PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
TORBET … Former city Public Service Director Keith Torbet addresses council regarding his departure during Monday’s meeting.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The City of Wauseon held its meeting on Monday, December 15. The meeting began at 5:00 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence, before moving to approve minutes from the prior meeting.
During the portion of the meeting reserved for public comment, former Public Service Director Keith Torbet addressed the council regarding the timeline surrounding the termination of his employment with the City of Wauseon.
Torbet stated that his remarks were intended more for city residents and focused on what he described as the circumstances leading to his dismissal.
Torbet first stated that a special council meeting was held in executive session on November 12 and that, following that meeting, he was called into the mayor’s office on November 14 and asked to resign or face termination. “
At that time, I told the mayor I would not resign,” Torbet said, adding that he told her he would discuss the matter with his wife.
Torbet then stated that on Monday morning, he received a text message from the mayor requesting a letter of resignation with an end date of December 5 or earlier, before his sick time could be approved.
He said the sick time request was related to his wife undergoing knee replacement surgery on November 11, which he stated was the reason he was unable to attend the November 12 executive session.
Torbet said he immediately contacted the mayor and countered with a 90-day resignation period, which he said had been discussed when he was hired as public service director.
According to Torbet, he later received an email on November 17 stating that the city council had approved the termination of his position effective November 21 unless he submitted a resignation prior to that date.
The email also instructed him to schedule an exit interview and return city property.
Torbet stated that he participated in an exit interview on November 19 with a representative from the city’s human resources department, during which he said he turned over required passwords and discussed concerns related to FMLA and health insurance coverage following his wife’s recent knee replacement surgery.
He told the council that he also reviewed ongoing and pending projects during the meeting in an effort to ensure continuity and avoid delays.
According to Torbet, he questioned why he could not remain employed through December 5th, as had been previously proposed, and was told the request would be discussed with the mayor.
Torbet said he indicated his final day working in the office would be November 21 and that he would use accrued sick leave through December 5.
He stated that he returned his keys, parked his city vehicle at the public works facility, and retained his key fob so he could return to the building to retrieve personal belongings. Torbet said he informed city staff that he planned to turn in the key fob when he was finished.
According to Torbet, when he returned to the city building to clean out his office, he discovered that his key fob had been deactivated and his email access shut down without prior notification.
He told the council that as a result, he was unable to access the building and had to enter through the police department and find a firefighter to let him into the office to retrieve his belongings.
Addressing the council, Torbet said, “I’m sorry, but the deactivation of my fob is just childish and unprofessional. I’m sorry, Mayor, but that was ridiculous. There was no reason to do that.
“I’ve been here 41 and a half years. I’ve spent two-thirds of my life working for this city and working for the residents of Wauseon, and to be treated like a common criminal is absolutely ridiculous.”
During his comments, Torbet also highlighted work he said he completed prior to leaving his position, including submitting paperwork related to EPA requirements, grant-funded projects, and ongoing infrastructure work.
He stated that he worked to ensure projects and grant obligations remained on track to avoid financial or regulatory penalties for the city.
Torbet referenced multiple grants he said were secured during his tenure, including funding for Brunell Street, Oak Street, and North Fulton Street, as well as additional grant funding he said remains pending.
Torbet concluded his remarks by thanking city residents for the opportunity to serve. “It’s been an honor and a privilege to work for you and to put this time in for the city that I truly love, and I will be back,” he said.
Following public comments, the council moved on to committee reports, including updates from the Tree Commission and the Utility Commission.
It was reported that the Utility Commission met on December 10 to discuss potential future rate increases.
Members reviewed projected expenses, capital improvement needs, and the city’s cash position. Commission members reported that they elected to delay any rate increase and revisit the issue in approximately six months.
Rising chemical costs and potential EPA mandates were also discussed, with no action taken at this time.
Department head reports followed, starting with the fire department. This began with confirmation that Terry Henricks Ford provided a date for the installation of a transmission in an ambulance.
Civil Service updates included approval of test scores, with two candidates qualifying. One candidate verbally accepted a position, while another declined but will continue working part-time with full-time hours.
Repairs to an ambulance that was struck earlier in the year were also discussed.
Police department remarks included an update on the annual Christmas for Kids program, which served 67 children.
Each child received a $150 Walmart gift card, along with additional donated items going out as well. It was reported that 19 agencies participated and that the program was funded entirely through donations.
Short reports were then given by the city finance director and law director before moving on to legislative actions.
Council then moved to legislation, approving a series of resolutions on emergency and final readings.
Council first authorized the mayor to enter into an agreement with HR Premier Consulting, LLC to provide human resource services for the city.
Council next approved participation in a countywide emergency management agency, authorizing the mayor to enter into the required agreement pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 5502.
Council also approved several resolutions related to employee benefits. These included authorization for the mayor to enter into agreements for employee health insurance coverage with Pareto Captive Services, Meritain Health, Smith RX, and Tokio Marine HCC, as well as authorization to enter into agreements with Mutual of Omaha and The Standard to provide life insurance and voluntary dental and vision coverage for full-time employees.
Council concluded legislative action by approving a resolution authorizing the mayor to renew an agreement with Schonhardt and Associates for accounting services related to GAAP accounting. All legislation was approved by unanimous vote.
Next, the council approved payment of bills, amending the approval to cover bills through January 19, 2026, before moving to enter into executive session at approximately 5:35 p.m. to discuss imminent or pending litigation.
Councilor Brandon Tijerina exited the meeting prior to the executive session due to a prior engagement.
Council then returned to open session and adjourned at 6:23 p.m.