Massillon council considers purchase of new Health Department facility

Steven M. Grazier, The Independent
·2 min read

Massillon City Council

Monday meeting

KEY ACTION: Gave second reading to an ordinance that would trigger the purchase of a new Health Department building for $325,000 at 611 Erie St. S.

More: Massillon council pumps brakes on $325,000 purchase for Health Department facility

The health agency has been located within St. James AME Zion Church Life Center, 111 Tremont Ave. SE, since August 2011. Its prior home was the former Affinity Medical Center medical arts building.

A new purchase agreement has to be worked out between the city and seller, Campbell Oil Company, because City Council passed on the deal last week, allowing it to expire.

Massillon City Council meets next on Monday for a work session.
Massillon City Council meets next on Monday for a work session.

OTHER ACTION: Postponed consideration of a proposal until June 21 that would increase the salary for the mayor from $70,487 annually to $90,000, beginning in January 2024.

More: City Council proposal aims to hike Massillon mayor's salary to $90,000 annually

The delay is to allow City Council more time to discuss the issue, which members have been considering since March.

The next Massillon mayoral election is set for Nov. 7, 2023. Mayor Kathy Catazaro-Perry has said she is running for re-election. Any pay increase would take effect following that contest.

The proposal also would increase the auditor's pay from $57,000 a year to $77,000 starting in 2024. The office is currently occupied by Auditor Jayne Ferrero.

Ferrero is not running for re-election.

OTHER ACTION: Postponed a proposal indefinitely to authorize a $500,000 pass-through grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to help fund an estimated $1.6 million memorial splash pad at the north section of Reservoir Park.

More time is needed to ensure the state Legislature can pass a new bill that includes multiple city locations as possible splash pad spots.

Council also:

  • Passed separate proposals authorizing economic development inducement grants to three city-based businesses. They are Straight Path Community Development Program, $7,500; Liberty Screen Printing & Embroidering, $7,500; and Kathy Boyd's Hair Studio, $5,000. All three owners addressed City Council last week about their plans to grow their businesses.

  • Gave first reading to legislation that would provide Discount Tire Outlet a $10,000 economic development grant to help fund an expansion effort. Owner Tom Davis has yet to address council about his plan.

UP NEXT: Meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday for a work session at the Massillon Government & Justice Center, 1 James Duncan Plaza SE.

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Massillon City Council considers Health Department building purchase