CHESTER — The city saw the first donation request from a local athletic effort impacted by the budget woes of the Hancock County school system.

During Monday’s regular meeting, Amy Cashdollar addressed council regarding a possible donation, after she learned that it was highly probable that the non school-affiliated Oak Glen Middle School Club Baseball may have to pay to use the high school’s baseball field this upcoming season.

Previously, the school system hadn’t charged the club to use the field for home games, waiving the field rental fee estimated to cost $300 per game.

Cashdollar explained that the club plays anywhere between 18 and 23 games on that field, which puts that potential payout at around $7,000 between its junior varsity and varsity squads made up of players in grades six through eight.

“Unfortunately, without additional support, there is a real possibility that we may be forced to cancel or forfeit a portion of our season, an outcome that would be heartbreaking for our student athletes who have worked hard to prepare and represent our community with pride,” she added.

Separate from any kind of Little League program in Hancock County, Cashdollar has been reaching out to local organizations and businesses throughout Chester in pursuit of donations.

“Oak Glen Middle School Club Baseball is more than just a sport. It teaches responsibility, teamwork, discipline and perseverance,” Cashdollar said, noting it provides participants with a positive outlet.

Council voted to contribute a $1,200 donation, which either would go toward that field rent or upgrade of a field near the county dog pound that used to be utilized but had been damaged by flooding, as that is the club’s backup solution.

Council members accepted $77,860.11 worth of general fund and $8,132 worth of building fund receipts and paid $209.631.26 worth of bills, including $85,366.76 to contractor Protech of East Liverpool for installation of new light poles in downtown Chester.

Per Chester Mayor Ed Wedgewood, the project is largely done, with the city still owing another $80,000 upon completion.

The meeting concluded with a brief executive session to discuss the budget, after Police Chief Chuck Stanley was directed to proceed with signing a mutual aid agreement with the Southside school system for “critical response” into western Pennsylvania in case of needed police or fire personnel.

In other action, members approved:

— Purchase of a gas-powered paint sprayer for the street department at a cost of $5744, which is nearly half the price officials were quoted two years ago.

— The second readings of legislation associated with the vacation of Alley E in the William Croxall addition of the city.

— Scheduling a citywide cleanup day for residents in May with the date to be determined.

— Renewal of employee health coverage with PEIA (the Public Employees Insurance Agency), which includes a 3 percent increase in 2027.

sujhelyi@mojonews.com