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Resident offers to donate Save Haven baby box; council to consider partnership with fire district
Summary
A resident, Bob Smith, told council he will donate funds (about $14,000 plus $2,000–$3,000 for installation) to install a Save Haven baby box at the downtown fire station and was advised to bring the proposal before the fire district board for partnership.
Bob Smith told the West Union Village Council that he would donate funds to buy and install a Save Haven baby box similar in size to a microwave, which notifies responders when an infant is placed inside.
"The cost of the Baby Box is $14,000. Installation is about $2,000-$3,000. If you are interested in it, I will donate the money to buy it and install it," Smith said during public comment. Mayor Jason Buda asked council for initial reaction and suggested discussing it later in the meeting.
Tom Mayes noted that most baby boxes are located at fire departments and recommended the proposal be taken to the Fire District Board because the district now has its own governance. Smith said an installer, Lonnie Ward, could handle electrical and communications hook-up if the fire district and village agree to partner.
Council members did not take a formal vote; the exchange closed with a direction to involve the fire district board and for staff to follow up if the village becomes a partner in siting or maintenance.
If council pursues the plan, next steps would include formal coordination with the fire district, confirming installation and maintenance responsibilities, and identifying any inspection or electrical-permitting requirements.
