PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
MEETING … Wauseon Mayor Kathy Huner, Council President Shane Chamberlin and Law Director Thomas McWatters III discuss city business during the July 6 council meeting, which included action on a proposed parks and recreation levy, a charter amendment concerning the city’s building and zoning department, and several other pieces of legislation.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Wauseon City Council held its meeting on Monday, July 6, 2026. The meeting began at 5 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence, followed by approval of the prior meeting’s minutes.
Council accepted recommendations from the Finance Committee following discussion of several items reviewed by the committee.
Among those items was a CivicPlus contract add-on connected to the city’s website, with officials explaining the change is tied to the platform used by the city and is intended to address ADA compliance.
The committee also reviewed additional budget needs related to the state audit, along with proposed work by American Pump Repair and Services to assess operations at the Wauseon Water Plant and help forecast possible future repair needs.
The committee also discussed irrigation repairs at Biddle Park. The irrigation system was described as having originally been installed by the Wauseon Rotary Club years ago, with repairs now needed to help it operate properly.
A possible Wi-Fi and surveillance camera project at the Rotary shelter house was also discussed, though officials indicated that item will likely be considered in 2027.
Fire Chief Phil Kessler then reported on the city’s holiday weekend activities, saying things were generally status quo with limited festivity-related issues.
He also said the fireworks show went smoothly, explaining that the delay before the show was the result of crews taking their time to make sure the electronics would fire correctly.
He also noted that the fireballs seen at the end of the display were indeed programmed into the show.
City officials also spoke positively about the overall fireworks event, noting the amount of work involved from city employees, the fire department, law enforcement and others.
Discussion also touched on why the fireworks were held Thursday rather than Friday or Saturday, with officials explaining that scheduling, employee availability and demand for fireworks companies during the holiday season due to the America 250 celebrations all played a role. It was also noted that the date did not appear to hurt attendance.
Director of Finance Jamie Giguere reported that June reports had been completed and were included in council packets.
She also stated that income tax remains down more than 12%, though there has been some improvement each month.
Director of Public Service Austin Abbott reported that work on waterlines remains ongoing and is expected to continue for several more weeks to a month.
He also said the recent heat slowed some of the work. Abbott then said the city is working on multiple grant efforts connected to projects such as street repairs, paving, waterline work and sewer work.
Law Director Thomas McWatters III reviewed two pieces of legislation tied to items expected to be placed before voters in the fall.
One involves a proposed charter amendment to create a Department of Building and Zoning, which officials said would formalize what is already largely in place and would not involve additional expenditures.
The other involves the start of the process for a 1.6-mill levy for parks and recreational purposes, which officials said is primarily tied to maintaining the city pool and parks.
Mayor Kathy Huner and council members discussed the importance of explaining the levy to the public.
Officials said the city is not collecting that money this year because the prior levy was not renewed, and they stressed that the proposed levy is not more than what residents had previously been paying.
They also discussed the need to make clear that the money would go to the city for parks and recreation purposes, including the pool.
Next, Council approved Ordinance 2026-8 as an emergency, directing the city clerk to file a proposed charter amendment with the board of elections to create a Department of Building and Zoning.
Council also approved Resolution 2026-18, authorizing the mayor to execute a statement of work with CivicPlus for website services.
Resolution 2026-19 was approved on first reading to amend the city’s annual appropriation ordinance and allow the director of finance to increase or decrease certain line account appropriations within various funds for 2026.
Council also approved Resolution 2026-20 as an emergency, declaring it necessary to levy the additional 1.6 mills for parks and recreational purposes and requesting certification from the Fulton County auditor.
Council also approved Resolution 2026-21, authorizing the mayor or her designee to prepare and submit an application to participate in Ohio Public Works Commission state capital improvement and local transportation improvement programs.
Resolution 2026-22 was also approved, authorizing designated officials to provide written approval to the Regional Planning Commission for land split requests.
Under new business, officials said a Utility Committee meeting will need to be scheduled soon to discuss utility matters.
It was also noted that a Safety and Code Committee meeting is expected to be scheduled to discuss feral cat issues and possible budget assistance.
Council then approved payment of the bills before entering executive session to discuss pending or imminent litigation.
