(PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
WATER AND SEWER SERVICE … Council members, Kevin Gray, Steve Marvin, and Dave Short reflect on the proposed switching of the water and sewer rate for West Unity.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The West Unity Village Council held its regular meeting on July 10, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. The session opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer. Mayor Don Leu, Fiscal Officer Sarah Higdon, Administrator Joshua Fritsch, and Solicitor Mark Hagans were in attendance.
Council members Kevin Gray, Shawn Blaisdell, Nathan Massie, Stephen Marvin, and David Short were present as well. After reviewing the bills, minutes, and presenting agenda, the council moved on to legislative matters.
Resolution 5-2025-4 had its third and final reading. This resolution requests the Williams County Auditor to certify the current tax valuation and the estimated dollar amount of revenue that would be generated by a 1.00 mill renewal levy. If approved by voters, the levy would fund municipal parks in the village for five years beginning in tax year 2026.
Council approved the resolution, and the levy is set to appear on the November 4, 2025 ballot, following the process outlined by the Auditor.
Next, the second reading of Resolution 6-2025-6 was moved by Council. This legislation would authorize a property exchange between the Village of West Unity and Williams County.
The resolution outlines the transfer of Tract 1 and Tract 3, with both parties granting easements for mutual benefit.
The Village Administrator, Fritsch, was authorized to complete the transactions. Mayor Leu expects the process to take a couple of months to finish.
Council decided to table Ordinances 2025-6 and 2025-7 after the third and final reading, due to conflicting information from council members. After more research regarding pricing is conducted, the council will return to this topic in their August meeting.
This ordinance proposes amended water rates and will switch the current water and sewer rates. No added costs are expected for users at this time.
An operational agreement was also reviewed concerning the maintenance and use of a water storage tank and pump system.
This system is jointly used by the town and Rupp & Roach, LTD. The agreement details ownership, billing responsibilities, and operational procedures.
This includes an annual maintenance cost of $8,313 and provisions for inspections, repair responsibilities, and insurance coverage. More readings for this proposed contract will follow in upcoming meetings.
Fritsch announced that the town will be spraying for mosquitoes starting July 10, 2025, and reminded residents that hydrant flushing is set to take place on July 28, 2025.
Fiscal Officer Higdon reported a request for a tax abatement for a local company. Due to an error with their payroll system, Paycom, their business taxes have been incorrectly filed for the past several years. While the abatement is for only $51.55, the council declined the motion to accept.
Mayor Don Leu shared that the Bryan Area Foundation has provided a matching check for playground updates coming to West Unity. With a check for $30,000, the village is on its way to purchasing new equipment.
Leu made a special comment reminding residents to separate their lawn clippings and wood chips when setting them out on the curb.
The weeds and grass often damage the vehicles when mixed with sticks. Notably, Leu asked that all residents put poison ivy in bags on the roadside for the safety of town workers.
Most recently, a pile of weeds, wood, and poison ivy was set outside for pickup, and some town employees suffered allergic reactions while on the job. He asked for locals to work with the village as this service is provided free of charge.
Council adjourned the meeting at 8:08 p.m., with the following meeting set for Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.