revised Organizational Chart to include the position of Maintenance Technician (#2328) and remove a Part-time Maintenance Worker position, to be effective August 18, 2026.
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to advertise for the position of Maintenance Technician (#2328). This position will remain posted until filled. Mr. Gorris said that they changed the qualifications to entry level, from requiring one year of experience.
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to award the Bid to Quasar Energy Group for the Sludge/Biosolids/Filter Bed Sand Disposal in the amount per ton, year 1 - $99.24, year 2 - $102.22 and year 3 - $105.29 as they represented the lowest and best bid.
Mr. Gorris said that although Quasar was the only bidder, this bid is actually lower than the prior contract.
45:03 Min. The Commissioners’ Office received approval to execute the Certification Request to County Auditor, Request to Board of Commissioners Quarterly Use of County Credit Cards, pursuant to O.R.C. 301.27 for the Year 2026 for an increase and adjustment to all quarters (Quarters 1, 2, 3 and 4) for Job and Family Services for Geauga Credit Union Visa and PNC Giant Eagle.
45:33 Min. Board Discussion
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Request for Proposals – Food Services and Vending in the County Office Building - Ms. Bevan said that they would be bringing this to the Commissioners at the next meeting.
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Upcoming Holidays - The Board approved granting the following additional holidays: Friday after Thanksgiving (11/27) and Thursday before New Year’s Eve (12/31). Ms. Bevan said that 24-hour operations will continue.
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Heritage Tree Planting event - Mr. Rice said that they are suggesting that the Heritage Tree be planted in front of the Sheriff’s Office on Thursday October 15 at 1 pm. Ms. Blair said that this is a regular meeting date, which is why they picked this date.
52:15 Min. Public Comment
A man from South Russell Village talked about the hazards of getting to the Geauga Fair in Burton. He had several suggestions to improve safety outside the Fair. He was advised to attend a Burton Village Council meeting to express his opinions.
Adjournment at approximately 10:23 am.
Next Meeting: The next Regular meeting will be Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 9:30 am at the Geauga County Office Building, 12611 Ravenwood Drive, Room B303, Chardon, OH.
Observer: Gail Roussey
Editor: Rooney Moy
Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Date Submitted: August 21, 2026
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