MCDONALD — Wanting to provide enough funds for the fire and police departments for operations, village council on Wednesday gave first reading to placing a 4.5-mill, five-year safety services levy on the November general election ballot.

Officials said the levy will generate $310,000 annually for fire and polcie services and other needs for day-to-day operations in serving the village.

The second reading for officials placement in the ballot is March 18 meeting.

In other business, Councilwoman Kerry Reckard discussed teh village seeking public comments on a proposed Ohio Department of Natural Resources recreational trails program application.

Reckard said the village is preparing to submit a grant application to the ODNR Recreational Trails Program to improve and restore trail amenities that serve residents, families, and visitors at Woodland Park and along the village’s trail network.

If awarded, RTP funding would support a project that would:

• Restore over 3,000 feet of trail to improve walking and recreational access;

• Enhance safety on the cross country course, supporting student athletics and year-round trail use;

• Clear and improve buffers between the end of the traditional walking trail and the continuation of the cross country trail, creating clearer transitions and safer travel through the system. Officials said the village is requesting public comment from through March 14 to help ensure the application reflects community priorities and user needs.

Public input will be included as part of the final project development and submission materials, as appropriate. Residents and trail users are encouraged to share feedback in any of the following ways such as attend a council meeting and provide comment during public participation; email written comments and send to:

villageofmcdonaldgrants@gmail.com or call the village at 330-530-5472.

Comments are welcome on project priorities, current trail conditions, safety concerns and suggestions to improve access and user experience for pedestrians, runners and student athletes.

Mayor Ray Lewis said the village appreciates the community’s involvement and looks forward to working with residents to strengthen public recreation assets for years to come.

In other action, council:

•Approved the Lindy Group at $169,960 for the paving of Seventh Street from McDonald Avenue to Ohio Avenue,

•Approved a lump sum payment of $9,250 for the seven full-time police officers.

•Accepted a $4,322 Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council grant which can be placed in escrow and can be used at a future date for energy/ electrical related projects.

•Showed the new ambulance at an open house. The $210,000 ambulance which is equipped with the latest medical technology such as automated cot units, replaces another vehicle from 2006. To pay for the ambulance, the fire department received $175,000 from the Trumbull County Commissioners, $25,000 from the state of Ohio, and about $10,000 from the McDonald Firefighters Association.

The department responded to 540 calls in 2025 with many mutual aid calls.

•Announced the 10-year anniversary for the senior center is 12:30 p.m,. March 27 for senior citizens ages 60 and older.

• Set curbside branch pickup starting March 26 and spring cleanup April 14 and 15 with items placed at curbside.

• Announced Easter egg hunt 1 p.m. March 29 at Woodland Park.