COLUMBIANA — City officials are one step closer to a new municipal building after action taken Tuesday at council’s regular meeting.

Council unanimously approved legislation authorizing the issuance and sale of up to $2.5 million worth of taxable land acquisition non-revenue notes to help fund the purchase of the Cochran’s property at 21 E. Railroad St.

The city has outgrown its current 28 W. Friend St. municipal building and had decided to start pursuing the property in the fall.

Before they notified the Cochran Auto Group of the possible intent to purchase the property, Cochran had listed the 11,688-square-foot building and surrounding property for a half million dollars on Zillow.

Under the ordinance language, which was passed with emergency language, the notes would be dated April 1, 2026, and bear 8 percent interest payable semiannually on June 1 and Dec. 1 of each year.

Note purchase is available via a private sale through their placement agent, Robert W. Baird and Co.

Squire Patton Boggs LLP is serving as bond counsel.

All revenues garnered through these notes will e deposited in a separate fund.

Under new business, members also approved legislation establishing costs for the production of body camera videos in response to Ohio House Bill 315, which permits municipalities to charge up to $75 per hour (or a maximum of $750) prepaid before furnishing the requested material.

If the earlier quoted amount is insufficient after production is started, the city may come back to the requester for the shortfall.

The video organization still must pass additional readings before passage but would potentially be effect in May if approved.

After a half hour executive session to consider both personnel and purchase of a property, council came back and voted to pass the bond legislation with emergency language before adjourning the meeting five minutes later.

In other action before moving into closed door session, council unanimously approved:

— The second readings of ordinance for the 2025 budget and to establish compensation for the mayor, council members and appointed employees.

— The second reading to transfer $3.8 million from the income tax fund to split between the general and capital improvement funds to pay expenses as they arise.