WELLSVILLE — Firefighter James McMahon filled in for Fire Chief Barry Podwel when he asked council’s approval to apply for an equipment grant during Tuesday’s meeting of the Wellsville Village Council.

McMahon told council members the Ohio Department of Natural Resource (ODNR) grant application which if approved would go toward the purchase of rescue equipment was due by the end of the week and council’s approval was needed to submit it.

The Wellsville Fire Department is looking to purchase needed rescue since it dows not have any.

McMahon said the grant would go toward the purchase of a Polaris side-by-side, to which a stokes basket could be added for use for search and rescues in wooded areas. He noted there have been several instances such as fires and rescues in wooded areas where this equipment could have been utilized. The side-by-side would allow for ease in carrying equipment for fire suppression and rescues in and out of wooded areas.

The Polaris will cost $31,065.72, for which the ODNR Division of Forestry would cover up to $10,000. The remaining $21,065.72 would come from the fire department’s budget.

McMahon noted that Podwel has already talked to Fiscal Officer Hoi Wah and verified the department has the funds to cover the remaining balance.

McMahon also said that the Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department was also applying for a grant which would be used to purchase rescue tools and equipment.

Council members voted all-in-favor of allowing the fire department to submit the grant application.

Wah, in her report, said that the village’s budget was in good shape and there would be a carryover for next year of approximately $2.1 million.

Mayor Bob Boley expressed his gratitude to Cheryl Gibson for her work in organizing the Christmas parade.

Council Member Karen Dash expressed her thanks to those who decorated the village gazebo.

Council Member Ryan Burgess suggested the village see about raising funds to purchase an artificial Christmas tree, like the one Columbiana has and the one recently purchased by East Liverpool.

Legislation to modify sections of the ordinance regarding a property inspector and exterior maintenance requirements was placed on second reading.

A piece of legislation approving the 2025 budget which must be passed by the end of the year was approved by emergency measure with an all-in-favor vote.

Bills totaling $24,705.39 were approved for payment.

Wellsville Village Council meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in council chambers at Wellsville Village Hall, 1200 Main St. The next regular meeting is scheduled for Jan. 7.