With tough economic times facing many communities in the Valley, NEWS9 was curious to see what officials are doing to help keep their towns in the black..


From shutting off the street lights to pay cuts for police and fire crews, Mingo Junction knows all too well about being in a budget bind.


But there is something village officials have yet to try, sharing services.


"Have we ever tried it with the other entities around here? No. Could it be a thing coming up? Possibly, yes. It's very creative to do something like that," said Mingo Junction councilman Michael Herrick.


From emergency calls to water or sewer services to buying equipment or treating roads, it's a means that some say can save big bucks among neighboring communities that participate.


An example is just down the river in Rayland.


"It's really cost effective and I think it has helped Rayland and I'm sure it helps Tiltonsville too," said Rayland administrator Rich Bibbo.


Bibbo said they get their water and sewer services from Tiltonsville and may even share more in the future.


"There are no complaints and the expenses are down because we both work together, both towns and we have a good relationship with Tiltonsville," said Bibbo.


Herrick told NEWS9 sharing services is something they have looked into.


He said, "It has its pros. It has its cons. The thing of it is right now, nobody has approached us and we haven't approached anybody else."


At this point, residents said they are open to anything.


"I think that's absolutely the way we are going to have to go, out of necessity," said Richard Crugnale.


Herrick explained that a big part of the problem was the closing of the mill which took out nearly 80 percent of the village's revenue since 2008. He said they are losing money from the state, too.


"The way things look now, it's going to become more difficult in the future to even maintain basic services for Mingo Junction," Crugnale said.


If a fix isn't found, some said they're a little concerned for the future of the village.


"People aren't going to stay here or invest in our community if we don't provide a nice place to be and a good place for our children," said Andrea Starkey.


Bibbo told NEWS9 the only con he sees with sharing services is if future administrations between communities don't have a good relationship. He said it's important that everyone gets along and works together for the good of the people.