PAINESVILLE, Ohio — Lake County will pay off half of its short-term debt for the new public safety center in the first year, a move officials called a major win for taxpayers and long-term financial stability.

Director of Administrative Services Joel DiMare told commissioners during their meeting Thursday that the county will pay $25 million of the $50 million borrowed last year for the project, which had originally been planned for repayment over five years.

“This is a major step in reducing our overall debt and saving taxpayers money in the long run while also keeping the county budget sustainable for the long term,” DiMare said.

He also announced that Moody’s, a major credit rating agency, recently reaffirmed Lake County’s Aa1 bond rating, the second-highest rating available.

The de

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