Officials mull drilling gas wells

The city's fire insurance rating may be downgraded, possibly resulting in higher premiums.
By WILLIAM K. ALCORN
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
CAMPBELL -- City officials are considering allowing gas wells to be drilled on city property as a source of operating revenue from royalties and for savings on the cost heating some public facilities.
D & amp;L Energy Group, of Youngstown, made an initial presentation to city council before its regular meeting Wednesday.
Mayor John Dill said the city has about 120 acres in various size parcels, some of which might be combined with other private parcels to make the 40 acres required by state law to drill a well. No decision was made.
In other business, Dill told council that he does not think a potential downgrading of the city's fire insurance rating will increase residents' homeowners insurance costs appreciably.
The Insurance Services Office, which provides insurance data and other services to property and casualty insurers and other clients, said the city risks having its rating lowered to Class 10 if it does not meet minimum manning and training requirements. The city has a Class 6 rating, which Dill thinks will eventually be lowered to Class 7, not Class 10.
What's required
ISO says if the city does not have a minimum of four firefighters, including the chief, available to respond to structure fires, and provide a minimum of two hours of training on structure fire fighting every two months, its rating would regress to a Class 10.
At present, the city has four firemen plus the chief, and cannot afford to bring back firefighters who were laid off, Dill said. He said the city will bring the department back to full strength, with a minimum of six firefighters plus the chief, as soon as money is available. Campbell is in state-designated fiscal emergency.
In other action, council adopted resolutions giving Dill authority to enter into agreement to sell or lease the city's water treatment plant and distribution system. Dill said two entities, Aqua Ohio and the city of Youngstown, have expressed interest in the system.
Council also gave a first reading to the 2007 appropriations budget ordinance. Three readings are required for adoption.
The projected total budget is 8,295,425, compared with actual expenditures in 2006 of 7,440,089.
The general operating fund total for 2007 is 2,444,284, compared with actual expenditures in 2006 of 2,469,465. Salaries and benefits for several departments, including the safety forces, are paid out of the general fund, officials said.
alcorn@vindy.com