ASHLAND — Ashland City Council approved the purchase of a Bearcat G3 Pro armored rescue vehicle Tuesday.
The vehicle is designed to protect officers responding to active shootings and other dangerous situations. Its armored exterior is built to withstand gunfire.
Mayor Matt Miller said former police Chief David Lay first proposed purchasing an armored rescue vehicle three to four years ago, but city officials decided the timing wasn’t right.
The recent fatal shooting of a Rittman police officer underscored the need for the vehicle.
“The situation that was just experienced in Wayne County absolutely confirms the need for one of these vehicles,” Miller said.
Rittman police Sgt. Scott Ries was fatally shot Sunday while responding to a shooting. Miller said responding officers were unable to safely reach him until an armored rescue vehicle arrived.
The vehicle is not available for delivery until 2028 because of manufacturing times. So it is important to begin the purchasing process now and work out funding details with Ashland County commissioners.
The vehicle is not an inexpensive piece of equipment. The ordinance said the price shall not exceed $470,000. Council member Jason Chio said steel prices continue to rise, making it important to approve the purchase sooner rather than later.
Although the city will purchase the vehicle, Miller said Ashland County commissioners have said they are willing to contribute up to half of the total cost.
“There is no price that can replace a life. So this is a very well-needed and worthwhile purchase,” council President Steve Workman said.
City purchases Rosby building
Council also approved the purchase of the Rosby Investments property for $237,500 across from city hall.
The city first approached owner Jim Rosby during the Claremont Avenue bridge replacement project, but he was not interested in selling at the time.
After negotiations, Rosby and his wife agreed to sell the property.
Miller said owning the property will give the city greater control over future repairs to the culvert beneath the building. The city will allow current occupants to remain in the building until the property is needed.
There are no immediate development plans for the building, but council thought it would be best to own for future repairs that may take place.
115-acre housing development purchase advances
Council approved a purchase agreement for the 115-acre Becker Estate at 1548 County Road 995.
The council previously approved purchasing the property for $2.975 million for a future single-family housing development.
Tuesday’s vote approved the purchase agreement with the current owner, allowing the sale to move forward.
Miller said the city hopes to close on the property later this month before beginning the annexation process.
No timeline has been set for construction, but Miller said developers have already expressed interest in building homes on the site.
First public hearing for 2027 tax budget
Finance Director Larry Paxton presented the city’s preliminary 2027 tax budget during the first public hearing.
The tax budget estimates $97 million in expenditures for 2027, including about $28 million for personal services and $69 million in operating expenses.
Paxton said the document is in the early stages of developing next year’s appropriations and provides estimates of expected revenues and expenditures. He said since this is an estimate, it does not authorize spending appropriations.
A second public hearing will be held at the next meeting before council considers adopting the budget.
