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Niles, township mull joint purchases
By Jordan Cohen
NILES
In an effort to cut costs, the city and Weathersfield Township have agreed to explore the possibility of joint purchases for such items as gasoline, office supplies, maintenance materials and equipment.
City council has unanimously approved a resolution authorizing joint cooperation, and township trustees say they will do the same.
“We can work together and save money to benefit both communities,” said Mayor Ralph Infante. Niles and Weathersfield have a history of cooperation. The city has provided 911 dispatch services for the township for six years.
Niles and the township trustees also are looking into establishing a Joint Economic Development District (JEDD) in the hope of securing funding for more industrial development.
“We have 20 acres off Niles Road [state Route 169] with buildings on them, and Weathersfield has 80 [adjoining] acres of flat land that could be developed for industrial use through a JEDD,” Infante said.
Township Administrator Dave Pugh said a JEDD would help both communities work together to improve infrastructure. “We have a much better chance of getting grants,” Pugh said. “It’s time for us to take advantage and start building something now.”
Infante said the two communities also will look into mutual-aid agreements covering the police and fire departments and their gasoline purchases.
Niles also provides electricity to its residents and the mayor also left open the possibility of establishing an agreement to sell power to Weathersfield, which is served primarily by Ohio Edison.