GIRARD Fiscal emergency

The city has been under state-imposed fiscal emergency since Aug. 8. The major reason for its financial problems is debt. The city:
Borrowed $2.4 million to buy Girard and Liberty lakes as a source of water. Water treatment plant never constructed. Payment is $235,000 annually.Borrowed $2.25 million to place utilities underground when Ohio Department of Transportation widens U.S. Route 422. The money is committed and most has been spent. Payment is $107,000 annually.Borrowed $4 million to construct the city justice center that houses the court and police and probation departments. Judge Michael Bernard says the center cost $4.5 million; the administration contends it cost $5.2 million. Payment is $337,000 annually.