POLAND — The village has a $50,000 grant from the Mahoning County commissioners for the repair, replacement and connectivity of sidewalks.

“We need to thank the commissioners when we see them,” said Councilman Samuel Moffie, who worked to secure the funding.

Village council, discussing the grant last week, offered opinions on just how to spend the money. Moffie suggested working on the village’s main walkways, to start.

Village Solicitor Joseph Macejko said he is still working on legislation that will replace the current regulations. He said current laws in Ohio say the property owner is responsible for maintaining the sidewalk on his or her property. Village officials are trying to find a way to help residents who can’t afford such a repair.

Councilman Anthony Lattanzio said some of the funds could be used to help those who are truly in need.

Council President Mike Thompson cited a few bad sections of sidewalk in the village. He said most are due to trees shoving a section out of place, or the sidewalk has deteriorated.

As for where to start with the sidewalk grant from the county, village street commissioner Russ Beatty said he could find out where the worst sidewalks needing repair are, and how many.

“We are shooting in the dark right now,” he told council. “We don’t know how much it will cost.”