CANTON: The city’s spending plan for next year calls for no more money than this year, according to Finance Director Joseph DiRuzza.
City Council approved 2013 general fund appropriations of nearly $53 million over the objections of three members Monday.
Councilman Greg Hawk said he voted against the budget because it contains less money for police officers than when annual spending was $51 million. John Mariol II and Mary Cirelli also voted against the proposal, but on grounds that more time was needed to study the document from the administration.
The measure was passed as an emergency on the same day it was introduced in council.
In other action, council unanimously approved two financial incentives for a manufacturer of arc furnace power cables to move into Mills Business Park, which is located in the southwest section of the city and in Canton Township.
I2r will receive $125,000 from the city’s federal Community Development Block Grant if it creates five jobs for low- to moderate-income individuals.
It also will benefit from a 75 percent, 10-year reduction in property taxes, although it is required to pay an amount of money equal to school taxes to the Canton Local School District.
Council objected to the renewal of liquor licenses for The Spot, at 2600 Eighth St. NE, and John L’s at 704 Fourth St. SW. Homicides occurred outside both this year.
Members accepted a $50,000 grant from the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority for a playground and walking path near its headquarters at 1600 Gateway Blvd. SE.