NEWTON FALLS, Ohio - Newton Falls village council gave the first reading to proceed with speed cameras in school zones in the village. 

The plan is to start with the school zones, and see if the plan can evolve from there. 

"School zones are the most important focus right now, but we might see if we can put them in other areas of the village after that," said Newton Falls Police Chief John Barco. 

In April of this year, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 54, which eliminated the use of speed cameras in counties and townships, but villages and cities are exempt. 

Barco said that the school zone speed cameras will not only help keep the schools safe, but will also help generate money for the police department, without having to go to the voters for money. 

"They're also a tool to help the department," said Barco. "Money from the cameras will help fund the department, because we can't keep going to the residents asking for more money or levy...and people are speeding in these areas." 

The Newton Falls Police Department recently resumed services on July 1, and Barco said it's been busy since. 

"We've been on 223 calls in 22 days," said Barco. 

Newton Falls village council is scheduled to hold the final vote on the speed cameras August 6.