PHOTO BY BRIANNA BALOGH / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
FINANCE DISCUSSIONS … From left, council members Leslie VanAusdale, Jason Gruver, and Mayor Bob Day follow along as Village Administrator Dawn Fitzcharles presents one of several 2026 capital budget plans.
By: Brianna Balogh
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
After the adjournment of the Edgerton Village Council meeting, a brief recess took place before the Finance Committee meeting.
Starting at 6:20 p.m., the Finance Committee included all members of the Village Council, Village Administrator Dawn Fitzcharles, Administrative Assistant Amanda Knecht, Fiscal Officer Denise Knecht, Mayor Bob Day, and several department heads.
Fire Department
Speaking first, was Chief Scott Blue, representing the Fire Department. Blue explained that 2025 has seen an out-of-the-ordinary increase in fire runs, which in turn has increased the 2025 budget.
They have had over 126 runs to date, with many of those spanning multiple hours. Five all-night runs occurred between January and February alone.
The fire department staff, despite the increases in runs, completed over 11,000 hours of training. On Monday, the ISO, Insurance Service Office, inspection took place. This dictates insurance rates, and since 2019, the Edgerton Fire Department has received a Class 4 rating.
The scale runs from ten to one, with one being the best. Blue hopes to maintain the Class 4 rating, but would love to see a three, which has been achieved by the Montpelier Fire Department. The rating is reflected in the budget through hose maintenance, testing, and replacement.
For the 2026 capital project, the fire department expects to spend $18,000 on turnout gear, which is an annual expense.
Four sets are purchased yearly so that eventually everyone will have two sets with a five-year gap between the sets, a new set, and a spare.
Another annual expense is for F-500 concentrate. Normally, one pallet is purchased per year, but with the increase in runs, the department anticipates a pallet purchase in 2026.
This product is especially helpful on newer vehicle models with uncommon metals or electric vehicles. Hose nozzles and adapters are another normal annual expense, projected at $18,000 for 2026. Updates to portable radios and pagers are anticipated to be a $12,000 cost, with several anticipated to need replacement.
For 2026, there are two options for SCBA replacement. First would be a FEMA grant for all new SCBAs, and the fire department would be responsible for the match amount.
The second is a bottle upgrade grant. The Firemen’s Association received a donation of 30 used SCBAs. These were used for training at Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station. The units will be tested to verify their use.
The grant would be to replace the current bottles, which present two problems. The first is that the bottle has a 15-year expiration date, while the SCBAs do not, as long as they pass the required testing.
The second issue is the size of the current one-hour bottles, which are heavier and bulky. The grant would allow the switch to 30-minute bottles, shrinking their profile and weighing significantly less.
Blue clarified that it would be one option or the other, either all new SCBAs or bottle upgrades. Day asked about the current bottle age, which Blue stated had a little life left, but would opt for the 30-minute bottles. Fitzcharles clarified that the FEMA grant match would be $14,600.
Gruver asked if the FEMA grant would allow upgraded equipment. Blue stated the new high-pressure SCBAs would be a definite upgrade and put their equipment on par with surrounding departments.
If new units are purchased, the other units could potentially be donated to another fire department, as they will not be needed.
Blue continued explaining items in the fire hall building maintenance, with some purchase orders placed for electric upgrades to help with power distribution. Also included is windows; however, the labor required has not been figured into the budget yet.
Another small upgrade is a mini-split heating and cooling system for the radio room. Funding for a set of landing zone lights for life flight is being pursued as well. The kits cost less than $1,000, and the department is willing to purchase one.
Village Cash Financials
As of October 31, at $9,725,775 with the General Fund at $3,296,425.
Police Department
The Police Department is the first to propose capital needs from the General Fund. Capital expenditures for equipment replacement are pretty standard with no added expenses such as a cruiser, which is not necessary at this time.
Chief Kan Jacob added that there are several vests expiring in 2026 and 2027, and they may begin purchasing those in 2026. There are 15 to purchase, with a grant still ongoing.
Fitzcharles added that some will be out of cycle, and Jacob added that they are fitted to the officer, so it is difficult to recycle.
The cost would be incurred up front, with the department receiving a reimbursement from grant funds.
Electric Department
Fitzcharles reported figures for the electric department as of October 31 at $2,726,316, with an additional anticipated fund increase of $300,000.
A proposed mini skid steer is being planned for purchase. A grant was initially submitted to support the purchase after reviewing multiple job requirements, then resubmitted, but no funding was awarded. The department still believes it would be a beneficial purchase not only for them, but for the village as well.
Attachments such as forks, a trencher, a power rototiller, and a bucket make the equipment extremely versatile for multiple departments. The allocation would be spread across various departments.
Fitzcharles explained that the forks alone will eliminate the need to rely on local businesses to assist with delivery unloading.
Typically, the department anticipates $100,000 to $150,000 for improvement projects. Two underground projects are expected in 2026. Troy Nihart explained that one project would be near Airway due to several transformers being over capacity.
The second would be at the Kauffman trailer court, where, due to expansion over the years, there are wires in jeopardy of coming in contact with a residence. The tight area makes it hard to get trucks in for repair calls.
Fitzcharles added that there are always unanticipated, pop-up projects throughout the year. Nihart added he also had purchases for electric meters.
Nihart also added that the skid steer would cause less yard damage for residents. The grappler will be very advantageous for his department. It will help eliminate straining and lifting on the employees as well.
The next electric department topic was the new truck to be purchased, which was discussed at a previous council meeting.
Fitzcharles, as requested, provided two additional comparable vehicles to the previously presented 2024 Ford F-150.
The comparable vehicles from the state were a 2025 F-150 for $45,000 and a 2025 F-150 for $51,119, plus additional options with costs such as a snowplow.
With the comparable price range, Fitzcharles requested the council agree on an up to amount for the vehicle purchase.
Currently, the budget and rules would allow $50,140. VanAusdale voiced agreement with the up to amount proposal. Wallace asked how many vehicles and employees are within the electric department, which is the same – four.
Fitzcharles eased some of his concern, stating that if, in the future, staffing requirements change, they can resell the vehicle.
After some discussion about the vehicle size needed, what jobs would be performed, and new versus used, they verbally agreed to allow an up to amount.
At the next council meeting, Fitzcharles hopes to be able to report the purchase to the council.
Park Department
Again, Fitzcharles opened with a general fund balance of around $1 million, with added expenditures of $1 million in 2026. $60,000 is allocated to mower purchases. Normally, there is a mower purchase every four to six years. The mowers cost approximately $5,000 a year to operate.
There are funds built in for recreational upgrades as needed. Sometimes there is park equipment or infrastructure items that pop up.
Recreation upgrades will be made to Gearhart Field, including surface improvement and possible mobile pitching mounds. The Miller Park field was expected to be completed that week.
Wallace questioned the need for mobile mounds, remembering they were redone in the recent past at a high cost.
Fitzcharles clarified that this was a future piece; currently, leveling is being done. The finished product would be similar to the work done at Miller Park.
Moving along, Fitzcharles explained that the Edgerton Metals Remediation Project has not been included. Bowsher commented that this is not a Park Board issue.
Fitzcharles agreed but explained the reasoning because the conversation must be documented, showing outside involvement. Basically, showing the decision wasn’t made behind closed doors.
Wallace asked about the parking area for the new community center at Miller Park and what fund that would be coming from.
The only allowable funds would be the general fund, since there is no park levy, answered Fitzcharles. A portion could come out of the Income Tax Capital as well.
Fitzcharles continued reminding the committee that in 2027, the debt service on the town hall is complete, and the $90,000 payment would no longer be a budget expenditure. This could affect the way the Income Tax Capital funds will be invested and used.
$20,000 has been allocated for gym floor resurfacing in the town hall building. With the floor being sanded completely down, new lines will be painted to include indoor pickle ball courts.
Town Hall building improvements are also a large piece of the budget. Kip Pahl explained that ideally, he would like to have multiple mini-splits installed because if the boiler goes out in winter, it will be a serious situation.
Parking Improvement, as part of the ODOT project, is also included for 2026. VanAusdale asked for further information on the project.
Fitzcharles explained that this is a longer-term project involving elevation corrections and drainage repair. Pahl added that they have to route water away from the building. VanAusdale agreed that the parking lot is used a lot and is in bad shape.
Wallace suggested with the increasing costs of building maintenance, to use the $90,000 once the debt is paid for as a maintenance fund.
Street Department
The street department started with the plan to purchase a replacement chipper truck for their current 1999 vehicle. This vehicle has been used a lot, and newer vehicles could provide more versatility, and air conditioning, added Pahl. The department is currently looking at 2008 as a replacement. Pahl added that this truck gets used a lot.
Appropriations for next year include $75,000 each from two county funds to complete the project at Stadium Drive.
The plan has been put together and ideally handling it internally would save costs. Fitzcharles has already been in contact with local contractors for the project.
Income Tax
Income tax capital is currently at $630,632, with $75,000 allocated towards capital.
Water Department
The water department currently sits at $399,096. The water department started with a well project that had popped up over the last year, and the motor went bad.
While repairing, they also had the well cleaned and the screen was unclogged. Future plans include well testing and maintenance.
Water tower inspections are upcoming. Fitzcharles reminded that the ISO rating, earlier explained by Blue, is also affected by the water department.
Updates helping to improve the rating are the GIS system and water flow testing. Also contributing are replacing hydrants and water mains. The skid steer cost is also shared by the water department.
Sewer Department
Starting off with an amount of $675,590, the sewer department has a few standard projects planned for 2026. Examples are stones being installed around the banks of the lagoons, micro-organisms for water purification, electrical panel upgrades, general maintenance, and the main station complete rebuild. Putting the station above ground instead of the current 40 feet below.
Storm Department
Again, starting off with an amount of $356,096 the storm department has projects planned, like a catch basin storm main replacement, and the shared cost of the skid steer.
With the last department complete, Fitzcharles thanked everyone for their time and informed the council that at the next meeting, they would be presented with the complete 2026 budget.
With no motion to adjourn needed, the meeting concluded at 7:35 p.m.