The City of Lima has taken the first steps to building the Lima Fire Department a new home. On Monday night at Lima City Council, councilors unanimously passed legislation to establish a capital project fund for the eventual construction of the new fire station for the Lima Fire Department. While the project is still in the very early stages, Lima Fire Chief, Jack McDermitt tells us that a study is being conducted by the Ohio Fire Chief's Association. Chief McDermitt says once the study is complete, that will determine what the new station will look like, something he says is much needed.

The City of Lima will be distributing over one million dollars of home and CDBG funds into the community for various projects. For 2024, a little over 275,000 of home funds and about $1.05 million of CDBG funds combined for a grand total of approximately $1.33 million will be funneled into the city. These numbers do not include additional carryover funds also being distributed out. Out of the 28 applications, 27 projects will receive a portion of these funds with the goal of positively enhancing community operations.

The City of Lima has received 27 applications for these funds. On Monday evening, city administration personnel discussed which organizations have submitted proposals to receive funding. For 2023, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development has allocated over $300,000 of HOME funds to support possible housing and rental possibilities and improving living situations throughout the city. A little over $1.05 million have been allocated for CDBG funds where the money will go towards administration, economic development, public facilities, and public services organizations. With these federal dollars coming into Lima, city leaders are working to funnel this money into the community.