Trumbull county, Ohio -  Trumbull County seniors could be left without help shoveling their way out of their homes if county commissioners don't choose a new vendor next week. 

The search for a new contractor comes down to the wire as the current services with Comfort Keepers is set to end Feb. 9.

“Right now, at this point in time, I am confident that we will be able to maintain services,” Rick Hernandez, Trumbull County Commissioner said. 

Friday morning, commissioners were not aware of any item on next week's regular meeting for a vendor but as 21 News kept pressing for answers the issue is now set for an official vote. 

Finding a new vendor comes after Comfort Keepers gave the county a 60 day notice it will end chores services after senior levy administrator Diane Jurkovic accused the company of fraudulent billing.

Dozens of seniors reported that they never got their grass cut in the summer of 2025 even though the company sent an invoice but the company's president Dave Merkel maintains the services were done. 

The commissioners will choose from three vendors. One of them is the same company that worked under Comfort Keepers when the services allegedly weren't completed.

“We have different procedures set up to make sure that the work was done prior to pay. So they will have to take a picture of every single residential home with the plowing completed and we will make phone calls to confirm that the work was done,” Jurkovic said. 

The county has yet to decide if they will pay an outstanding $14,000 balance to comfort keepers. Merkel previously said in a public meeting he didn't want to be paid but now tells 21 News he does. He also said he's owed an additional $4,000 for show shoveling since mid-December. All of the services are paid from the senior levy budget funded by taxpayer dollars.

“It has taken a lot longer than it should have taken…and we are looking into some different details with our prosecutors office concerning the possibilities of some issues,” Hernandez said. 

Jurkovic would not say if they are looking into other services that they think were paid out to Comfort Keepers but never happened.

All of the new vendors brought in bids under what Comfort Keepers were charging. 

Commissioners can pick one or a few vendors to split the services in their regular meeting.

All transportation and homecare services for Trumbull County seniors through Comfort Keepers will not be affected. 

Merkle added that the chores they do for Trumbull seniors funded by title three will continue for the rest of 2026.