Champion officials consider how to spend $45,000 in ARP funds | News, Sports, Vacancies

CHAMPION — Trustees will consider proposals from department heads on how to spend the remaining $45,693 allocated to the city through the American Rescue Plan.

The funds must be allocated by the end of this year and used by the end of 2025.

Police Chief Larry Skaggs proposed using the funds to purchase a used 2018 police cruiser from the Niles Police Department.

He said the department doesn’t have a cruiser and if the department gets one, it would cost $1,500 to put the decals on it.

Fire Chief Tom Dempsey proposed installing an AED for the new City Hall building.

Trustee Rick York said the township could use a digital electronic sign that would be posted on Mahoning Avenue with information about the township and the location of the administration building.

Road Superintendent Sean Davis suggested placing markers at the cemetery.

Trustee Doug Emerin suggested getting cost estimates for various ideas to be reviewed by trustees before a final decision is made on using ARP funds.

“We’ll see where we can go next.” – said Emerine.

In other business, trustees discussed creating an events committee that would be made up of five community members who could plan events that would take place at the township administration building, such as craft shows and holiday gatherings.

The committee will be chaired by resident Debbie Krish, but other members have not yet been named.

Fee announced that the township has received $149,966 in Ohio Public Works Commission funds for resurfacing work on Eldon, Shirley and Clearview roads in 2025.

The total cost of the project is $384,481, of which $234,918, or 61%, is borne by the municipality and 39% of the funds are covered by OPWC funds.

Fee said the village did not receive funding for the project last year.

“This is great news for the city.” – said Emerine.