Commissioners file appeal, increase legal defense against Grendell

Geauga County commissioners Jim Dvorak and Carolyn Brakey voted Tuesday to authorize an appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court in the ongoing dispute over Juvenile/Probate Judge Timothy Grendell’s request for reimbursement of nearly $300,000 in legal fees incurred defending himself against judicial misconduct charges. "It is self-evident that taxpayers should not be forced to pay, after the fact, the personal legal bills of an elected official disciplined for misconduct," Mrs. Brakey said when reached after the meeting. "The Ohio Supreme Court should be given the opportunity to say as much." The commissioners also voted to increase their contract with Solon firm Mazanec, Raskin and Ryder by $25,000, bringing the contract to a new, $55,000 limit. To spend further, they must approve another increase. Commissioner Ralph Spidalieri was absent. The commissioners’ 2-0 vote to increase the contract and appeal the matter follows a ruling by the 11th District Court of Appeals, which ordered the county commissioners and prosecutor to seek court appointment of outside counsel for Judge Grendell but did not order the county to pay his legal fees.