Barnesville Council Addresses Water Rate Increase
The Barnesville Village Council met on June 15, with council member Mark Lucas and fiscal officer Jeannie Hannahs absent. Assistant fiscal officer Chris Mellinger attended as the fiscal representative.
Updates From the Water and Sewage Department
The highlight of the council meeting was the discussion concerning the potential rise in water rates. Village Administrator Roger Deal reported the 20 responses received from the online survey would be emailed to council members. Mayor Jake Hershberger opened the discussion to the public. Three citizens spoke to the issue: Brian Yarnall, Rick Stevens and David Runyon.
Brian Yarnall, a former council member, critiqued the survey, “I think a lot of people didn’t want to fill it out because you had to put your name.” Yarnall went on to explain why he thought the rise was too drastic, especially with the cost of groceries and other essential items. Yarnall stated that raising rates was a recommendation, not a requirement. “If you do want to increase the rates, maybe not so substantially. Maybe a quarter, not two dollars. Then you can raise it by a quarter per year over ten years.”
Resident David Runyon suggested a rate discount for senior citizens who are living on a fixed income. Rick Stevens was concerned about the sewage rates that are tied to water consumption and when they are not applicable.
Mayor Hershberger said to council he was open to suggestions on how to make the increase more manageable for Barnesville residents, but ultimately stood firm that an increase was necessary. Hershberger reinforced this by saying that the proposed increase is only a fraction of the recommended raise that the Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP) suggested the village implement. It was emphasized that the increase is not final with time to make adjustments before the increase is implemented.
On June 29, there will be a hearing on the water rate increase before the council meeting. The hearing starts at 5:30 pm. Public comments are still being accepted online at www.BarnesvilleOhio.com/WaterRate, located at the bottom of the webpage.
Council approved the appointment Lori Farrabee to the open position as water office assistant clerk.
Village Administrator Deal shared that the WTP clear well storage tank is leaking and needs to be restored. The council voted 5-0 for the restoration.
Road Issues Addressed
Issues with Laws Street and Sleepy Hollow Drive were raised. These roads have gravel buildup issues after hard rains. Anytime it rains hard enough, mud builds up and leaves behind piles of gravel that residents need to shovel out of the way. Council members agreed that the issue would be examined firsthand and pledged to find a solution. However, for the moment, they have not committed to any concrete solutions.
The village is opening pavement bids for the coming year on July 1 at 10:00 a.m. in vllage council chambers.
Council members expressed gratitude to the Street Department for the work they did for the Memorial Day Service and acknowledged the upcoming work they will handle for the July 5 celebration. Fireworks for the celebration would be set off at the airport with Memorial Park a perfect location to take in the spectacle.
Members also praised Cemetery Department employees for their hard work mowing and trimming the three village cemeteries for Memorial Day.
New Hires in Emergency Services
Fire Chief Bobby Froehlich reported that the department’s fishing tournament was very successful, with 81 kids participating, perhaps the largest attendance ever for the event.
Froehlich also requested permission to bring on two new part-time EMTs: Mary Fergus who is currently a dispatcher, and Carter Litzenberger who currently works with the Lafferty and Bethesda EMS squad. The request was approved 5-0.
Mayor Hershberger informed Council that he appointed Kenneth Castello to the Barnesville Auxiliary Police Department pursuant to Codified Ordinance 141.03(a). As an auxiliary appointment, no Council approval is required.
Chief Rocky Sirianni noted Castello, who previously served with the department for several years, recently completed a refresher course, and is certified again.
Building Permits
The following building permits were approved:
- Sandy Ridge Property Management – 220 North Chestnut Street – for a commercial building
- Adam Ackerman – 414 Morgantown Avenue – for a new home
- Adam Ackerman – 416 Morgantown Avenue – for a new home
- Dustyn Bashman – 223 Hunts Avenue – for a new metal roof
- Village of Barnesville – 102 East Main Street – new air conditioning
Brock Rogers, a member of the Barnesville Depot Committee, thanked the council for its support for the new roof on the Barnesville Depot.
Other News
Invoices submitted by the fiscal officer in the amount of $258,911.17 was approved.
Barnesville was also nominated as an “opportunity zone” by the Belmont County Port Authority. If the application is accepted, businesses in the Barnesville census tract would be eligible for tax incentives over a 10-year period.
The next Barnesville Village Council meeting is scheduled for June 29, starting at 7 p.m. in the municipal building. Prior to the regular meeting, a water rate increase hearing will take place at 5:30 p.m. followed by the 2027 July Budget Hearing at 6:30 p.m.
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