NILES, Ohio – Vienna Township trustees say they hope to restore ambulance service within the next month, thanks to a $250,000 donation from the Cafaro Foundation.
Trustees Phil Pegg, Richard Dascenzo and Mike Haddle joined representatives of the foundation for a midday announcement and check presentation at the headquarters of the Cafaro Co.
William Cafaro, co-president of the Cafaro Co. and a trustee and chairman of the Cafaro Foundation, said his family has long been part of the Vienna community, which is currently facing fiscal challenges.
“A community needs those first responders,” Cafaro said. “With the fiscal difficulties that the township is under today, it’s imperative to make sure that those services remain for the township.”
Vienna’s financial crisis includes a $1.3 million budget shortfall that prompted the state to place the township under fiscal emergency status, according to a news release from the Cafaro Co. A subsequent investigation revealed that the township’s previous fiscal officer mismanaged funds and stole more than $116,000 for personal use. She has since pleaded guilty to theft in office, telecommunications fraud and tampering with records.
Pegg said the former fiscal officer “quit working with the trustees” and provided incomplete information. He added that some matters cannot be discussed due to ongoing legal proceedings.
“This will definitely help us get back on our feet, and it’s greatly appreciated,” Haddle said. “We’ll get out of our mess. We’re getting there, so this is a good step.”
The financial emergency forced Vienna to lay off multiple police officers and firefighters.
The donation will allow the township to restore ambulance service “much, much quicker” than anticipated, Pegg said.
“We have passed a levy, but we won’t see that money for at least another nine months,” he said. With the Cafaro donation, Pegg said, the township could resume service in one to two months.
The trustees have already instructed the fire chief to begin the search for three medics, Pegg said. While the township employs emergency medical technicians, state law prohibits ambulance transport without a certified medic on board.
“They are the hard personnel to find and to employ. They’re few and far between,” Pegg said. “We need at least three part-time medics to start.”
He said the police department is “totally out of the hole” but currently has only three officers. The road and maintenance department is “very close” to solvency.
Pictured at top: Michael Cafaro, William Cafaro, Trustee Phil Pegg, Trustee Richard Dascenzo, Trustee Mike Haddle.