NEWS

City moves toward angle parking on South Paint Street

Matthew Kent
Reporter

CHILLICOTHE – City officials appear to be moving forward with angle parking on South Paint Street in a move that would create an additional 21 parking spaces in downtown Chillicothe.

The Chillicothe City Council on Monday approved the first reading of an ordinance that would implement angle parking on South Paint Street from Main to Fifth streets. New traffic patterns and at least one traffic handicapped parking spot on both sides of the street would accompany the move.

North Paint Street, between Main and Water streets, was changed to angle parking several years ago.

Meanwhile, city leaders also approved authorizing the administration to move forward with hiring two additional police officers for $77,237.46.

Police Chief Keith Washburn said the two individuals are expected to start this week, as all of the testing involved has been completed, noting that the additional personnel will be helpful in dealing with the department’s call volume.

In addition, Washburn said he expects to save money on overtime costs as a result of the move.

Residents in Chillicothe passed an income tax levy dedicated for safety forces in May that will allow the police and fire departments to hire up to seven additional people within their respective departments. Washburn said he intends to keep the two individuals being brought on board to the city after this year.

Council members also approved an ordinance authorizing the city to spend $150,000 to repair a sanitary sewer line on East Water Street after a section of the line collapsed during a July 15 downpour.

They also approved borrowing $2 million for street improvements so the city can get a head start on work this year after voters approved an income tax levy for street and alley improvements earlier this year.

The streets and safety forces levies, which are both estimated to generate $1.4 million annually, will be collected beginning in January.