COLUMBIANA Budget requests reflect growth

The electric department chief wants to hire three additional workers.
By SUSAN BENDER
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
COLUMBIANA -- Though Columbiana continues to be a hot spot for new homeowners, the rapid development is also causing some growing pains.
Budget requests from park and cemetery, water treatment plant, waste treatment plant and the electric and road departments were submitted to council at Tuesday night's meeting.
John Rehm, electric department superintendent said, "This isn't a wish list. This stuff needs to be done."
His largest project is the installation of a 12.5-kilovolt transformer at the south substation to allow "better efficiency to the south side of town," he said. It's a $1.5 million project.
"The growth we are experiencing is unbelievable. These things need to be done to keep up with the demand," Rehm said.
Another priority involves replacing lighting on the high school football field, Rehm said. And he requested the hiring of three additional linemen. He has three now and needs three more to allow for two crews, he said.
Even with new hires, he will still need to subcontract the work to keep up.
Other business
To help with maintenance and repair costs to park and swimming facilities, Terry Shaffer, park and cemetery department head, submitted a proposal to increase rates for the pool pass and daily admission. A season pass for a family of four would increase to $125 (currently $100), and daily admission for adults would rise from $4 to $5. Admission for youths 17 and under will remain at $3, and children under 5 swim free. The board is scheduled to vote on the proposals at the next meeting.
An unexpected letter of resignation was submitted by Councilman Don Leonard. He served on council for seven years. The letter stated he is resigning for personal reasons. Those interested in the post should send an application by March 17 to City Hall, 28 W. Friend St., Columbiana 44408.