Despite the 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment, Diaz-Guy expressed how the village is focused on core services, rebuilding trust and longtime revitalization, while moving forward one step at a time.

Recounting the year in review, he talked about how the village spent $8,548,413.56, while collecting $7,505,185 (not including the Norfolk Southern settlement). 

Fifty percent of the $37,597.66 income tax collections went into the general fund, which was predominately split between the police and fire funds — except for 20 percent. 

Officials concentrated on removing junk vehicles and blight, conducting exterior home inspections and enforcing contractor registration, all as a result of establishing and certifying the village’s building department.

An employee exits a fenced-in area recently next to the pool in the East Palestine Park, where crews had to take most of their work efforts indoors, tackling tasks like working inside the pool house, due to the large amount of snowfall in February. Three years to the month of the Feb. 3, 2023, Norfolk Southern Train Derailment, work continues with the hopes that everything will be ready to go by Memorial Day, according to village manager Antonio Diaz-Guy. (Photo by Stephanie Ujhelyi)

Diaz-Guy added that two homes were secured for renovation through the Welcome Home Ohio program. Also, officials coordinated a remediation project at an old filling station at 448 East Taggart St. 

Plans for 2026 include continuing on the enforcement of the residential housing code; working closer with organizations like the Columbiana County Land Bank and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to address dilapidated properties; and, identifying land suitable for new home construction and development, according to Diaz-Guy. 

After retracing the major accomplishing from village departments, he then went onto look forward at plans for 2026, which include several ongoing large projects including the Government Services Center that is expected to begin construction by year-end; upgrades to the water treatment plant and wastewater collection system; as well improved community health outcomes with both village and partner-led initiatives. 

“East Palestine is at an inflection point. While the challenges are real, so too is the opportunity,” Diaz-Guy explained. “With continued collaboration, disciplined planning and strategic investment, the village is positioning itself to emerge stronger, more resilient and more. Competitive in the regional economy.”

Council next will meet at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, at the municipal building. 

In other action, council members approved: 

– The lifting of a demolition order for 101 S. Market St. as owners are making substantial upgrades to bring the structure into compliance. 

– The proposed chip and seal submission of Temple Drive to the Columbiana County Engineer for inclusion in their list for municipalities.