CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — The estate of a Circleville man who died in 2024 has given $78,442.12 to the city’s fire department, a donation City Council voted to accept as an emergency measure so the money could move into a dedicated city fund without delay.
The resolution, passed Oct. 20, authorizes the mayor to accept the gift from the estate of Donald L. McCain under state laws that let Ohio cities accept gifts, devises and bequests of money or property for public purposes. The funds will be deposited into the city’s fire donations account and can be used only for the fire department, consistent with the donor’s wishes, according to the legislation.
Council declared the measure an emergency “necessary for the immediate preservation of the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of the City of Circleville,” allowing it to take effect immediately rather than after the standard 30-day waiting period.
McCain, a Circleville resident, died May 21, 2024. His will was admitted to probate in Pickaway County Probate Court the following month, according to court records attached to the legislation. After leaving specific items, including a van, a 1987 Cadillac and a motorcycle, to named individuals, McCain directed that the remainder of his estate be split evenly between the Circleville Fire Department and Meals on Wheels. James K. Hill, named executor of the estate, administered the distribution.
A check for the fire department’s half of the estate, dated March 23, 2026, put the final figure at $78,442.12, according to the records.
The information contained in this story was obtained from the City of Circleville.
