PHOTO BY AMY WENDT / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
INCOME TAX UPDATE…(Left to Right) Archbold Village Council members Aaron Babcock, Chad Kern, and Karla Ball hear an update on income tax revenue from the village administrator.
By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
amy@thevillagereporter.com
Archbold Village Council met on Monday, October 6, 2025, to hold second readings on multiple proposed ordinances and resolutions, approve financial items, and review monthly reports from various departments.
Councilors Gary Dominique, Vaughn Bentz, Kevin Eicher, Aaron Babcock, Chad Kern, and Karla Ball were present, as well as Mayor Brad Grime and Village Administrator Aaron Alt.
After a moment of silence, the council approved minutes from the September 15 meeting, authorized the payment of bills and payroll totaling $1,317,064.49, and accepted the September 2025 financial reports.
A 3rd Quarter Investment Report was also reviewed and approved, with Village Administrator Alt pointing out that the village earned $489,000 in interest compared to $741,000 during the same period last year, reflecting a decline in interest rates.
Moving on to legislative matters, the council revisited five items for second reading concerning proposed water and wastewater increases and new service agreements with surrounding districts.
Council began with Ordinance 2025-37, which provides for a water rate increase to a base rate of $4.74 per 1,000 gallons used, with no usage included in the ready-to-serve fee, and Ordinance 2025-38, which will allow for a wastewater rate increase to $5.15 per 1,000 gallons of water used and a ready-to-serve fee based on meter size.
Both would take effect with the January 2026 billing period, for December 2025 usage. Moving on to proposed water agreements with surrounding areas, the council also heard second readings on the following resolutions:
-Resolution 2025-39 would authorize the village administrator to enter into a water service agreement with Defiance County for the Brunersburg Water District.
-Resolution 2025-40 would allow the administrator to enter into a Water Service Agreement with Fulton County.
-Resolution 2025-41 authorizes the village administrator to enter into a Water Service Agreement with Ridgeville Township Water & Sewer District.
As discussed at the September 15 meeting, the water and wastewater rate increases are necessary to cover rising operational costs, fund the replacement of aging water meters, and support long-term infrastructure improvements without relying on loans.
It was also noted that the current water agreements with Brunersburg/Evansport, Fulton County, and Ridgeville Township had not been updated in many years, and revisions were necessary to ensure these surrounding jurisdictions that Archbold’s services share in repair and capacity expenses.
The five measures will be presented for the third and final reading at the next village council meeting on October 20.
Council then heard monthly department reports for September. Income tax numbers show a 3.83% decrease from the same time last year; however, Alt pointed out that it is still 5.55% over 2023 income tax receipts.
The Fleet report was also reviewed with Alt mentioning that the chipper was inoperational for part of the week, which delayed brush chipping. He added that the chipper, which has broken down numerous times this year, is due for replacement in 2026.
The September Fire and EMS reports showed a total of 85 EMS rescue calls with 62 transports, 13 fire runs, and four mutual aid calls.
Upon review of the monthly police report, it was pointed out that the PD received the new replacement for Car 35, which was totaled when a driver pulled out in front of an APD officer back in August.
The next Archbold Village Council meeting will be held on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. in the Council chambers.