Shenigo, Old stay in board roles

PERKINS TWP. — Nearly three months ago, they each won their re-election bids. And, earlier this month, they also got the necessary votes to retain leadership roles in their shared elected office. During a recent public meeting, Erie County commissioners Pat Shenigo and Matt Old received their ninth-consecutive one-year terms to serve as board president and vice president, respectively. In addition to voting for themselves, the third commissioner, Steve Shoffner, reaffirmed both selections. Largely a figurehead position, the president position carries few executive powers. For instance, the president can set up public meeting times as well as topics and speakers for those sessions. The vice president fills this role when the president, for whatever reason, can't. Neither the president nor vice president boasts special voting privileges. People in these positions effectively stand on equal footing with their commission counterparts. It's still a big moment for them. "I am excited for Erie County's future," Shenigo said. "It's an honor to be trusted by Erie County citizens to oversee their tax dollars — and, as in the past, we promise to always remember who we work for: Erie County residents and businesses." This past fall, Shenigo and Old, both Republicans, each won individual re-election bids from Democrat opponents. Both incumbents promised to maintain their existing cost-conscious policies in their new four-year terms, which span through 2028. "We have come a long way since I first took office in 2009, and I believe we are well-positioned for our future," Shenigo said. "All three of your commissioners are committed to paying off debt and paying cash, wherever possible, for projects only after a thorough cost-benefit analysis." Regarding debt, Erie County's outstanding obligations should total $41 million by the end of 2025. That marks a 65% decrease compared to when county debt peaked at $116 million in 2008. It's steadily gone down since 2009 when Shenigo first took office and ever since first Old and then Shoffner have worked alongside him. Doing so secured a better credit rating for Erie County. This helps lower interest rates when paying for big projects with taxpayer funds. "It's an honor to have the privilege of serving the residents of Erie County," said Old, who first took office eight years after Shenigo. "I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure strong fiscal management of the county," Old added. "Erie County is positioned for tremendous success. I'm excited to see the creation of our blue ribbon committee, (which aims for) our community leaders working together to ensure the best possible services at the lowest possible cost to residents." A new era of business Voters initially elected Shenigo in fall 2008, and he began serving in 2009. Voters initially elected Old in fall 2016, and he began serving in 2017. The Republicans most recently won re-election in fall 2024, and their individual four-year terms span through 2028. Old and Shenigo managed to lower the debt while still pursuing many new projects over the past several years to better residents, visitors and those doing business in Erie County. Most notably, commissioners committed funding to: • Resurrecting a pair of long-dormant water lines, once owned by NASA; Work at a plant near Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve: — Ensures Sandusky water customers have a safe and reliable backup water system — Offers endless marketing opportunities, as raw water is a crucial ingredient to lure manufacturing companies into the region Erie County's in-house utilities team performed the work for $350,000. It came in at a fraction of the cost as compared to estimates collected by Sandusky officials, ranging between $8 million and $20 million. • Supporting various programs and initiatives related to the area's addiction recovery movement; Most notably, commissioners financially supported the region's first detox unit and Becky's House, a women's sober-living facility. Both entities exist at the Erie County Health Department's campus in Sandusky. • Overhauling The Meadows at Osborn Park, the Erie County-owned nursing home near Osborn MetroPark, with modern facilities to attract more residents • Implementing many changes at the Erie County landfill, which included installing a new scale to improve weight accuracy and creating an eco-friendly system to convert methane gas into electricity • Securing grants, totaling $24.5 million, with a majority coming from the federal government, to pursue many safety-related upgrades along U.S. 6 in the coming years • Working in collaboration with many in the public and private sectors to establish both the indoor and outdoor sports venues on Cleveland Road (U.S. 6); Together they represent about a $50 million investment and spurred more than $100 million in private development. • Backing the Erie County land bank, which has demolished dozens of properties and brought many of them back onto the tax roll • Helping to finance a countywide reading program, the Erie County Imagination Library chapter, which serves two-thirds of eligible children in this area with free books • Implementing a one-year, $8 million tax cut for all Erie County property owners who pay taxes in 2025