Surveillance cameras, new fire station part of city's 2013 budge - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - City council Wednesday approved a $167.8 million budget for 2013.

The budget includes funds that the city has saved through attrition, hundreds of thousands of dollars saved by bidding out the loan on the Covelli Center and $2.8 million from V & M Star.

Mayor Charles Sammarone says they city has some one-time money that they're not going to get every year.

"It's a one time shot that we can use for capital improvements, especially equipment that's been long overdue," Sammarone says.

He says some of the upgrades are about 20 years overdue.

Sean McKinney, building and grounds commissioner, says the money will allow for the purchase of two new plow trucks as well as a triaxle, dump truck and bull dozer for patching and demolition.

"I think it's a win-win, not only for the citizens of Youngstown and the community, but also it's a win-win for the employees," he explains.

Police Chief Rod Foley hopes to get five new police cruisers and surveillance cameras for the downtown area.

"We want to augment our visability and surveillance capability downtown," he says. "Maybe even at three in the morning, we may not have an officer on foot, but we have surveillance cameras downtown to protect peoples' businesses and pedestrians."

The city fire department will also benefit from the 2013 budget. A new fire station is in the plans next to Ipe Field on the city's south side. The department will also get a new truck.

As part of a commitment made in 2007, the city will use the money to repair elevators and windows in the old Phar-Mor building.