By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
amy@thevillagereporter.com
The Archbold Village Council convened for its regular meeting on Monday, July 7, with discussions focused on financial updates, proposed development, and the potential expansion of Flock security cameras.
Present along with Mayor Brad Grime and Village Administrator Aaron Alt were councilors Kevin Eicher, Aaron Babcock, Chad Kern, and Karla Ball, while Gary Dominique and Vaughn Bentz were absent.
Addressing routine matters, the council approved minutes from the June 16 meeting, authorized the payment of $1,043,404.04 in bills and payroll, and accepted monthly and quarterly financial reports.
Upon review of the June 2025 Financials and Q2 Investment Report, Councilor Aaron Babcock inquired about the large amount expended for summer-sport umpires. Alt responded that the revenue generated from the summer ball tournaments likely covers those expenses.
Also in the June expense list, Mayor Grime noted a rise in non-sufficient fund (NSF) fees charged to the village as a result of returned water and sewer payments from residents. It was explained that as long as a resident’s account remains open, the NSF fee is added to their bill.
Financial Director Kathy Rupp confirmed that there were nine instances of NSF fees, which is more than usual for this time of the year.
“It seems like they go in spurts, and I would have anticipated it more when property taxes are due, like maybe next month,” Rupp explained. “Christmas – January is usually a time that you know you are going to see a bunch of them, but I was not anticipating nine of them this month.”
In response to Councilor Kern’s question about how delinquent accounts are handled, Alt outlined the review process, noting that service is ultimately shut off after two months of non-payment. Rupp added that most delinquent customers pay upon receiving the shut-off notice prior to their service being disconnected.
The Q2 Investment Report revealed that interest earnings remain strong, with approximately $15,639,000 in the bank and total interest revenue reaching around $56,000.
Alt cautioned that these funds are not extra or discretionary, and he emphasized they serve as cash reserves intended to help the village in the event of potential declines in income tax revenue.
The Park Board minutes from its June 4 meeting were before the council for review. At that meeting, Parks & Rec Director Jennifer Kidder reported that lifeguards are undergoing additional training in swim instruction, emergency response, and Narcan administration.
New shade structures and seating have received positive feedback from visitors, and a grant application has been submitted for updated lighting at Ruihley Park.
The June 2025 EMS & Fire Calls for Service report and the Street Department’s June 2025 Fleet Report were before the council for review.
Council also looked at the June 2025 Income Tax Report, which showed receipts were down 9.97% compared to June 2024, and for the year that revenue is down 3.57%.
Offering insight, Alt highlighted that while June 2024 saw a decline compared to the same month last year, it was still 35% higher than June 2023, which marks some overall improvement. He hopes to finish 2025 at least 6–7% above 2023 levels.
Despite the downturn in income tax receipts revenue, Alt pointed to encouraging news, including some recent projects coming in under budget.
With nothing further to address on the agenda, Mayor Grime opened the floor for discussion by noting that two residential building permits were issued, signaling growth in the village.
In another matter, Councilor Chad Kern shared that he will be unable to attend the upcoming Planning Commission meeting regarding a major site plan review of Casey’s proposed gas station and convenience store at 705 S. Defiance Street.
Kern expressed strong concerns, citing its location in a residential area, the potential impact of increased traffic, and the lack of clarity on how semi-trucks would access the site without affecting nearby homes and a nearby park. He added that he plans to submit his concerns in writing to be read during the meeting.
Alt responded to Kern’s concerns, “…we can’t stop development because it’s zoned B2 – but we can ensure that it’s done right.” He then shared the proposed design with the council and pointed out possible solutions to alleviate traffic issues.
Mayor Grime encouraged council members to share any input they have on the project. A public hearing on the matter will be held at the Archbold Planning Commission meeting on Monday, July 14, at 5:00 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Councilor Babcock inquired about the status of the train blocking signalization system discussed at the last meeting, and Mayor Grime responded that he spoke to vendors and he anticipates receiving a quote within a week or two.
Before adjourning, Alt shared with the council that the village will receive 11 additional Flock cameras for a 60-day trial. The newly installed cameras will be in addition to the three cameras that the village already has in place.
The cameras use a license plate recognition (LPR) system to capture the plate and vehicle information of every car at monitored locations. The cost per camera is approximately $3,000.
Alt emphasized that the arrangement is for a 60-day trial to determine the equipment’s effectiveness, and Mayor Grime added that the trial will help identify the best locations for the village’s existing cameras.
“I don’t know if it’s going to yield anything,” Alt said, “but this (trial) will also help us decide…because we have to determine in next year’s budget if we’re going to renew the flock cameras.”
Archbold Village Council will reconvene for its next regular meeting on Monday, July 21, at 5:30 p.m.