HOWLAND — The Trumbull County Commissioners have approved $130,000 for the Trumbull County MetroParks as its board met Thursday to go over its budget for the year.

Zachary Svette, MetroParks executive director, said the organization was glad to get the funds approved by the commissioners. The amount was reduced from a $150,000 request to $130,000.

He said from his understanding most departments received less this year.

The board approved the budget for 2026 and will address any pay adjustment for Svette at an April 23 meeting.

Svette said the budget includes between $17,000 and $20,000 for emergency funds.

He said funds are made available in case truck tires need to be replaced or equipment breaks and needs repaired.

Svette said there will be two part-time workers this spring and summer at the park at $10,000 each.

The board did approve hiring Thomas Holbrook and Randy Sampson as independent contract workers at $15 per hour up to $10,000 each for one year effective April 1.

Svette said he is applying for a $10,000 grant to construct an Americans with Disabilities ramp at the park office off North River Road in Howland.

He said a grant from the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley and funds from the Howland Township Trustees will help.

Board member Bob Ward said the parks need to look at bringing in other money through grants, donations or foundations noting the parks can’t just exist on what the county commissioners approve.

Svette said there are not a lot of grant funds for repair projects.

Board member Nicolette Darkangelo said with some grants there is often a local match or share of 20% to 50% toward a project, which the MetroParks have trouble getting.

Ward said he has been reviewing the organization forming a friends group subcommittee for the parks to help in getting donations and grants for park needs.

“We need to look at different options to get money. The Mill Creek Metroparks have been very successful in recent years of getting donations and other funding.” Ward said.

He suggested representatives from Mill Creek Metroparks come to a future board meeting and share what they have been able to do.

Ward said Mill Creek Park has been able to secure $10 million in over nine years.

He said Mill Creek Park has received many anonymous donations and other donations.

Board member John Brown said Mill Creek Metroparks is much bigger than the Trumbull MetroParks,

Ward said the board needs to look at foundations for assistance in getting funds and potential donors as well as forming a friends group.

“Getting the public more aware of the MetroParks is important. We need more money and the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley could help us,” Ward said.

A meeting to discuss a subcommittee is set for April 22.

LOG CABIN IN BRACEVILLE

Svette said the MetroParks board should receive requests for proposals for the log cabin in Braceville late next month and be reviewed at the May board meeting.

He said 501c3 political subdivisions are where the proposals are coming from and whether to keep the cabin there or other options they make to the board.

“It will be whatever proposals they want to make.” Svette said.

He said for the MetroParks it would not be realistic to do a project at the cabin as there are no funds for work there and even donations would not be enough for upkeep and maintaining of the structure.

“We can’t count on donations year to year.” Svette said,

In other business, Cindy Mines of the Howland Historical Society said she is seeking to get the log cabin located in Braceville included on the National Register of Historic Places.

She said the Braceville Historical Society has interest in the log cabin.

Mines also said she is interested in the history of the historic house that the park offices are located in off North River Road and would like to have historian Chris Klingemier look at it.

Also, following recent storms this winter and spring, Svette said there have been some downed trees and branches at Foster Park.

The board also approved Svette seeking proposals for a pre-qualified engineering list and portable restrooms for the park contract.