Staff writer
STEUBENVILLE — City Council finalized its 2021 budget during a special meeting Monday, a spending plan predicated on voters renewing a pair of existing levies.
The renewals — a 0.7 of one percent levy earmarked for street improvements, capital improvements and equipment, parks and recreation and the general fund, and a 0.3 of one percent tax used for salaries and street improvements — will be on the May 4 election ballot.
Subject to voter approval, the renewal levies would bring in about $7 million a year for five years.
“The main item needed for the city in 2021 is the renewal of (the two levies),” Finance Director Dave Lewis said. “The city will also be applying for a SAFER (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) grant to help with EMS coverage in the city. The SAFER grant will help cover the cost of three existing firefighters/EMS employees and pay for six additional firefighters/EMS employees.”