Columbiana City Council criticized for role in football stadium renovation

COLUMBIANA, Ohio (WKBN) – Some claim Columbiana City Council hasn’t done enough to help with the football stadium renovation but the city says it has been willing to work with those spearheading the project.

At Tuesday evening’s council meeting, there was a discussion about the city’s commitment to renovating the football stadium.

Shawn Zentner, president of the Columbiana Athletic Boosters, was critical of council, saying it could do more to help with the renovation.

“Unfortunately, not only did the city fail to provide the necessary help but they also became an obstacle in the progress of this project,” Zentner said.

Columbiana’s Municipal Attorney Mark Hutson said he would not recommend the city use taxpayer money to help with the stadium project.

“The city has not stood back and done nothing, and we do take exception to being told we haven’t done a thing. We are willing, the city is willing to work with you and I think we have tried to work with you, but the idea that the city can write a check, their legal counsel would say no,” Hutson said.

The football stadium will be dedicated on Friday, August 30 at 6 p.m.

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