YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – The city of Youngstown has received approximately half of its $ 82 million share of the US bailout plan. The mayor is still asking for help with the issue.
Early Tuesday evening, Mayor Tito Brown addressed his request directly to the people of West Youngstown, many of whom had opinions.
About 50 people gathered in and around a tent in Kirkmere Park in Youngstown on Tuesday evening with ideas on how the city should spend its $ 82 million on the American rescue plan.
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Richard Ostheimer wants to see his wastewater bill go down.
“The 80 million US dollars that will flow into the city could be invested in the already agreed over 100 million US dollars in improving the sewage system,” said Ostheimer.
“But I live in Youngstown, I pay taxes in Youngstown. We need more police officers on the streets, please, to do their job, ”Diana Lucas said at the meeting.
“Let me tell you, there is nothing that we choose to do. There is nothing. If someone tells you that the mayor has already spent all the money, there isn’t any. I’m here to tell you, ”said Mayor Tito Brown.
There are requirements for the use of the money – supporting public health, combating negative economic effects, compensating for lost income, paying bonuses for key workers, water and sanitation infrastructure, and broadband infrastructure.
Anna Marie Nameth wants to make sure that no building around Youngstown collapses.
“Can we use it for one of our immediate areas, maybe senior buildings? Everything we can spend money on except water and sewage when it comes to infrastructure? ”Said Name.
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The mayor says it is likely not allowed to spend money on public buildings.
Vicki Hicks says trees from a neighboring garden hang over her garage.
“And I was told that we don’t have the money to reduce this. You have to have them cut yourself. So this is another bill for the people who choose to stay. Is that something we could use that money on? ”Hicks said.
One topic that came up more than once was finding ways to beautify Youngstown.
“To see how people just come and throw away garbage – I don’t know what the fascination is about it. What is our waste department doing to clean up the city? ”Said Esther Moss Rahm at the meeting.
The mayor will hold further meetings until at least August. He hopes to have a plan for how the money will be spent sometime this fall. Everything must be taken by the end of 2024.
