Lordstown officials discuss speed cameras, impound lot

Officials investigate revenue streams for police department

LORDSTOWN -- Village and police officials are considering speed cameras and an impound lot as ways for the police department to generate its own funds and rely less on the general fund.

Council's safety committee met recently to discuss the ideas.

Police Chief Brent Milhoan said many police departments have impound lots that generate funds since the cost for equipment and other items keeps increasing. He said in 2022, Lordstown police had 88 cars towed for individuals driving under suspension, with warrants or expired license plates.

"We have gathered information to see what other police departments are doing," Milhoan said.

Milhoan said with an impound lot, the owners of the car would pay a fine to get them released and vehicles not claimed would be sold on govdeals.com. He said those needing to get a vehicle after regular work hours would need to pay more for the car's release.

If an impound storage lot is put in, there would need to be some kind of fencing around it, Milhoan said.

Capt. Chris Bordonaro said fencing would need to be all around the impound lot with police gaining access with a code. He said there also would need to be security cameras at the site.

"Officers on duty would handle unlocking an impound lot to release vehicles," Bordonaro said,

Milhoan said money to pay for and maintain an impound lot could come from speed cameras and not have to be from the general fund.

"Speed cameras could be an option. We could generate funds and operate within the police budget. I know that some equipment can be expensive," Milhoan said, noting the cameras could be placed in school zones and other designated areas of the village.

Councilman Howard Sheely suggested that in addition to school zones, speed cameras could be placed in heavy traffic areas such as Bailey Road and state Route 45.

Mayor Jackie Woodward said speed cameras would be beneficial in school zones.

Milhoan plans to contact Blue Line Solutions, which provides speed cameras in other communities -- including Girard and Weathersfield -- and see if a company representative can attend a future council meeting to talk about the services it can provide.

He said there have been instances where people are driving 90 or more mph on some roads.

"We need to look at speed cameras first to help generate funds for an impound lot," he said.

Councilman Terry Campbell, a retired police officer, said council will need to review speed cameras and impound lot options.