PLYMOUTH — A $600,000 state grant announced Monday means the planned $3.4 million Plymouth Fire Department facility is likely fully funded without the need for additional local tax money.
State Sen. Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario) announced the investment of millions from the One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund to fund “meaningful projects that will benefit our local communities and residents for years to come.”
Five projects from Senate District 22 were awarded funds — including a new Plymouth fire station, estimated to cost around $3.4 million.
“These projects will enhance our children’s education, our health, and our safety,” Romanchuk said. “I am pleased we have been able to obtain significant funding for so many worthwhile endeavors.”
Plymouth Mayor Cassaundra Fryman said a coordinated effort between herself, Karl Milliron and Romanchuk led her to submit a grant application in early March.
“This (grant) should cover more than half of what we’re looking for (in terms of complete financial need for the entire project, including land and equipment), so that’s great,” she said.
“That’s a huge weight off my shoulders. It makes anything else that we have to come up with seem much more attainable,” Fryman said.
Milliron Foundation gifting $2.8 million
Plymouth Fire Chief Richard Metzger announced May 14 the Milliron Foundation is partnering with the village and providing a donation for the replacement of the Portner Street fire station.
A new station will be built on the former Plymouth High School property, located at 184 Sandusky St.
In May, Fryman said the foundation is gifting the village $2.8 million toward the new station — estimated to cost around $3.4 million.
“The almost 12,000 square-foot, wood/steel hybrid structure will basically double our current space and provides what I consider to be a state-of-the-art facility — with the safety of our firefighters being made the top priority,” Metzger previously told Richland Source.
Truck bays will be separated from living quarters in the new four-bay, eight-truck facility.
The new station will come finished with wall, floor and window treatments. Furnishing the station will be the department’s responsibility.
OTSCIF funds to cover ‘great majority’ of village costs
OTSCIF funds will cover “a great majority” of the village’s financial responsibility for the new fire station, Metzger said Tuesday afternoon.
He said the $600,000 awarded will fund Plymouth’s portion of construction costs for the new facility.
“We will still be responsible for land cost and furnishings — plus the move of all of our equipment,” the chief said.
Metzger said it will cost approximately $120,000 to purchase land for the new Sandusky Street station and $79,000 for furnishings and moving equipment.
The Plymouth Firefighters Association plans to raise funds through donations to cover furnishing costs and moving expenses. Donation letters will be issued to donors upon request.
“The $79,000 we hope to raise through donations — plus whatever we can raise for the land, too,” the chief said.
Several local projects awarded OTSCIF funds
The OTSCIF was established under the state’s current operating budget, House Bill 33 — passed by the Ohio General Assembly in June 2023.
This “unique, one-time” fund set aside $700 million as an additional funding source for communities and organizations — who could apply for help with projects that might not qualify as part of the state’s traditional capital budget.
According to Monday’s press release, each chamber developed a plan for $350 million of the total amount, while coordinating good faith negotiations to determine projects for the OTSCIF.
Other local projects awarded funds include Mansfield Christian School, Avita Comprehensive Cancer Center and Cinnamon Lake Sanitation.
