LISBON — A Finance Committee meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday to discuss and prioritize capital improvement funding related to upcoming projects, including an offer of $50,000 from Columbiana County commissioners for a new filtration system for the Lisbon village pool.

The decision to set a meeting resulted after much discussion during a recent Lisbon village council meeting regarding repairs needed to the Sadie Van Fossan swimming pool and grant opportunities. Every committee head and department head must submit their needs to the Finance Committee by today.

“We need to know what we’re committing to,” Fiscal Officer Tracey Wonner said, adding, “We don’t have the money to commit to it all.”

Mayor Peter Wilson reported that he submitted the $150,000 request for funding for the state capital fund towards the pool, which they should find out in June whether the money is coming.

He also reported he was contacted by the commissioners with the $50,000 offer toward the purchase of the filtration system, which could cost an estimated $108,000. The money is left over from the American Rescue Plan Act funds which must be expended by the end of the year.

Council President Councilwoman Melissa Hiner questioned what happens if the money doesn’t come from the state and they commit to taking the $50,000. Where’s the rest of the money coming from?

“Do you want to turn down $50,000?” Wilson asked.

Wonner commented, “That’s not a fair question.”

Hiner said council can’t just keep approving everything that comes along. She said it would be irresponsible to approve accepting the money now. She said they need to find out about everything that’s needed for the pool and other departments. 

“I just think this is an opportunity for the village,” Wilson said.

She requested a committee meeting before committing to the money.

In other business, council set times of 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. for the school zone/speed limit request on Lincoln, which must go to the Ohio Department of Transportation.

Wilson also advised council that Ohio Edison is replacing all of the bulbs in the street lights and they must decides whether they want 3,000 lumens or 4,000 lumens. Council members requested 4,000 lumens.

In water matters, hydrant flushing started Monday and will continue through April, starting on the west side and then continuing on the east side. There may be some discoloration in the water.

Bill Hoover of the Lisbon Board of Public Affairs reported the village will be exercising valves in the water system, which is a requirement of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, so there could be a risk for breaks.