Dvorak, Oluic Compete for Commissioner Seat

April 23, 2026 by Staff Report

Candidate Steven Oluic is challenging incumbent Geauga County Commissioner Jim Dvorak for his seat in the May 5 Primary Election. Below are both candidates’ responses to the Geauga County Maple Leaf election questionnaire.

Jim Dvorak

Age: 72

Current Occupation/Employer: Geauga County Commissioner

Education: High school degree, four years in trade school, some courses at Kent State University.

Steven Oluic

Age: 65

Current Occupation/Employer: Self-employed; semi-retired

Education: BA, MS, PhD, Army Command & Staff College, German Armed Forces Staff College

 

Fiscal Responsibility & Taxes

1. What specific property tax reforms would you support in Ohio and how would you ensure local schools, fire, police and road services remain adequately funded if those taxes are reduced or abolished?

Dvorak: I would support a state of Ohio mandate to have our taxes roll back to 2021 rates. This issue started about two years after COVID. During COVID, no one bought or sold houses. This was a perfect storm, homes were selling for much higher than what they were worth. Then the next year, the reevaluation from the state of Ohio happened. This happens every six years and adjustments are made every three years. But when you sell your house, the state always tells the counties, whatever the house sells for, that is the fair market value. The assessed value is 35 percent of the fair market value. When this reevaluation happened the state heard all the complaints. The state could have paused this very high tax increase for a couple of years, but they didn’t. Now they want the counties and the local governments to have a solution to fix a statewide problem. So, if this is on the November ballot and passes, Geauga County would lose around $11.5 million dollars.

Oluic: I would support “turning back the clock” to where the state was before COVID. Returning property tax to pre-COVID levels would be an improvement, but there are still serious questions and challenges regarding how public entities are funding operations. Of course, much depends on the gubernatorial election in the fall and what the new governor’s administration will propose. But the fact is that citizens are fed up with the tax burden. Abolishing funding is not an option for success. How to address the loss of funding requires deliberate planning right now — match the resources to prioritized requirements. Do we consolidate services? Do we reduce organizational staffing? Should the county be building a “rainy day” fund like the state has in order to address potential funding loss? Should school districts be combined? These questions point towards generalized solutions that will require community input, transparency and hard decisions.

2. If property taxes are reduced or abolished, what exact funding sources would you use to replace that revenue—sales tax, income tax, budget cuts or something else— and what trade-offs are you willing to make?

Dvorak: Geauga County would lose $11.5 million dollars. We would have to raise the sales tax to about 22 percent and with that, the state would take 5 and 3\4 percent. Some school districts have an income tax formula. Yes, we would have budget cuts of some kind. No matter what, I would still try to maintain all the county services to our residents.

Oluic: This is not an easy question and suggests that there are ready-made answers on hand. There aren’t. The immediate default answer to “if funding was abruptly reduced or abolished” is to cut budget(s). Some combination of “other” taxes may be necessary, but I am against such actions in principle. We require a long-term strategic plan, planning that should be going on now. As a commissioner, I would be one of three that has to address this, however my personal position is against new taxes or some knee jerk reaction. Budgets cuts, increased cost for county services, elimination of certain services and so on have been discussed in the county, but I do believe it is time to begin a transparent planning process, involving residents. We should look at other counties to leverage their successes in running government without property taxes — again, we should be doing that now. If this requires changing Ohio laws, then we should be part of that effort.

3. Where do you see opportunities to reduce costs or improve efficiency in county government?

Dvorak: Some collaboration is already taking place. We do have a partnership with Lake Tran with our Geauga Transit. Our funds are completely separate. But we have shared services. We team up with Lake County on grants. So far, we have received eight new buses at no cost to Geauga County residents. Geauga County resident riders have increased by 15 percent. I worked on the planning of the Engineers Rental Resource Program, which saves taxpayers dollars.

Oluic: Leadership has to address cost reduction and efficiency(-ies) improvement. We should review the county budget in explicit detail to see where the cost increases are to focus on reductions there. It would be possible to have temporary spending freezes, impose x% budget cuts across all departments/agencies which would make directors/office holders determine where cuts are to be made. Is it possible to share equipment and manpower across the county?

Development, Land Use & Growth

4. How should Geauga County balance economic development with preserving its rural character?

Dvorak: Geauga County will always keep this balance because of the great political subdivisions zoning. Around 70 years ago or so, most townships created 3- and 5-acre lots. I believe the residents of Geauga County like slow growth. About 70 percent of the residents leave Geauga County every morning to go to work. I believe every political subdivision has a land use plan and reviews it about every five years.

Oluic: I would argue that most residents want to keep Geauga “the way it is.” In some respects, slow or even decreasing population growth in the region suggests that this may help in balancing the economic development with preserving our rural character. I believe that economic development should be limited to those areas that are currently zoned for it. We have to be vigilant to the specter of AI data centers which use vast resources and acreage and are disrupting communities across the U.S. In many respects, the geography of Geauga will balance economic development and preserving its rural character based on traffic corridors and location.

5. What types of development do you support—or oppose—in the county?

Dvorak: I support development that is approved by local zoning.

Oluic: I support commonsense, rational development, land use and growth. Zoning, which is done at the township/municipal level, addresses the types of development and land use in Geauga. Development has to be done through policies in place or developed in concert with the local population and property owners. Development and growth are important to our residents, but not at the cost of what makes our county an incredible place to live.

6. How should the county work with townships on zoning and land-use decisions?

Dvorak: The Geauga County Planning Commission has always been working with local zoning. Many topics are covered in the course of a year. The Geauga County Planning Commission is not a legislative body. It is an advisory board. The township trustees have the final say in their zoning and the recommendation from the Geauga County Planning Commission. All of the people on these boards work very hard to protect and preserve their communities.

Oluic: The county should assist, collaborate and work with our townships on zoning or land-use decisions. Geauga, in effect, already does this on an “as needed basis” or through routine operations in the community and economic development and the planning commission. The county should work with the townships based on the needs of the township and the laws required under the ORC and the OAC. The question really is “how can we support our townships?”

Infrastructure & Transportation

7. What are your top priorities for road maintenance and infrastructure improvements?

Dvorak: Road maintenance comes under the county engineer’s office for the county roads. All other roads come under that political subdivision like townships, villages and one city in Geauga County. The improvements come from levies.

Infrastructure improvements. Most residents in the county have septic systems because we are a rural county. If we had more sewer systems in the county, we would lose our rural setting in a very short time.

Oluic: A top priority is to ensure funding of county road and county owned infrastructure maintenance and improvements. The county engineer is responsible for and the expert on, roadway and bridge maintenance; this office should be deferred to on priorities. My priority is to have excellent roadways and ensure funding. County assets, such as buildings and the airport, must be maintained to high standards, some require improvements now.

8. How should the county fund long-term infrastructure needs?

Dvorak: Currently, we are improving the McFarland Sewer Plant. This project is being funded by a combination of AARP funds, grants from the federal government and a long term loan. This project will cost $30 million dollars.

Oluic: Funding for long term infrastructure needs that is not available at the county level can be sought through many mechanisms. Grants, loans and congressional funding can be applied for through state and federal government agencies and offices. Most grants require a county cost share and of course loans have to be financed (generally reasonable rates). The county must ensure that long-term economic conditions match the reality of future costs.

NOACA & Regional Planning

9. What is your position on Geauga County’s participation in the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA)?

Dvorak: At time, Geauga County has been a member of NOACA for over 40 years. Here are the facts: Geauga County pays $40,000 in dues. We get $750,000 back every year for road and bridge projects. NOACA is a pass-through group. Funds come from the federal and state government departments. When a program is launched from the federal government to an MPO, it is usually a wedge issue topic. Most of these programs are not welcomed and do not fit the needs of Geauga County. With this administration in Washington D.C., most of these liberal programs are being defunded.

Oluic: I have been public on my concerns with NOACA. I see this municipal planning organization (MPO) as most other government funded agencies, once established they can take on a life of their own. While MPOs, in theory, are useful to plan and coordinate infrastructure construction and development that span across counties (highways, utility lines, water/sewage lines-plants, right of ways), NOACA has increasingly expanded its perceived role in areas such as housing, the environment and other areas that should not be out of the county’s control. Geauga’s participation in NOACA must be based on resident interests and a true cost benefit analysis.

10. Do you believe NOACA provides value to Geauga County taxpayers? Why or why not?

Dvorak: There is financial value because we receive a minimum of $750,000 a year to help with our roads and bridges. Most of the other programs that are offered do not fit in Geauga County.

Oluic: This answer lies in who one speaks to about NOACA and I have not found many people that can explain what NOACA is or does, but many who are against its overreach, actual or perceived. The question of value has been asked and not answered in several BOCC sessions. Residents have asked the BOCC to invite NOACA to do a presentation about its role and relationship with Geauga County and answer the question why we need to be part of it.

11. How should Geauga County balance regional collaboration with maintaining local control?

Dvorak: Geauga County will always have local control due to our strong zoning. The balance is making the right choices with topics that arise. The commissioners have a partnership with Geauga Transit and Lake Tran. The funds are separate. They go in on grants together. In the last two years, Geauga has received eight new buses at no cost to the taxpayers. The Geauga riders have increased by 15 percent. This program helps our seniors, veterans and the Amish.

Oluic: Local control must be maintained at all times. The needs of Geauga County must always take top priority in regional collaboration. Thus, the crux of the issue is being a partner in NOACA. Geauga has been collaborating with regional partners for years without NOACA. One example is the water department, which has a MOU with the Cleveland Water District to provide water through county-owned water infrastructure to Geauga residents and businesses.

12. Should Geauga County remain a member of NOACA, seek changes, or consider withdrawal?

Dvorak: At this time, we should stay in this MPO until another group or organization comes up with a better deal.

I have had conversations with Lake County. They have told me verbally at this time they do not want to leave NOACA and start an MPO with Geauga County.

Oluic: I believe this decision needs to be addressed through public comment. All three are options, but as of right now, public opinion at BOCC sessions is against remaining in NOACA — there is no clarity on the issue of the county’s relationship within NOACA. Until that becomes clear to our residents, I would certainly consider withdrawal.

Parks, Environment & Conservation

13. How should the county balance conservation efforts with recreation and development?

Dvorak: This would be with the Geauga Park District and all the other park districts in the county. Conservation is up to the property owner and the political subdivision that they are in. Development is with the local zoning department.

Oluic: I believe that these can be complementary depending on location and developmental capacity of an area or park. The taxpayer must be a critical player in any decisions regarding recreation and development. Again, the townships play the greatest role here, and the county has a somewhat more nuanced role. While conservation is important to maintaining Geauga’s unique characteristics, we have to be aware of property ownership rights.

Transparency & Public Trust

14. How will you ensure transparency in county decisions and spending?

Dvorak: All the commissioner meetings are recorded and on YouTube for the past 19 months. Thirty minutes are available for public comment every meeting. I am always available to speak with anyone outside of the commissioner’s meeting. Once a year, we give an annual financial report by our finance person. Every May, each department comes in for a review. It is spread out for a four-day period and is open to the public.

Oluic: I propose that we have public meetings on major issues or decisions impacting the county. Better use of technology capabilities to leverage information dissemination, conduct residential surveys and sharing meeting videos. The BOCC should consider having public session at various times so that more residents can attend and participate, especially our residents that work during the day. Consider having sessions (more) than once a week periodically.

15. What steps will you take to improve communication with residents?

Dvorak: My door is always open to the public. I meet with residents for coffee or on the phone. The public can always send me an email.

Oluic: As one of three commissioners, I would propose more public meetings or “sounding sessions” to address particularly salient issues to our residents. Leverage technology to share information, bearing in mind that 30% of our residents are senior citizens, traditional mailings should also be an option. Commissioners can also have “open office hours” to meet with residents.

16. How should disagreements among commissioners be handled in public?

Dvorak: Disagreements will always happen from time to time. There are three commissioners with three very different personalities. Disagreements should always be handled in a professional manner in a public meeting.

Oluic: Disagreements shouldn’t be handled in public, such as a BOCC session, as it erodes trust and faith in county government and its leadership. Agree to disagree without presenting any personal animosities is the best course of action. However, human nature sometimes plays a role in this and meetings with agendas should inhibit public disagreement as the matter being discussed are already known to all.

Governance & Leadership

17. What is your leadership style, and how will you work with other elected officials?

Dvorak: I work in a team atmosphere with others. I have been working with fellow elected officials since 2008. I have always treated others with respect and courtesy.

Oluic: As a retired Army officer, I tend towards being direct, open and honest. By keeping the mission focused on “the challenges” and not allowing personal grievances to interfere with county operations, I believe we can overcome any institutional inertia, promote a sense of accomplishment and success. My leadership style is to seek solutions and not obstacles; let the experts do their job and I’ll ask the hard questions. I’m not a politician.

18. What ethical standards will guide your decisions?

Dvorak: I follow the Ohio Revised Code. For legal items, I keep in touch with the Geauga County prosecutor. For financial, I keep in touch with our county and or state auditor.

A couple of years ago, we had a county employee take money from a vendor. I followed the ORC to correct this terrible crime!

Oluic: My decisions will be guided by what is in the best interest of Geauga County, its residents and our future. My decision-making style is based on public input, collaboration with county officials, full transparency and rational, common-sense approaches to the matter at hand. Facts not perception rule the day.

Public Safety & Services

19. What are your priorities for funding law enforcement, EMS and emergency services?

Dvorak: I always support law enforcement and the EMS. Every May, the commissioners have budget hearings planning for the next year. We learned a lot during COVID what is needed and what is not needed. Both departments will be funded properly. Keep in mind that the commissioners are only involved with the sheriff and the county emergency management team.

Oluic: Fully funded at all times, government is there, first and foremost, to protect the public. Nonetheless, there must be assurances that public funds are being used wisely and appropriately.

20. What role should the county play in addressing mental health and addiction challenges?

Dvorak: The board of mental health takes on the role of finding providers to service people in need. Currently, I am president of Region 13 of the One Ohio Recovery Foundation, which is Ashtabula, Lake, Portage and Geauga. Last year, I helped bring in $390,000 to Geauga County to help those in recovery. With the help of Prosecutor (Jim) Flaiz, more opioid funds are coming into Geauga County. We can now disperse $100,000 per year to help annually.

Oluic: The county currently does this very well via the Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services (GCBMHRS). This board oversees several agencies that provide services to our residents in need. The board uses established metrics and the OAC-ORC to ensure that care meets all requirements and are utilizing public funds in the best manner.

Economic Development & Jobs

21. What support should be provided to small and local businesses?

Dvorak: Support is already available for small business and local businesses. This is available from the county economic development department. From time to time, there are grants for brownfield areas, low interest loans for small and large Geauga businesses.

Oluic: Support should focus on retaining and expanding local businesses through targeted financial, workforce and technical support. This includes the county’s revolving loan funds, using workforce training via Ohio Means Jobs and state level incentives. The Small Business Dev Center offers no-cost, professional counseling on planning, marketing and export assistance – use it! Engagement with local business leaders will ensure the support needed.

22. What industries or sectors should the county prioritize?

Dvorak: Large and small businesses and industries all should be prioritized. This all depends on their requests and whatever the criteria is for helping the industries in Geauga County. The reverse loan program has a formula based on how many new employees the company hires.

Oluic: The county should prioritize industries or sectors that can succeed. We are a rural community in many respects, a bedroom community in other respects, and a county blessed with tradesmen, small businesses, and small to mid-size industrial and manufacturing firms. Prioritization requires a solid understanding of community needs and desires, the business climate, and the benefits and costs offered in future economic development.

Health & Human Services

23. How should the county address the needs of seniors and vulnerable populations?

Dvorak: The senior population is growing every year in Geauga County. So, this is one of my top priorities serving seniors. The county has an amazing department on aging. The vulnerable population has many services available from the job and family services (department). Geauga County has fantastic veterans services that also helps the seniors and the vulnerable population that are veterans.

Oluic: Our senior citizens and vulnerable populations need to be secure. Secure in home ownership, secure in their healthcare and secure in their financial situation. The county currently has wonderful and effective programs and agencies that see to much of this and we must continue to support this. Our seniors and vulnerable populations are part of our Geauga family, addressing their needs will be a hallmark of how we wish to live as a society.

24. What role should commissioners play in public health and social services?

Dvorak: (Geauga Public Health) is not under the hiring authority of the county commissioners.

(Geauga Public Health) is operated by its own board.

Social Services is through the job and family service department. The commissioners’ role is to review their budget every May for the next year. I will support their needs based on the finances.

Oluic: Geauga’s public health department is combined with Lake County’s public health department, and I am not certain that this was in the county’s best interest. This should be reviewed in terms of cost and benefits to our taxpayers. Our social services department is a critical component in the county’s efforts to assist and help our citizens; 30% (and growing) of our residents are senior citizens. Commissioners must play a role in oversight/planning.

Vision & Accountability

25. What are your top three priorities if elected?

Dvorak: Property Tax Reform.

Establishing a long range plan for the future with the county buildings and properties.

Creating a team atmosphere within all county departments and all elected officials.

Oluic: 1. Affordability – keep Geauga County an affordable place to live, work and raise a family. Protect our citizens from burdensome taxes.

2. Eliminate fiscal waste – critically review where the public’s tax dollars are being spent. Look at the “fine print,” the devil is in the details.
3. Restore the voter’s authority to the board of commissioners who are the voter’s representatives in county governance.
4. What does success look like for Geauga County in the next 4–8 years?

Dvorak: “Geauga County is where History meets the Future.” Success means always being fiscally sound. I like to always plan for the future with keeping in mind the great history of Geauga County. Currently, the county is in the process of purchasing the Geauga County Library Administration Building on Ravenwood Drive. This building will be turned into the Chardon Senior Center and department on aging administration offices. This year, we will have ground breaking on the New Youth Home also on Ravenwood Drive. All this with no new taxes. We will be selling our old offices in the city of Chardon. All buildings that we are keeping will be maintained.

Oluic: Success for Geauga County means maintaining a safe and stable environment for our families, communities and businesses. As the years move on, there will be change from within and without, but it has to be accomplished in a deliberate manner that is completely transparent and doesn’t disrupt what makes our county such a special place to live. Leadership must be forward looking and always planning to meet the unknowns out there (politics). The rural character, excellent park system, safe environment and Amish community make us a very unique Northeast Ohio county. Let’s keep it this way.

27. How will voters measure your effectiveness in office?

Dvorak: Hopefully the voters will notice my visibility in the community and in the office and at the many different meetings/events that I attend in the county. I communicate with everyone involved in managing this great county.

Oluic: The voters will measure and witness my effectiveness through what is achieved by the board of commissioners in the accomplishments that best serve Geauga County’s interests. I’ve always possessed a “sense of urgency” and “getting things done” mindset and approach to leadership; this will be evident in all of my efforts to lead Geauga forward. My effectiveness will be measured in deeds and actions, not useless drama or hollow words.