GIRARD — Because of fewer police officers in the department, the speed camera revenue for the year has dropped lower than any other year, meaning less funds are available for projects and equipment.

City officials are trying to get more staff in the department since city ordinance requires a full-time officer, not part-time officers, to handle the speed cameras.

City council met Monday to see what can be done to get more officers and change the ordinance to allow full-time officers from other communities to assist with operating the speed cameras. Both the police and fire departments each have requests for items in 2026.

Auditor Julie Coggins said she has met with police Chief John Freeman and fire Chief Jim Petruzzi to see what they need and if the funds are available. Coggins said for October, speed camera revenue was at $17,160, which is the lowest it has been since Girard began using the cameras.

She said camera money for the year through October is at $544,000, which is also low since there have been past years when camera revenue brought in $1.8 million.

“The camera money has been a huge source of revenue. We have been short staffed in the police department for the past year. We are seeing a difference in our general fund with less camera revenue. This year is not bringing in the revenue like we have seen in other years,” Coggins said.

A total of 46% of the camera revenue is placed in the general fund.

Safety Service Director Mark Ragozine said efforts are being made to get additional police officers, with some candidates taking police exams. He said by state law, the police have to be full-time from the Girard Police Department to operate the cameras.

Councilman-at-Large John Moliterno said the city should look at changing the ordinance to allow full-time officers from another community to assist with the cameras.

“There is nothing more important than the police and fire for the community,” Moliterno said.

Councilman Thomas Grumley, D-4th Ward, said he is concerned that revenue in the general fund is down and expenses are up. He said officials will see the amount of revenue generated from the marijuana dispensary.

Freeman said there are plans to promote two officers to sergeants as well as get more patrol officers in 2026.

Grumley said the fire department has adequate staffing.

He said Freeman is asking for new computers for the police cruisers and new stun weapons, while the fire department is in need of new extrication equipment for car crashes.

In other business, council gave first reading to an ordinance to have a separate line item in the budget for funds for the Girard lakes property. Grumley said with a separate line item, the funds would no longer be taken from the water fund, which is down in revenue this year.