East Canton council approves body armor purchase and reimburses officer $400

The East Canton Village Council approved Resolution 2025-11 authorizing the purchase of up to three sets of body armor, associated plates and MOLLE carriers for use by members of the East Canton Police Department. The resolution states the items are to be purchased from Red Diamond Uniform Police Supply and that the plates and carriers shall remain property of the village and be returned if an officer leaves the department. In a second resolution, 2025-12, council agreed to reimburse Officer Scott Pringle the $400 that had been deducted from his paychecks toward the purchase of body armor following participation in the Ohio law enforcement body armor program. Council language notes the fiscal officer was unaware of the purchase and the planned reimbursement, and the council authorized the repayment. The resolution authorizing purchase set a not-to-exceed cost in the text; the transcript contains two different figures in sequence (one reference to $33,850 and an immediately following reference that appears as $3,850). That numerical discrepancy is present in the meeting record and should be confirmed in the official resolution before publication or procurement. Ending Both resolutions were moved, seconded and approved by council vote. The administration will proceed with procurement and reimbursement processing as authorized.