SEWERS … Deep discussion took place during the meeting regarding a couple of sewer issues over the past couple of weeks. It was noted that the village needs to send out a letter to let residents know to contact the village office first if any sewer issues arise.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The Metamora Village Council held a regular session on Monday, December 29, 2025. After opening with the Pledge of Allegiance, the council completed several end-of-year actions that included adopting a required cybersecurity policy, approving 2025 fund transfers by ordinance, and finalizing the village’s 2026 permanent budget.
Council first approved Ordinance 2025-23, which established the village’s cybersecurity policy. The ordinance was described as required by the State Auditor.
Council then moved to suspend the rules to move forward with year-end transfer legislation tied to 2025.
Ordinance 2025-24 was approved to authorize the village’s 2025 year-end fund transfers, with the fiscal officer explaining that auditors required the transfers to be approved through a separate ordinance even though the transfers were included in the budget process.
Ordinance 2025-25 was then passed as an emergency measure so the 2025 transfers could take effect immediately.
The fiscal officer also explained an error connected to project-related funding, noting that money was moved rather than handled through an appropriation.
As a result, there is now extra money in the street fund and another village fund from the general fund connected to those projects.
The fiscal officer said moving the money back would require additional state-level steps, and the suggestion was to leave it in place for future projects.
Council also addressed 2026 finances by approving Ordinance 2025- 26, adopting the village’s permanent budget for 2026, including revenue and appropriations.
The ordinance was passed as an emergency measure after suspending the rules. Council also approved payment of the bills.
In other business, the council approved vacation carryover requests for two employees, one for 40 hours and one for 4 hours.
Council also approved the acceptance of a donation and approved signing an agreement for 2026 connected to ongoing work for the village.
During administrative updates, officials discussed recent sewer-related calls from residents, including reports of backups and concerns about line conditions.
Village staff reviewed mapping information to identify cleanout locations, discussed responsibility depending on whether an issue is on the private side or the village side, and indicated the situation would be assessed further.
Staff also noted the need to remind residents through a future newsletter that the village office should be contacted first when sewer issues arise.
Officials then discussed a sewer rate issue identified by the county. While the village has a 2% rate increase moving forward, it was noted that rates for users outside the village limits, including the church, have not been addressed since 2019.
The discussion included preparing an ordinance to address outside of village rates at a future meeting. The council convened in an executive session at 7:30 p.m. to deliberate on an employment opportunity.
Upon reconvening, the council approved the hiring of a part-time Village Administrator, appointing Keith Torbet, former Wauseon Public Service Director, to the position.
With nothing further, the meeting was adjourned.