Trumbull County Approves Health Care Rate Changes to Avoid Shortages

WARREN – The Trumbull County Board of Commissioners approved several critical measures during its regular meeting Thursday.

One item highlighting the day’s agenda was a vote on adjusted premiums and clawback rates to stabilize the province’s self-insurance program, amid warnings that without action the province could face significant financial pressure.

The changes, which will take effect in 2025, are intended to prevent potential cuts to services and layoffs, especially as health care costs continue to rise.

“As far as county employees are concerned, we want to make sure we maintain the level of coverage we already have, without laying off spouses or stepchildren or making changes to what we already have,” said Commissioner Denny Malloy. “We shopped around for rates, and rates have only increased nationally.”

In other matters:

• The board awarded a one-time $50,000 grant to Warren Family Mission, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, to install air conditioning at the facility. Executive Director Dominic Mararri thanked the commissioners.

He said the lack of air conditioning has forced the organization to close during extreme heat, impacting services to those in need.

“This funding will be a game-changer, allowing us to keep our doors open even in the summer heat,” Mararri said.

• Another $50,000 grant, also from ARPA funds, was awarded to Community Legal Aid Services to support salaries at the organization’s Warren office.

The funding is expected to improve access to legal services for Trumbull County residents, especially those dealing with housing, domestic issues and other civil legal needs.

The board unanimously approved this measure, which underlines the importance of legal support for residents in financial difficulties.

• Commissioners allocated $100,000 in ARPA funds for critical road repairs in Bazetta Township, including Township Highway 201 (McCleary Jacoby Road). The project includes road surface repairs and surface leveling to improve safety and usability. Completion is expected by mid-2025.

• Commissioners passed a resolution designating November as National Adoption Month and November 22 as “Adoption Day.” Commissioners recognized local adoption efforts, noting that 18 adoptions have been completed in Trumbull County Probate Court this year, with 21 children still awaiting permanent families.

The commissioners commended Judge James Fredericka and the Trumbull County Children’s Services team for their efforts

to finding stable homes for children in foster care.

• Commissioners approved $267,383 in ARPA funding for a floodplain study conducted by MS Consultants aimed at improving flood risk mapping and compliance with FEMA regulations.

The study will assist the Trumbull County Planning Commission in future infrastructure planning, especially in areas prone to flooding.

• The board approved two contracts for sanitary sewer improvement projects in Meadowbrook and Warren townships totaling more than $17 million. These projects will be funded through a combination of funds from the Ohio Public Works Commission and EPA, and include the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant for the Meadowbrook area, a critical step in addressing long-standing wastewater problems.

• The board entered into a one-year contract with Mercy Health for pathology services following the closure of the Trumbull Regional Medical Center laboratory.

The agreement allows the county coroner’s office to send autopsy slides to Mercy Health for analysis, maintaining continuity of necessary forensic services.

The exact cost of pathology services will vary depending on the number of cases processed.

During the meeting, Commissioner Niki Frenchko abstained or voted against several agenda items, expressing concerns about the lack of documentation detailing the agenda items and the transparency of the agenda process.

Frenchko abstained from voting on two security-related topics: upgrades to administration buildings, new panic buttons and the addition of a security door, citing a

lack of adequate information.

She also emphasized her objections to the approval process for large-scale infrastructure projects, including a contract modification for sewer improvements in Meadowbrook.

The board will not meet during Thanksgiving week, but budget hearings will take place on Monday, November 25 and Tuesday, November 26.