Scio council targets neglected properties, reviews opioid settlement funds

The ongoing issue of dilapidated and junk properties continues to affect the county. At the Oct. 8 meeting, Mayor James Clark highlighted four properties with problems ranging from overgrown grass to large amounts of junk cluttering entire lots. The matter, which recently drew attention at the Cadiz council meeting, has now become a concern in Scio.

Clark said a property on Grandview Street has not been mowed in years, while another on East College Street has gone two or three years without maintenance.

“I mean, it’s just disgusting and hideous,” Clark said.

He described another property on East College Street as a “junkyard basically of vehicles,” with the front yard covered in toys and debris. The vehicles have no plates, and some of the junk extends onto village-owned property nearby. Village Solicitor Jack Felgenhauer told council that cleanup ultimately falls to the property owner.

“If it’s not remedied then the village takes care of it and then it gets assessed to their tax,” Felgenhauer said.

Clark chose to table the issue until the next meeting to gather more information.

Fiscal Officer Renea Riesen also discussed the ongoing opioid settlement involving the state of Ohio. Felgenhauer reminded council that the topic was covered at the last meeting he attended and that the decision rests with the council. He noted there are two separate cases underway.

“They’re both going to result in about the same effect from what I’ve read,” Felgenhauer said. He added that the settlement money would not be enough to fund any programs for a village of Scio’s size.

Income Tax Administrator Janeen Scott reported 1,083,042 gallons of usage in the September water and sewer report. Monthly revenue totaled $52,026.90, with $333.02 in late charges. There were 52 delinquent accounts, 17 monthly notices, nine shutoff orders, and five completed shutoffs.

For the third-quarter income tax report, Scott said the village collected $14,735.42 from July 1 to Sept. 30, $745.70 more than the same period in 2024.

“And I look to be above in the fourth quarter also,” Scott said.

Trick or Treat will be held Nov. 1 from 4-6 p.m., along with Trunk or Treat at the volunteer fire department. Another Trunk or Treat is planned for Oct. 31 at the American Legion from 4-6 p.m.