Bowerston Council accepts mayor’s resignation, creates new post

At the Feb. 24 meeting of the Bowerston Village Council, members heard the resignation of Mayor Paula Beamer.

Solicitor James Ong told council he had been working with Beamer and her team on the creation of a new role for council’s consideration.

Beamer, who was away on vacation, has secured more than $15 million for four major projects the village has in the works. Village Administrator Bart Busby told council Beamer is “the driving force behind the projects that are currently in place” and said it is “imperative to continue the funding work.”

Busby said the work Beamer has been involved in is “far beyond the scope of duties of a mayor” and said he has “been in discussions with” Beamer “about taking the role of funding administrator full time.”

Council President Chase Bryant said he and Busby met with Beamer the previous week “to work out the details of a position” that would be “mutually beneficial” to the village and Beamer.

Ong presented Ordinance 2026-04, creating the position. Council suspended the rules for three readings and unanimously approved the ordinance. The position will pay $1,000 a month and begins March 1.

Ong administered the oath of office to Bryant as mayor. His term expires Dec. 31, 2027. Bryant, 25, is the second-youngest mayor in Bowerston history, behind Mark Caldwell, who served at 22.

Ong also told council he was “regretfully submitting his resignation” as solicitor, citing other commitments as an attorney and judge in Tuscarawas County. He introduced attorney Luke Brand for council’s consideration.

Council spoke briefly with Brand, who is employed at Connelly, Hillyer & Ong and lives in the village of Sherrodsville. Council suspended the rules and passed Ordinance 2026-03 to hire Brand, effective immediately, at $400 a month.

Council also elected Councilman Jon Humphrey as council president for the remainder of 2026.

Council passed Resolution 03-2026 for a supplemental appropriation for an OWDA loan payment.

Council approved Resolution 05-2026, authorizing the project funding administrator to sign sewer project documents. The resolution rescinds Resolution 39-2025.

Council passed Resolution 06-2026, authorizing the project funding administrator to sign water distribution project documents. The resolution rescinds Resolution 40-2025.

Council heard Busby’s administrator’s report.

The next meeting will be Tuesday, March 17, at 6 p.m. in the village hall.