ELYRIA, Ohio — Lorain County Commissioners have approved an additional $400,000 allocation to the county’s electric services fund as rising electricity costs put pressure on the county’s utility budget.

The funding adjustment, passed at last week’s commissioners’ meeting, addresses higher-than-expected charges from Ohio Edison for several county buildings. County Fiscal Director KC Saunders warned that cost increases from Columbia Gas and other utilities may be on the horizon as well, potentially prompting more budget adjustments before year’s end.

Commissioner Jeff Riddell acknowledged the widespread impact of rising energy costs.

“Every one of our citizens deals with these issues, and county government is not exempt,” he said.

Saunders told commissioners the increase was unavoidable.

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