In a Chillicothe Council that didn't have the quorum to pass legislation, the mayor had a few good announcements.
Mayor Luke Feeney said the city got a $1.6 million grant to be spent over two to three years for police hiring and retention.
He said the city got about a million dollars more than any other awardee, to hire new personnel.
He said it also allows the city to hire personnel while they're in training, so they will be committed to work for Chillicothe.
Feeney is the chair of the Land Bank, which was created a few years ago to demolish or renovate abandoned buildings. He announced a $500,000 grant, the first significant funds since about 2017.
He said the city has been working with owners of distressed properties, and many have cooperated.
He also mentioned a cooperative venture where Habitat for Humanity is building a house on a vacant Land Bank lot.
Feeney said the city will participate in the "National Night Out" Tuesday, August 2nd. It's a police, firefighter, and community event that will be in Yoctangee Park. He says more details will be released on the city Facebook page.
Feeney also said, after council authorized accelerating the process, the city is anxiously awaiting bids to come in to finish repairing the sewer line sinkhole at Water and Watt streets.
Council also voted to "commit" the livestock ordinance...to allow further study and revision.
Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture