Massillon Mayor Jamie Slutz outlines 2024 goals: Animal control, traffic patrol on list
MASSILLON – New Mayor Jamie Slutz described the city's operational foundation and economy as solid in his first public remarks to City Council since taking over the office a couple of weeks ago.
Slutz, a Republican, spoke for about eight minutes during his first State of the City address as part of council's regular meeting Tuesday night. He said he plans to help initiate a traffic division within the Massillon Police Department and work to hire a full-time animal control officer this year.
New leadership: Massillon Mayor-elect Jamie Slutz bringing new faces to administrative staff
"I want Massillon city government to be responsive to the needs of our residents and improve upon the things important to them," said Slutz, who during his fall campaign cited animal control and traffic safety as priorities.
The mayor said he's working with Budget Director and Tax Administrator Lori Kotagides-Boron to secure funding for the animal control post and will discuss the issue more with City Council down the road.
The city is starting the year with a budget surplus, or carryover, of $4.8 million from 2023.
"Although we start the year on sound financial footing, we must continue to be fiscally responsible and accountable," Slutz said. "It is important that we live within our means, and continuously look for new ways to make the most out of our existing revenue."
New Massillon mayor plans to add to code-enforcement staff
Another planned addition mentioned by Slutz is to double the number of city code-enforcement officers by this summer, bringing the overall staff to four.
"Code will also be more proactive in the community," he said "We need to take a look at what administrative needs they have, so their time is maximized and spent (more) in the field."
As the Police Department continues to hire more officers and ramp up to 50 by the end of 2024, Slutz said, a traffic division would "concentrate on enforcing traffic laws to make our streets safer and slow violators down."
The Fire Department anticipates purchasing new ambulance in 2024, according to Slutz, noting that the agency is expected to add a turnout gear storage and exercise area to Fire Station 4 at 2720 Erie St. S.
Road resurfacing is expected to total around $2 million in 2024, said Slutz, adding that discussion is ongoing with city engineers to acquire bids for the project earlier this year, so all roads on an upcoming list can be addressed while weather cooperates.
Slutz is Massillon's first Republican mayor in nearly 35 years. Delbert "Skip" Demmer was a GOP mayor prior to the election of former Democrat Mayor Frank Cicchinelli.
On Nov. 7, Slutz, defeated incumbent Democrat Kathy Catazaro-Perry.
City Councilman Ed Lewis IV, R-at large, said Slutz's address was refreshing because he hit on topics that have been on council's radar for some time, such as code enforcement, traffic safety and animal control.
"He's got the right focus and direction," Lewis said.
The new mayor also updated City Council on new hires within his administration, including Safety-Service Director Renee Baker, Development Director Ted Herncane and Administrative Assistants Frank Hill V and Monica Kring.
"I want the mayor's office to be accessible and welcoming for city staff and our citizens," Slutz said. "I believe that sets the tone for good government."
Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE
This article originally appeared on The Independent: Massillon Mayor Jamie Slutz to boost animal control, traffic safety
