PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
STATE OF THE VILLAGE … Archbold Mayor Brad Grime delivered the final segment of his state of the village address to Archbold Rotarians on February 11. The initial portion of his remarks highlighted the value of the village’s experienced administrative team across nearly all departments. He also emphasized that village revenue is sufficient to support annual infrastructure improvements. The concluding (February) portion of his presentation focused on threats and opportunities facing the community. Mayor Grime is also a member of the Archbold Rotary Club.
PRESS RELEASE – Archbold Mayor Brad Grime used the second portion of his state of the village presentation to Archbold Rotarians to discuss potential threats and opportunities facing the village.
The biggest threat, he said, would be a proposed state constitutional amendment. Several groups are currently collecting signatures to put the issue on this fall’s ballot.
If enough valid signatures are gathered and the amendment is approved by voters, about $900,000 in property tax revenue that the village receives would be lost, according to the mayor.
However, he noted that this loss is only part of the problem. The Archbold Area Schools would lose a large portion of their overall revenue stream, as would the townships and county government.
Many services—including fire, EMS, senior centers, health departments, libraries, mental health services, and boards of developmental disability—rely on property tax revenue to operate. If property taxes are eliminated, many essential services would be at risk.
On the other hand, the mayor pointed to opportunities, such as the village’s water treatment plant facilities. Archbold’s facility can treat more than 7 million gallons of water daily, making it the largest village-owned water treatment facility in Ohio. He said the plant is capable of meeting both current and future residential and business needs.
Village residential needs are expected to grow in the coming years. A privately financed housing development along Lutz Road will include around 130 lots.
While current construction is for a church, condos and single-family homes are planned to follow. The village is also studying infrastructure improvements on the south side of Archbold to support additional housing.
Several projects are moving forward on the south side of Archbold. Construction is expected to begin this spring on a Casey’s gas station and store, as well as a Taco Bell, both approved for sites along South Defiance Street across from St. John’s Christian Church.
The owners of the former Arch Lanes have planned a roughly $2 million project to remodel the property and create several businesses on South Defiance Street. Miller Brothers Construction also plans to build a new corporate office on land they own.
The mayor stated that the Archbold CIC plans to make grants available to help downtown businesses improve their facades.
In response to a question about the recent data center meeting held by German Township trustees, the mayor said that not much is known about the issue beyond the concerns and questions raised during the meeting.