LORDSTOWN, Ohio - In Lordstown there are varying opinions on whether taxpayers should foot the bill for a temporary traffic light near Ultium Cells.

 

Some are adamant the company's owners GM and LG Energy should pay.

 

Others strongly disagree saying the light is needed for safety reasons.

 

Monday there was emergency legislation on council's agenda to stop funds from being spent for this purpose.

 

Some Trustees and taxpayers say owners of Ultium Cells have not kept their word to pay for a traffic light at the plant entrance like Home Goods did.

 

They say taxpayers should not be forced to foot the bill of up to 45 thousand dollars for the engineering study and temporary light needed to open doors.

 

"I don't think it makes sense to take and somebody says I'm not going to do what I said I was going to do, and you just let it go," Councilman Robert Bond said.

 

But other council members and taxpayers say the 45 thousand dollars is a small price to pay if it helps save lives.

 

We have an obligation to our citizens and safety of our citizens, other citizens of Lordstown not just Ultium employees," Councilman Ronald Radtka said.

 

"We do know the temporary signal is necessary in order for the state to consider funding ffor the permanent traffic signal," Christopher Kogelnik, with CT Consultants said. 

 

East Gate Regional Council of Governments will be looking for funds.

 

State Senator Michael Rulli will be seeking funds.

 

"I've sent out e-mails to Governor Mike DeWine, to Matt Huffman, the Senate President, and Bob Cupp the Speaker of the House to see if there can be some emergency funding," Senator Rulli said.

 

The Chamber of Commerce says with owners of Ultium Cell have said their investment will be 2.3 billion dollars that Lordstown Village funding up to $45,000 sends an important signal.

 

"We want to be business friendly and continue to build the tax base, and send a good message to other companies," President and CEO of the Youngstown, Warren Chamber of Commerce Guy Coviello said. 

 

Mayor Arno Hill cast the deciding vote to break the tie which means spending of up to $45,000 won't be blocked. 

 

"It's a safety issue and we keep saying we're business friendly here. ... I felt it was the right thing to do," Mayor Arno Hill said.