CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne is urging Ohio Auditor Keith Faber to quickly clear the county’s nearly $1 billion jail project, arguing that delays caused by the ongoing investigation are already costing taxpayers more money.
Prosecutor Michael O’Malley, who asked for the investigation, maintains that county officials violated state law by beginning site work without first obtaining approval from a four-member justice committee, as he argues state law requires. If the auditor ultimately agrees, county officials and council members could be personally liable to repay the funds.
Faber’s preliminary determination appeared to align with O’Malley’s, concluding that Ohio law requires approval from the county sheriff, clerk of courts, probate judge and a common pleas court designee before any major jail project can move forward…