NEWTON FALLS — Local officials are looking into potential grants to help reestablish the village police department.

The department has been inactive since December 2022, when a levy needed to keep it running failed to pass in the November election.

Finance Director Jamie Vernaccini, who is also serving as interim village manager, said at Wednesday’s council meeting she met with police Chief John Barco to look at what grants may be available to help get the police department up again.

This year, Barco was approved as the new full-time police chief.

Vernaccini noted she is seeking funding from the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services.

Councilwoman-at-Large Julie Stimpert said nothing has been finalized or decided, but council needs to do its due diligence and look at various options

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