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SYRACUSE — Syracuse Village Council recently authorized Police Chief Jeff Morris to pursue fundraising efforts for a K-9 unit in the village.

Morris said since the meeting a dog has been donated to the village to be used as a canine unit.

While the donated dog will cut down on the cost of establishing the unit, the chief added that funds are still needed to complete the police dog training.

Currently there are no K-9 units in Meigs County. Morris said that once the unit is operational the dog could be utilized by other departments in the area.

The dog would be trained in the detection of marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine. The dog will be sent to Clark County for training.

Donations toward the K-9 unit are being accepted through Home National Bank for the Syracuse Police Department K-9 Fund. Donations can be made at both the Syracuse and Racine branches of Home National Bank or can be mailed to P.O. Box 457, Racine, Ohio 45771. For questions about donations contact Lori Miller at (740) 949-2210.

For more information about the K-9 unit call Morris at (740) 992-7777.

Council also filled the vacate seat by appointing Jenny Whan to the position. Whan fills the seat left vacant by Mike Jacks.

Applications for the volunteer fire department and junior fire department were approved as presented by Fire Chief Bill Roush.

Council authorized Mike Smith to work 10-16 hours as a member of the police department pending a background check.

Pool Manager Shawn Hawley updated council on the pool season. The pool was set to close prior to the opening of the Meigs County Fair.

Grants administrator Fred Hoffman updated council on the status of projects. Council approved a bid from Shelly Company in the amount of $101,307 for the paving project.

The next village council meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 13 at Syracuse Village Hall.