Deersville focuses on road repairs, safety and community engagement

Deersville Mayor Kathy Gidley said the small village has been busy over the summer making improvements to its buildings and roadways.

“We got our water tower buildings painted,” Gidley said. “We’ve put up no U-turn signs. I know it doesn’t sound like a big project, but we have those up. We put flashing lights on the stop signs at either end of town. A lot of people want to run those stop signs.”

Council is also seeking funding for additional projects through grants and other means. “We’re working on getting the alleyways paved,” Gidley said. “They’re so chipped up and damaged. We’re also getting ready to take down a few trees that are leaning and dying off.”

While residents are optimistic about the improvements, Gidley said the village continues to face challenges — particularly a lack of law enforcement presence. She said she has been told Deersville is too small to justify regular patrols but believes they are needed.

“The only thing most of the villagers want is to have our village patrolled,” Gidley said. “We’ve had issues with vagrants. We’ve had issues with peeping toms, and they’re not from the area. That’s what everybody wants — a visual of law enforcement in town.”

Gidley encouraged residents to attend council meetings, held at Deersville Faith and Fellowship Church the first Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. She said community participation helps council better understand residents’ concerns and shows that the village is working with them in mind.

“We’re trying to bring money into the village so we can get things handled,” Gidley said. “We don’t have a lot of money, but what we do have, we’re working with.”

Council recently approved a bed tax to generate additional revenue from overnight visitors. Located near Tappan Lake, Deersville attracts many summer and temporary guests. The tax will take effect Jan. 1, 2026.

Looking ahead, Gidley said the village hopes to bring in more events and entertainment next year, including food trucks and a farmers market, to draw more visitors to town.