Girard center needs residents’ financial help

GIRARD — City residents who want to see the Girard Multi-Generational Center continue to operate will have to agree to kick in funds to support the center’s operational costs.

City officials have agreed to place a five-year 1.8-mill levy on the November ballot to support the operating cost of the center. The levy would generate $220,000 annually over the next five years to cover general operating expenses at the center including payroll for the center’s four full-time employees.

The 1.8-mill levy would cost the average homeowner here with a house valued at $75,000 about $41 annually. The disabled and seniors would pay about $27 because of the Homestead Exemption.

The center, located at 443 Trumbull Avenue, has been in operation since 2001. The center has 825 members, but officials say more than 2,700 people were serviced by the center’s programs and activities in 2006.

According to Laura Carey-D’Rummo, administrative director, initial funding for the center came in the form of two grants from the U.S. Department of Education for $921,000 in 2000 and $700,000 in 2001 secured by former U.S. Rep. James Traficant of Poland, D-17th.

Jack O’Connell, board chairman, said any funds the center may have had at its inception have been exhausted supporting operating costs over the last several years.

For complete story, see Monday’s Vindicator or www.vindy.com.