PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
AUTHENTICATION … The issue of 2-factor authentication came up during the council meeting held on March 2, 2026. The timing was especially important due to the city recently experiencing a security breach with their email accounts, along with other municipalities across the state.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Wauseon City Council held its meeting on March 2, 2026. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence.
Council members also asked those present to keep the family of Councilman Steve Schneider in their thoughts and prayers following his recent passing. Council then approved the minutes from previous meetings without discussion.
Before moving into committee reports, council acknowledged a brief finance committee meeting held previously.
The finance committee recommended increasing the city’s information technology budget by $2,000 annually in order to implement two factor authentication on employee desktop systems.
Mayor Kathy Huner noted the additional security measure is now required for government entities and comes after many agencies across Ohio, including the City of Wauseon, recently experienced cyber security issues. Council then approved the committee’s recommendations.
Department head reports followed, with Fire Chief Phil Kessler reporting that as warmer weather approaches, the department will begin increasing its enforcement of food truck permit requirements as vendors begin returning for the summer season.
Chief Kessler also reported the department’s new Zoll cardiac monitors have arrived and have been deployed to the field following training with a company representative. The devices were already utilized during a recent cardiac emergency response.
Additional training is scheduled to begin this week on an Auto Vent system, a life-sustaining respirator that integrates with the monitors.
Chief Kessler also noted the department’s annual ladder testing will be taking place soon, during which a third-party company conducts weight and stress testing on ladders to check for damage or structural issues.
He added there are no new updates on ongoing EMS funding concerns.
Police Chief Kevin Chittenden then reported that Safety City applications are now available for this summer’s program. Two sessions are scheduled for June 1 through June 12 and June 15 through June 26, with both morning and afternoon options available.
Registration can be completed through the police department section of the city website or through the department’s Facebook page.
Chittenden explained that the program is funded primarily through donations from local businesses and organizations. In recent years, donations have covered the entire cost of the program.
Finance Director Jamie Giguere then presented the February financial report, noting that income tax revenue from businesses is currently down compared to the same time last year.
However, employee withholdings remain strong, indicating people are still working within the city. During discussion, council members noted the city is now operating without revenue previously generated by International Automotive Components (IAC), which has since closed.
Law Director Thomas McWatters III reported that he continues to assist city officials with discussions related to EMS funding as well as upcoming union negotiations.
McWatters also explained a late addition to the evening’s agenda, Resolution 2026-6, which authorizes the mayor to advertise for bids for the city’s upcoming street improvement project.
Council then moved into legislative actions, with members approving Resolution 2026-5, which authorizes the mayor to enter into an agreement for the leasing of a new postage meter and declares the matter an emergency.
Council also approved Resolution 2026-6 as an emergency measure. The resolution authorizes the mayor to advertise for bids for the city’s 2026 street improvement project and to accept the lowest and best bid for the work.
During new business, council discussed the process for filling the vacant council seat left by Schneider’s passing.
Officials noted that during the most recent election five candidates ran for three council seats.
After a previous vacancy was filled by the next eligible candidate, council indicated it plans to offer the remaining seat to Kevin Hite, the next highest-finishing candidate in the election.
If accepted, officials expect to swear Hite in during the April 6 meeting so the mayor can preside over the ceremony.
Council members also reflected briefly on Schneider’s service to the community, noting his absence will be felt for some time.
During new business, Councilman Brandon Tijerina announced that a new business called Wild West Wizards will be opening downtown next to The Lead Shed, with a grand opening planned for later in the week.
Council then approved payment of the city’s bills before entering into executive session at 5:22 p.m. to discuss the potential purchase or sale of property.
With no action taken, the meeting was adjourned.
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