CANFIELD — City Council on Wednesday approved setting up the proper accounts to serve as administrator of the Mahoning County OVI Task Force, whose fiscal year began Oct. 1 and runs through Sept. 30, 2026.

“As soon as we set up the fund, the task force can begin using the money,” said Canfield Finance Director Christine Clayton.

She said the city will be receiving $250,000 from the Federal OVI Task Force to organize and implement local OVI checkpoints and saturation patrols. It provides for manpower and equipment needed to get impaired drivers off the road.

“This is 15 years we’ve served as administrator for the OVI grant funds,” said Canfield police Chief Chuck Colucci.

Most of those years have been under the leadership of Lt. Scott Weamer, who serves as the grant coordinator. Councilman Bruce Neff said Weamer should be commended for his efforts with the OVI Task Force.

Council unanimously approved the ordinance setting up the Federal OVI Task Force Grant Fund FY2026. Clayton said Weamer will have the funds by the end of the week and can start scheduling events.

In a separate financial matter, council approved the transfer of $1,783.98 into the Unclaimed Monies Fund. Clayton said the funds come from several areas.

“These are checks that were never cashed,” she said. “They come from income tax returns and security deposits.”

The security deposits are from the rental of pavilions in the city’s parks. Renters pay a deposit that is refunded if the facility is cleaned and without damage.

The income tax checks are refunds. Clayton said she had eight refund checks sent out and when she sent a follow-up letter, only two residents cashed the checks.

Whenever a city check is written, be it for taxes or deposits, the checks are only good for a specific period of time. If the checks aren’t cashed, Clayton said she sends the letters, which she doesn’t have to do. After several months, the funds for those checks are moved into the Unclaimed Funds, where they sit for five years. At the end of five years, Clayton said the money can be moved into the General Fund.

Of the funds transferred under the ordinance, only $150 was from deposits. The remainder was from income tax refunds not cashed.

In other business:

l Public Works Superintendent John Rapp said his crews tested 317 fire hydrants in the past couple weeks and did flow tests on 101 hydrants, which is required by the state.

l Rapp said leaf pickup is set to begin Oct. 13 and finish Dec. 1.

l Trick or treat was set 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31. The Odd Fellows will have their Halloween party on the Village Green 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 25, and this coming weekend will feature the fall festival.

l City Administrator David D’Apolito said the city is seeking candidates for a part-time clerk.