Barnesville Council Discusses S. Broadway Street Project
At the Barnesville Village Council meeting on August 10, Village Administrator Roger Deal updated council on the South Broadway Street project. The Village has set aside $200,000 for the project. Materials, such as storm pipe and stone, are currently on site.
Deal said the one thing that badly needs replaced is the culvert, “and we have even been discussing that maybe that’s part of the problem with the water line too – the culvert.” He pointed out water line breaks have been occurring at the worst parts of the culvert.
Deal called on contractor Adam Ackerman to share his thoughts on the project.
According to Ackerman, fifteen gas lines are located 20-28 inches deep, so the culvert most likely will have to go underneath the lines. And with going under, the work will come in contact with the service taps on the east side of the road
“I would like to see us do like we did on South Chestnut,” Ackerman said. “We can pull the lead line, and at the bare minimum, do a new plastic tap from the curb box to the main line.”
Ackerman continued that the culvert is in the worst condition. The sewer line is in pretty good shape. The main cost in the project is time. Since the water line is not as deep as S. Chestnut, traffic will not need to be maintained. The project should take less time and cost less.
The council continued discussion. Members tended to agree that since the street was going to be dug up, it made sense to replace the water line at the same time.
Fiscal Officer Jeannie Hannahs said she would like an estimate on how much the additional work will cost. Deal said that it would be at least a half million dollars. Council requested Deal get a cost estimate.
Later in the week, the Village released a notice to the public that the South Broadway Street project has launched.
The work will take place between West South Street and Hunts Avenue.
During construction, according to the official village post, traffic on the street will be restricted to “local traffic” only. Parking along the street is not permitted during the hours of 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Several Ordinances and Resolutions Read Second Time
Resolution #4050, establishing a new debt service fund, and Ordinance #4052, amending the annual appropriation to book the OPWC loan, were read by Village Solicitor Richard Myser. Both involve the 2026 Paving/Street Improvement Project and the fiscal officer’s accounting for the project.
Ordinances #4053 and #4054, which change the current water and sewer rates, were read a second time. Councilmember Mark Lucas is concerned about the proposed increases over three years, 15%, 15% and 10% respectively, as being too much of a burden for Barnesville’s residents. Lucas suggested that the council consider a 5% increase each year over the course of the next 10 years.
The discussion continued. Council President Brad English said, “If we are following the 5%, just on sewer alone, by 2030 we are negative almost $500,000.”
Mayor Jake Hershberger added, “The water and sewer committee can meet at any point with operations and we can review costs.”
The third readings of these ordinances will occur at the next council meeting on Aug. 24 when Council will vote on the matter. Previous discussions about these ordinances may be found here.
Safety Reports
Fire Chief Bobby Froehlich shared that the run sheets for July were in councilmembers’ packets.
Froehlich thanked the council for the donation toward the Safety Day. “We had approximately 150 people out at the high school. When the helicopter came in, the kids really seemed to be into it.”
Lt. Matthew Tippie attended the meeting. Tippie thanked the council and mayor for the opportunity to be the next police chief, beginning August 16. “I’m going to have to learn this side of the job, so bear with me for a little bit,” Tippie said.
The Mayor’s Court report for July 2026 totaled $3,003, with $2,229 retained by the village, $744 for the state and $30 for the county.
Park & Recreation
Village Administrator Roger Deal thanked Adam Ackerman for work on the Women’s Club of Barnesville shelter which is framed up and under roof. Deal added that not only is it a new shelter, but an additional sidewalk has been added to allow wheelchair and stroller access.
Building Permits
The following building permit was approved:
- Sandy Sligar — 409 North Lincoln Avenue — Enclosed Porch/New Patio and Roof
Other News
Invoices submitted by the fiscal officer totaling $158,883.54 and the July 2026 financial statements and bank reconciliation were approved.
The Council unanimously passed the health plan renewal for village employees. Hershberger said the current plan will remain in place but the cost will increase 7.4 percent for the coming year. The village’s broker shopped around for comparative plans finding the current provider’s plan was the best option.
The Council Street & Sidewalk Committee planned a meeting for August 13 at 4 p.m.
Council went into executive session to consider employment of a public employee. No action was taken after returning to open meeting.
The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m., Monday, August 24 in the municipal building.
Barnesville Village Council minutes and agendas are available on the town website.
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