McDONALD — With the retirement of police Chief Bill Woodley, officers in the department will fill in his duties until a replacement is named this summer.

Mayor Ray Lewis said at Wednesday’s meeting that Woodley, who retired May 1, was committed to the village and providing protection to residents during his 26-year career.

Lewis said Woodley moved up the ranks in the department, starting his career as a part-time officer and ending it as chief.

In 2017, Woodley replaced former Chief Lou Ronghi, who had been with the department for 22 years.

Lewis said there is no “acting chief,” but Lt. Ryan Ronghi and Sgt. Brandon Caraway are handling the chief’s position duties. Ryan Ronghi is Lou Ronghi’s son.

“I will be making a decision near the end of summer on a new chief,” Lewis said.

ARP FUNDING

In other business the village fire department has been approved to receive $100,000 in American Rescue Plan funds from Trumbull County.

Fire Chief Fred Marcum said the department will use funds where needed.

He said the department has had a busy 2024 so far, noting since January there have been 76 ambulance transports, compared to 120 for all of 2023 and 77 in 2022.

Marcum said the 2022 transports generated $26,000 and the 2023 transports generated $30,000. This year, he said, the amount is expected to be much higher.

“We have been able to cover 87% of our calls,” Marcum said.

Marcum suggested council look at the possibility of a fire levy on the ballot in the future due to increasing costs He said a 4.5-mill levy would provide 24-hour service compared to the 16-hour coverage now.

Lewis said if village council was to consider a levy, “the residents would be well-informed” with public meetings and discussions.

The fire department is funded through the general fund.

FESTIVAL

Also, Councilman Kyle Joynes said the annual firefighters festival will be June 26-29 at Woodland Park. A parade is scheduled for 6 p.m. June 26.

There will be food, rides and entertainment.

Lewis said any high school student needing community service hours can sign up to help at the festival.

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