LORDSTOWN — Village Solicitor William Blank informed officials Monday that income tax collections are down $1.76 million this year compared to the same time last year.

Blank said the amount covers the first five months of the year.

He said contributing to the decrease are the layoffs at Ultium Cells. In its WARN letter filed with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, General Motors said it would lay off 1,334 hourly workers in Lordstown on Jan. 5. Of that number, approximately 850 were scheduled to return, but the worker recall has been pushed back to August.

General Motors and South Korea’s LG Energy Solution are co-owners of the battery cell plant.

Blank said also contributing is no construction work taking place at the Trumbull Energy Center. He said the village has carryover funds from last year, which will help shore up the budget despite the decrease in income tax.

Mayor Jackie Woodward said officials are hopeful Ultium Cells will get employees back to work soon and that the extension announced in May will be the last.

WATER BOOSTER STATION

Village council approved a contract with Rudzik Excavating of Struthers for $628,400 for the state Route 45 water booster station upgrade and relocation.

Woodward said $200,000 in American Rescue Plan funds were received for the project from the Trumbull County Commissioners, as well as grant funds from the office of U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce, R-Bainbridge.

The board of public affairs is scheduled to act on the contract this week.

Also, Road Supervisor Martin Nelder said he has received numerous calls from residents on Dale Drive concerned about vehicles being parked on the road and making it difficult for other vehicles to get through. He said one resident requested a “No Parking” sign be posted.

Councilman Ron Radtka said no vehicles should be parked on the public road. Planning / Zoning Director Kellie Bordner said Dale Drive is about 60 feet long and one resident parks a large work vehicle on the road, which is creating the issue. She said a letter can be sent to the resident.

Officials also discussed plans for more railroad crossing signage to be posted on Salt Springs Road at Lyntz Road. Police Chief Brent Milhoan said there are concerns as police are called to the location on a regular basis, especially when school is in session.

“There is often an issue with lights flashing on the sign, but no train around. A bus cannot cross by law if the lights are flashing unless we are there. This will continue to be an issue,” Milhoan said.

In other business, council:

• Heard Nelder and a consultant looked over the former library and provided a proposal on how space for offices can be used inside the building.

• Heard from Milhoan the police department wants to continue working with Joel Davis, who handles IT issues, noting he is available when needed and less expensive than other companies.

• Approved purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Trailblazer from Greenwood Chevrolet in Youngstown at $24,686.

• Approved hiring two part-time seasonal employees for the summer for the water and sewer departments.