Jewett council reviews finances, weighs new village garage project

Jewett Mayor George Baillie welcomed two visitors to the monthly village council meeting. Residents Dave Marsh and Melissa Dewalt, who have lived in the community for about five years, attended their first session.

“We encourage participation for sure,” said Council President Joshua Walters. “We don’t get many visitors.”

Marsh said he had no complaints but asked if a permit was needed to put up a portable shed. Council noted that permits and inspections have been under discussion for several months and advised Marsh to bring a drawing of his plans to the next meeting for review.

Village Clerk Linda Ager presented the financial report, citing several recent high expenses, including $9,000 in well repairs. She said the village’s projected revenue for the year is $241,000, while expenses will total about $237,000 after a $73,000 sewage loan payment due in October.

Ager reminded council that the village is supposed to maintain a 12% margin on expenses but is currently behind. She recommended moving toward a 15% margin for greater stability.

Ager also raised the long-discussed issue of building a new village garage, a project that has been considered for about 10 years. She said she contacted the USDA but no help was available, and she received loan information from Unified Bank.

Council member Brian Jurosko asked if any grant options were available, but Ager said she was not certain. Asked about costs, Ager estimated between $250,000 and $300,000, with a 25-year loan payment of about $1,300 per month. Council member Bobbie Prevot added that insurance and maintenance would also add to expenses.

“I’ve got a couple concerns,” Jurosko said, pointing to the possibility that property taxes could be abolished in Ohio. “I want a new garage for the guys but I think we need to look at the big picture. Can we afford to do this? I’m not against the project but I don’t think we have a plan. We don’t have a 1-, 3-, 5-, 7-, 10-year plan. I think with this finance committee we may want to sit down and look at the life of our equipment.”

Ager said such planning has been requested in the past but not completed. Jurosko clarified he was not assigning blame but wanted to ensure the village could afford its obligations while pursuing new projects.

Baillie said he has a meeting scheduled Sept. 22 that may help identify grant opportunities. The discussion was tabled until the next meeting.