McDONALD — For the first time in the village’s history, residents will be required to start paying for trash collection starting later this summer.

Mayor Ray Lewis and members of council have said at recent meetings and at a State of the Village address in February that because of increasing costs for trash removal service and limited funds in the general fund, residents will begin paying between $45 and $50 quarterly for trash collection beginning in August or September.

Lewis said McDonald had been for many years one of the last communities in Ohio to cover the cost for all residents’ trash removal service. He said previously very few, if any, communities cover the costs alone.

Village council at their meeting last week passed a resolution to have Ohio Valley Waste start collecting trash. Officials said with a 25% increased cost for trash collection over the past five years, the village has to start charging.

The village has a population of 3,150 people, with 60% between ages 18 to 64 and 40% under 18 or over 65.

In other business, council gave emergency reading seeking an Ohio Department of Natural Resources recreational trails grant of $150,000. Lewis said the village is working with KO Consulting to seek the grant.

Plans are to revitalize the Billy Goat hill and trail at the park as well three sets of stairs that are more than 100 years old. Officials have said the funds will improve the existing trail, enhance safety and accessibility, and add a staircase leading to the trail from the hill.

The park trail is used by many residents for walking and hiking and for the high school’s cross-country meets. Officials said there have been erosion concerns at the hill.

The public has until Thursday to provide input to village officials on the project by email at mcdoffice@zoominternet.net or call 330-530-5472.

In other business at Wednesday’s meeting, council:

● Gave first reading to placing a 1.5-mill, five-year renewal levy on the November ballot to generate $28,000 for the general fund. The levy generates funds set in 1977 with no increase in taxes.

● Gave second reading to establish lateral hiring for all new employees. Officials have said this allows new employees with experience from other communities to keep some of their vacation and sick time.

● Set spring curbside cleanup April 8 and 9.

● Accepted a $4,228 Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council grant to be used for LED lights and other electrical projects.