AUSTINTOWN, Ohio — After voters passed a police levy, Austintown Township trustees on Nov. 10 approved personnel actions and intergovernmental dispatch agreements meant to stabilize staffing and reduce overtime.

Police Chief Valerie Delmont thanked residents for passing the levy and said levy proceeds will be used to fill vacancies in patrol, dispatch and supervision, fund training, and invest in software and equipment.

'We recognize that you have trusted us with this levy, and we want to be sure that we are being responsible, accountable, and fiscally transparent,' Delmont said, adding that she plans to provide regular updates to the board on where levy funds are allocated.

The board accepted the resignation of Officer David Bridal (email dated Oct. 21, effective Oct. 20, 2025) and approved an eligibility list for promotions to lieutenant and sergeant that will be valid for one year. Trustees also approved promotions (including Ian LaRidge, David Yeoman to lieutenant and several sergeants/promotions effective Nov. 23, 2025) to address supervisory shortages.

The board approved renegotiated dispatch-service agreements covering 2026, 2027 and 2028 with multiple townships and villages (listed at the meeting) after Chief Delmont said the previous contracts did not fully account for the cost of running the communications center. She said the new contracts align charges with call volume so Austintown will no longer subsidize other jurisdictions.

Fraternal Order of Police Lodge president David Yeoman read a statement thanking voters for supporting the levy and pledged the union's support to ensure the funding is used appropriately.

Why it matters: Trustees and police leaders framed the actions as steps to stabilize staffing and reduce overtime after several retirements and resignations; dispatch contract adjustments aim to ensure equitable cost-sharing across jurisdictions.

What's next: Chief Delmont said the promotion list and hires will be used as vacancies occur and she will report periodically on levy spending to the trustees.