Tuesday, January 13th, 2015

New Bremen council OKs record appropriation

$20.8M could help pay for water line, street maintenance

By David Giesige
NEW BREMEN - Village council Monday night appropriated nearly $21 million for 2015.
The amount - $20,822,270 - was the highest amount ever budgeted by the village. Last year's appropriations were $18 million.
Village solicitor Steve Smith told council members he was "a little concerned" about the total appropriation.
"It's one of the highest numbers I've seen," he said.
Fiscal officer Diane Gast agreed the amount was higher than usual but does not necessarily indicate more spending.
"We don't have to spend the money just because we allocate it. It's just a precaution considering some of the projects we anticipate," Gast said.
Village administrator Wayne York said part of the reason for the higher appropriations is potential water line and street maintenance projects planned for 2015.
Don Kuck, who was re-elected Monday night as council president, said the budget reflects a maximum to be spent.
"The amount we allocate is actually the cap for how much we can spend anyway, so that's why we want (the budget) a little higher at first," he assured council. "It does not necessarily mean we will be spending that much. We just want to make sure we will be able to complete any projects that come up."
The village will have more money to work with this year, mayor Jeff Pape said.
"We finally got our final figures on income taxes from last year. We brought in $3,373,123.17, which is a 14 percent increase over the year before," he said.
Also on Monday, council suspended the three-reading rule and approved an emergency resolution to grant a 2 percent raise to all 24 full-time village employees, effective immediately.
The employees last year received a 50-cent per hour raise. Council alternates raises each year between set amounts and percentages, York said.
Council also on Monday in emergency action amended a resolution for a contract with the city of St. Marys from one to three years to handle the village's income tax.
Village officials had sought a one-year contract but city officials rejected the idea.
"St. Marys said that they have had villages attempt to make similar changes in the past and that they will not allow it," Smith said.
In other business, council,
• approved third reading of a resolution to sell by sealed bids a surplus leaf machine and two police cruisers.
• approved third reading of a resolution to sell three impounded vehicles by sealed bid.
• approved third reading of a resolution to pay $15,000 to the New Bremen Emergency Squad for equipment and training.
• had a 40-minute executive session concerning real estate but took no action.
- Daily Standard reporter William Kincaid contributed to this story.
Additional online story on this date
CELINA - The city intends to pay a consultant up to $25,000 to prepare a permit application so workers can resume dumping material on its breakwaters and to identify potential sites for wetlands development. [More]
Subscriber and paid stories on this date
CELINA - A $6,000 payment by Harbor Life Ministries toward its debt has eased some concerns among city officials.
Councilman Bill Sell on Monday said he's much more comfortable with the city's modified repayment agreement with Harbor Life after the agency made the voluntary payment.
MARIA STEIN - Board of education members recently learned property value assessments have boosted the district's valuation by more than $27 million.
COLDWATER - Village council wrapped up 2014 on Monday night by honoring two retiring administrators.
In a meeting to close out 2014 business, council members honored former public works director Jack Moorman, who retired Dec. 26 after 36 years with the village.
MINSTER - A pair of elementary teachers are using blended learning - a combination of classroom and online education - to teach students.
Minster L
ST. MARYS - City officials Monday night reviewed progress in 2014 and discussed possible projects in the coming year.
Mayor Patrick McGowan in his 2014 annual report said overall he was pleased with each city department's achievement.
ST. HENRY - Village council members on Monday passed second reading of the 2015 budget ordinance, which includes $300,000 to help pay for a proposed street project.
Razz-Eye View
The area high school athletic hall of fame induction season gets underway Saturday as Fort Recovery inducts two new members between the JV and varsity boys basketball games with Franklin-Monroe.