CORSA is a risk-sharing insurance provider that covers 72 counties in the state of Ohio is keeping a close watch on Trumbull County.

Managing director John Brownlee tells 21 News that the amount of incurred loss across a number of different departments, which include the Sheriff's, Commissioner's, and Engineer's office, is alarming.  It's put Trumbull County near the top of the risk pool.

Brownlee says that along with inflation, litigation is reflected in the county's premiums over the last three years - which have jumped from $552,269 to $593,125 in 2022 and up to $721,681 in 2023.

"Litigation across the county is one factor that drives the incurred losses but other factors such as property loss and automobile loss also contribute significantly to the poor loss experience," Brownlee explained.

Trumbull County Commissioner Denny Malloy claims fellow commissioner Niki Frenchko is in part to blame, adding that the two biggest lawsuits paid out were because of her.  Malloy also believes that updated policy procedure manuals as well as having a full and engaged Human Resources staff will be a good guide.

According to Trumbull County's Human Resource department - aside from the county's insurance premium this year at $721,681, to date the company spent $276,393.50 - of which $204,769 has been spent on lawsuits. CORSA settlements are paid by CORSA but have a direct correlation to premium costs, and are a big factor in future coverage.

Commissioner Niki Frenchko has been involved in some of those lawsuits, many of which were dismissed, some dropped and others settled.

One of those lawsuits involved David Ruozzo who was fired after being investigated by a state agency over allegations of unprofessional behavior, poor client service and disrespecting clients.  Ruozzo ultimately dropped the lawsuit.

Frenchko says the allegations in the suit filed by Paula Vivoda-Klotz, a former commissioner's office clerk, happened prior to her being elected.

The commissioner issued 21 News this quote:

"The other commissioners should not work in coordination with staff to file frivolous lawsuits. They, with the HR director, weaponize employees for their agendas. This political tactic has been used against rivals for years; they sacrifice taxpayer funds and progress in Trumbull County to maintain power.  We need to move forward without the establishments politically motivated shenanigans that adversely impact the future of our county. If their focus was on economic development, planning and fiscal responsibility, Trumbull County would be in a better position."

Commissioner Frenchko referenced this story back in 2021 where Trumbull County Employees called the work environment 'dysfunctional'.  At that time she pointed to a video she recorded on her cell phone of all of the employees coming out of an office with the other two commissioners at the same time the letter was sent out.

Commissioner Malloy says CORSA held a mandatory meeting for department heads and commissioners, adding that Frenchko did not attend that meeting.

CORSA's managing director John Brownlee says he's confident Trumbull County will right the ship.

21 News reached out to Commissioner Mauro Cantalamessa but has not heard back as of this writing.