GIRARD — The city’s revenue from its speed camera program is down $85,000 this year compared to this time in 2025, with police Chief John Freeman saying a lack of staff in the department is the main reason.

Auditor Julie Coggins told city officials at Monday’s council meeting the speed camera revenue so far is at $60,838. The February camera total was $28,957.

She said 46% of the revenue generated goes to the general fund, 25% to streets and the remainder is capital improvements funds. Coggins said there will be no funds available for street paving this year, so plans are being made for projects for 2027.

Councilman Thomas Grumely, D-4th Ward, said he understands there is less money in the street fund and less money coming from the cameras.

Freeman said because the police department is limited on staff, he can’t always have an officer just out using the speed cameras rather than being on the road patrolling and responding to calls and vehicle crashes. He said there is already overtime.

Freeman said while the camera program does help slow down traffic, it is “an ancillary service.” Freeman said in past years when the department had more officers, they could be dedicated to the speed cameras, but to do it now would require more overtime.

Freeman said when officers do have time for the speed cameras, they are effective for safety enforcement in areas of Interstate 80 and the state Route 711 connector.

He said he is working to get more police candidates and had an officer at a recent career fair at Kent State University at Trumbull, which has a police program.

Freeman said Girard has trouble getting candidates because they can make more money elsewhere.

“We are competing with many police departments for candidates. That has been a problem for us,” he said.

Freeman said he is also applying for a body camera grant and a domestic violence related grant for the department that will require no local matches.

He also said an online anonymous police tip line is available for public assistance with local incidents.

Coggins said the Wellman Theater fund has $43,522 in it, with American Rescue Plan funds to be used this year for the theater building. Work is planned this spring and summer on parts of the exterior of the building.