Strasburg council opposes proposed real estate tax repeal, prepares for holidays

Strasburg Village Council passed a resolution Oct. 21 opposing a potential ballot initiative that could repeal real estate taxes. The measure, if it reaches the ballot, could appear in the 2026 general election.

According to the resolution, several public services in the village and Franklin Township — including the school district, police and fire protection, the senior center, and the library — are funded wholly or in part by real estate taxes. Council warned that a repeal could leave these essential services unfunded or severely underfunded, calling the possible impact “disruptive and potentially catastrophic.”

The resolution also stated that without real estate tax revenue, local governments and school districts might have to explore alternative taxing methods to maintain operations, resulting in little or no savings for taxpayers. Village officials plan to communicate their concerns to the Ohio General Assembly and urge lawmakers to prevent the issue from reaching the ballot.

Council also agreed to sponsor ice carvings for the annual Christmas in the Village celebration Dec. 13 at a cost of $1,500. “The company will bring in two completed ice carvings and a third carving — a tiger — will be done in front of the arch at the school,” Mayor Bruce Metzger said.

In other business —

– Council confirmed Police Chief Randy Haugh completed his six-month probationary period, effective Oct. 15.

– An open house will be held at the fire station, 125 Second St. NE, Nov. 1 from 3-5 p.m. prior to trick-or-treat.

– A five-year, 2.5-mill renewal of the fire levy, Issue 10, will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot. The levy generates $374,167 annually to fund 24/7 fire and ambulance coverage and will not increase taxes.

– Grant Barton was hired as a Street Department Laborer I at $20.60 per hour, with a six-month probationary period.

– The first reading was held for a resolution appointing Law Director Terry Seeberger to a two-year contract effective Dec. 1, 2025, at $9,500 annually, plus a $25 stipend per council meeting and $150 per hour for additional work.

– Council heard that the inaugural Pickleball Classic, held Oct. 11, drew 64 participants and thanked event sponsors.

– Council accepted the resignation of Street Department employee Christian Lightell, effective Oct. 15.

– A permit was approved for Gatherings Bread Co., a home-based business at 524 Keim Drive NW.

– Oct. 25 was announced as the final day for residents to drop off unused medications at police stations before the program is discontinued.

– Council agreed to contact the Ohio Department of Transportation about traffic congestion at U.S. 250 and Interstate 77.

– Members discussed expanding safety ordinances to require e-bike riders to wear helmets.

– Paving projects in the village have been completed at a cost of $255,938.

– The south restrooms at the park are closed; the north restrooms will remain open through high school football playoffs.

The fire department responded to 28 calls between Oct. 1 and Oct. 15 and raised $1,800 through a donation drive with the National Fire Safety Council to fund educational materials.

Police responded to 99 calls between Oct. 2 and Oct. 21. Leaf collection will begin Nov. 10 and continue each Monday and Tuesday through Dec. 9.

The next village council meeting will be held Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. at 224 N. Bodmer Ave.