McDONALD — Anticipating less income tax revenue because of the closing of General Motors last year and fewer people working because of the coronavirus pandemic, village officials are looking to make $250,000 in cuts to the 2021 budget.

Council President Pro-Tem Ray Lewis said at Wednesday’s council meeting the village is expecting a significant loss in income tax this year, so they are preparing to make cuts and have department heads look at where savings can be made.

“We have always been as fiscally responsible as we can and not cut any services. The loss of money is due to several factors, including the pandemic since COVID-19 has not helped any community or anyone on the employment front. Many people have been out of work. When your biggest source of revenue is income tax and your largest employer, General Motors, closes its doors, you begin prepping for a loss. The COVID situation amplified that,” Lewis said.

He said the village may see $250,000 in revenue loss for 2021.

Lewis said the village is expected to receive additional CARES Act funds for COVID-19 expenses that must be used by Oct. 15. He said some of that money can be used for a foyer remodel at the municipal building with protective glass for the offices and hand-sanitizing stations for the mayor’s court and other village facilities.

Department heads are being asked to show their needs for the funds and also to look at ways to cut costs. Lewis said the village is not looking at cuts in staffing or wages, and a temporary budget will be in place by end of the month.

In other business, council:

l Heard from Village Administrator Tom Domitrovich the village has removed 18 dead trees with 12 more to remove and 15 more to trim. Tree stumps then will be grinded;

l Heard from Lewis local mayors plan to hold another meeting Sept. 11 regarding Halloween trick or treat and the Trumbull County Combined Health District’s decision to have all events the same night;

l Heard from Councilman Sean Schmidt of plans to extend a street paving grant into 2021. The $144,000 project would be covered partly by a $49,120 grant and the village contributing $95,350;

l Reported recycling bins have been installed by the village garage;

l Set a public hearing for 5:45 p.m. Oct. 7 for a zoning change from residential to commercial for 452 Pennsylvania Ave. to add more parking for the municipal building.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com