Port Washington Council accepts grant for fire protection well

Village Council accepted a $25,000 grant from the Kimble Foundation at its Dec. 30 meeting to help fund construction of a fire protection well.

Council members voted to accept the grant and agreed the village will cover the remaining cost of the project, estimated at $50,000.

Resident Kevin Meek raised a concern involving replacement of fencing on his property. Meek said he must cross onto adjacent village-owned land to remove and replace fencing panels, but a tenant on the property has posted “No Trespassing” signs. He asked council for permission to access the land during the work.

Mayor Tom Gardner asked Meek to return for the Jan. 6 meeting when the village solicitor will be present to provide legal guidance.

Income tax collections up

Income Tax Administrator Donna Meek distributed a year-end report showing the village collected $164,055 in income taxes in 2025, up from $156,179 in 2024.

Meek attributed the increase to efforts by Village Solicitor Mark Perlaky to recover delinquent taxes. She said $2,975 remains unpaid.

Fiscal Officer Darissa Lute distributed a report outlining temporary appropriations, noting carryover totals will be used until permanent appropriations can be reviewed and approved.

Temporary appropriations include:

— General fund: $486,064

— Street construction and maintenance fund: $43,147

— State highway fund: $272

— Permissive motor vehicle license tax fund: $14,797

— Capital projects fund: $3,013

Council closed the books by voice vote and approved temporary appropriations for 2026 by emergency resolution.

Sidewalk project paperwork pending

Zoning Administrator and Administrative Assistant DJ Meek said he received additional paperwork from the Ohio Department of Transportation that must be signed for the 2026 sidewalk project. He said a resolution also must be passed to move forward.

Gardner and Lute will review the documents and have materials prepared for the Jan. 6 meeting.

Street Supervisor Tim Bryant said he completed maintenance on the village’s snow-removal equipment so it is ready when needed.

Service recognized

In announcements, council noted Council President Joe Bourne has served the village and the fire department since 1975. Bourne said his wife, Nancy, has supported his work and volunteered with community events over the years.

Council member Brandie Bourne said the fire department will host a breakfast Jan. 10 from 8 to 10 a.m., weather permitting.

Gardner said Bryant will remove Christmas lights from the village square when weather permits, and Brandie Bourne will purchase new storage totes for organizing decorations.

Port Washington Council meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Village Hall. Meetings are open to the public.