WELLSVILLE – Discussion continued over the Wellsville Fire Department wanting to switch from a self-dispatch station to the county dispatch center, with no resolution during Tuesday’s meeting of the Wellsville Village Council.

During the public portion of the meeting, Chief Jeremiah Cole, Highlandtown Volunteer Department and member of the Columbiana County 9-1-1 Committee, spoke in favor of department using a dispatch center, noting Wellsville once dispatched for Highlandtown until around 2010 when they switched over to the county dispatch.

Council President Keith Thorn remained against the switch, citing the costs of the switch and yearly fee for the police department being too expensive.

Wellsville Mayor Bob Boley suggested the issues be put before legal counsel for input.

Village Solicitor Chris Weeda suggested both council and the fire department gather all the information on what the switch would involve and all the costs that would be involved before they consider making a decision.

Thorn said he was trying to get what the cost of radios would be, but hasn’t heard back yet. Weeda said he would call to see what he could find out on Wednesday.

Podwel said he would like to proceed with the switch, to which Thorn said he would vote no.

Fiscal Officer Hoi Wah said that if she were given all the numbers, she could put together a five-year financial forecast to see if it would create a deficit.

The switch to county dispatch would also be for the police department if it were to be approved.

The biggest argument against the switch has been that costs are too much for the police department.

Podwel noted that the cost for the fire department would be split between the Wellsville Fire Department and the Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department.

Wah explained the difference between the fire department and the police department’s finances, saying the fire department generates more from the fire levy.

Podwel in his report gave an update on the department’s year-end numbers.

Police Lt. Marsha Eisenhart told council in her report that the police department received $6,904.63 from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office to help with reimbursement for officer training in 2025 and would receive something for 2026.

Council is still trying to figure out how to solve the problems with the village’s trucks.

Village Administrator Jeff Cope said something needs to be done; the trucks keep costing money for repairs, but the transmissions in the trucks cannot be converted from electric to hydraulic. He noted a spinner in one of the trucks burnt up again recently.

Wah noted that the road department should be at about 8% of their budget for the year spent, but they are currently running at over 30%.

The village has a large truck that is rusting and not running, which Boley told Cope to sell.

Boley asked, and council agreed, that Rick Williams, zoning officer, be appointed again for the coming year to the Buckeye Water District.

Council also voted to amend an ordinance that listed Williams as an hourly employee and draw up a new ordinance which would correctly list him as being paid monthly. Council also approved a $100 a month increase in pay for Williams, bringing his monthly salary to $450. This is to be retroactive to Jan. 1.

Council members voted all-in-favor to approve the PC Doctors 2026 contract of $4,200 plus computer purchases for $11,125.

They also voted to approve the OMEGA contract and a liability insurance premium of $74,590.

Council members approved an ordinance establishing a cyber-security program and adopting cyber-security policies and controls.

Bills totaling $1,589.22 were approved for payment.

Council Member Cindy Mick, who is chair of the Property/Sewer Committee, said she was in the process of gathering a list of landlords and how many units they have.

Council member Aaron Smith, park board vice-chair, said the garden club would be meeting Jan. 24 at 11 a.m. in council chambers at Wellsville Village Hall, and the board is looking to fill a vacant seat. Anyone interested can contact the board through the park board’s Facebook page or by calling village hall.

The Wellsville Village Council meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in council chambers at Wellsville Village Hall, 1200 Main St. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Feb. 3.

kgarabrandt@mojonews.com