COLUMBIANA — A much anticipated state paving project is beginning soon, and yet another industrial project is looking to come to the city as a result of the Community Reinvestment Area (CRA).

City Manager Lance Willard briefed council on the projects during this week’s meeting.

He said the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) paving project will begin on the east end of town on state Route 7 and the eastern end of state Route 14.

He said the project will then move west on state Route 14 to Main Street and finish out throughout the square and out West Park Avenue.

The ODOT project to pave all state Routes throughout the city cost $1.7 million, with the city only responsible for paying $365,000.

Willard said milling of the roads began this week, and will depend on weather.

As for the new industrial project, Willard said the CRA negotiating committee is considering the $1.2 million project that is expected to create four jobs.

He said the company is coming from North Carolina and that the Columbiana Board of Education has already been notified for its approval.

The board of education is expected to act on the matter during its June 25 meeting, and Willard asked that a special council meeting be scheduled for 7 p.m. that evening as well to act on it, if the board approves.

The special meeting was set for 7 p.m. June 25.

In other business, council also approved:

— Legislation setting new salaries for the department heads. The salary increases for the finance director, police chief, electric, wastewater, street, water, and park and cemetery superintendents, and public safety vehicle service supervisor fall in line with what was awarded union employees, Willard has said.

— A request from Columbiana Street Fair Manager Jacob Sevek for the American Legion Post 290 to host the annual event on Sept. 5-7, with the parade at 6:15 p.m. Sept. 6. Sevek also requested permission to hang the pole banner along North Main Street on or around Aug. 21 and a waiver of the $25 fee for fairs held in the city.

— A request from the Columbiana Music Boosters to hold a tag day and car wash from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 27.

— A contract with Lyden Oil Company of Youngstown for gasoline and diesel fuel at $1.37 plus tax for gasoline and $1.38 plus tax for diesel.

— A contract with Mid Ohio Valley Lime, Inc. of Marietta for the purchase of lime for the water plant at $190 per ton.

— Requesting the county auditor certify certain tax valuation information regarding a possible 2-mill, five-year fire levy renewal.

kwhite@mojonews.com