By BRANDON CANTWELL

Staff writer

WARREN — With the winter months soon approaching, salt will be a little easier for some townships to access, thanks to a recent purchase.

Months after appearing at a Trumbull County Council of Governments meeting and reporting they were in negotiations, County Engineer David DeChristofaro confirmed Friday the acquisition of a vacated Ohio Department of Transportation outpost in Hubbard.

DeChristofaro said the county acquired it for $150,000 — approximately $50,000 less than the property’s initial valuation of $205,000. The $150,000 will be paid out in several $50,000 payments for the next three years.

DeChristofaro said the state initially brought the cost down to $175,000 after he suggested they do so, because they work well together as a county and state.

“They said, ‘we’ll take a look at it, we’ll get back to you,’ and then subsequent to that discussion, I had conversations with our state reps — both Nick Santucci and Dave Thomas and I had conversations with Guy Coviello, the chamber CEO,” DeChristofaro said. “I asked them both if they would see if they would get involved in talking to ODOT, which they all agreed to.”

DeChristofaro said he believed it was a combination of all parties’ efforts that convinced the state to bring the cost down to $150,000.

DeChristofaro said the purchase means greater efficiency for the county in controlling ice — reducing both time and fuel costs.

“That saves at least an hour on that trip, here and back (to Warren),” DeChristofaro said. “We’re able to be more efficient with not only our time, but with our fuel costs, so that’s how it benefits our end when it comes to maintaining our roads.”