Board of control accepts expansion grant for Exal Corp.

YOUNGSTOWN — A mistake in a grant agreement from the state caused a lot of confusion and the reconvening of the city’s board of control twice after it adjourned its meeting.

The board today agreed to accept a $747,500 grant from the state to improve roads to its Salt Springs Business Park for the potential $44 million expansion of Exal Corp. there.

The problem was the legislation sent by the Ohio Department of Development called for the money to go towards “Iams Company’s expansion.” Iams doesn’t have an operation in Youngstown.

City Finance Director David Bozanich, a board of control member, said he believed the money was for the Exal proposal. After reporters pointed out the proposal was for Iams, the board reconvened and voted against the proposal.

Reporters then said documents attached to the proposal was for Exal. The board reopened its meeting and accepted the grant. Reporters then mentioned that the board should amend the vote to reflect it was for money for the Exal proposal. The board did that and adjourned.