LEETONIA — Village council decided it did not want to be a trendsetter in Ohio by allowing residents to exempt gambling losses from their municipal income tax.

Resident Ron Stouffer had bridged the subject before only to learn that although council cannot impact federal and state tax collection, they can potentially pass legislation to allow residents to deduct their casino gambling and lottery ticket losses from their winnings for municipal tax collection purposes.

During Wednesday’s meeting, Fiscal Officer Nick Mistovich was unable to give concrete numbers to council members of how much such legislation — if implemented — could cost the city coffers.

Ultimately, members took a vote and decided to not exempt gambling losses. Councilman Bill Garlough cast the lone no vote, favoring exemption.

A public hearing held to discuss grant applications for restrooms at the village splash pad drew no audience participation.

Mistovich requested members approve anticipated remainder of the year transfers of $119,000 ($75,000 for streets, $23,000 for cemetery and $21,000 for the police pension fund). If he ends up exceeding those transfer amounts, he said he will return to council for authorization at a future meeting.

In other action, council unanimously passed emergency legislation to contract for design services for a village community center, equipment maintenance agreements for both the fire and EMS departments; amending the 2024 annual appropriations; and approving the 2025 temporary appropriations.

Mayor Kevin Siembida also swore in Austin Sinkovich as a new part-time police officer and Brandon Cain as a volunteer firefighter for the village.

Council agreed to task Heather Kelm with indexing legislation with her compensation to be paid under the solicitor’s assistant line item in the General Fund.

Council will next meet at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, in village hall.