Waynesfield council approves emergency measures to secure water, wastewater and park grants and raise bond

The Waynesfield Village Council on Monday adopted a series of emergency ordinances and resolutions to advance a multi-part infrastructure program and to adjust village financial controls.

Council voted to adopt Ordinance 25-6-2 to clarify language for the Board of Zoning Appeals, Ordinance 25-7-1 to raise the bond for the fiscal officer from $50,000 to $113,600, and Ordinance 25-7-2 to accept a capital improvement community park pass-through grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The council also approved appropriation amendments to cover higher police costs and passed resolutions authorizing the village administrator to apply for Ohio Water Development Authority (OWDA) loans for water and for wastewater/storm facilities.

The measures followed a presentation from Craig, who outlined funding for the East Wall Street and Pearl Street drainage and water/sewer project. Craig said the total project is about $1.27 million with roughly $500,000 in grant funding and that the loan portion has been split between water and wastewater to provide flexibility. He told council the loan interest rate is 3.2% and that the village should know outcomes for related CDBG funding and other grant applications “in about a month, month and a half.” Craig said the earliest the village would start loan repayments is likely 2027 and that final blacktop/paving work would not occur until 2027, meaning residents should expect the road to look unfinished until then.

Erin explained that OWDA loan principal for water and wastewater must be repaid from the designated water and wastewater funds, which is why the applications and resolutions distinguish the two funds.

Councilors questioned the use of emergency procedure for several ordinances; staff and the solicitor explained the emergency declarations were intended to ensure the village has the statutory language and signatory authority in place while funding and board appointments are finalized.

Votes at a glance - Ordinance 25-6-2 (amend Board of Zoning Appeals language; emergency): Adopted by roll call (members recorded as voting “yes”). - Ordinance 25-7-1 (raise bond for fiscal officer to $113,600; emergency): Adopted by roll call. - Ordinance 25-7-2 (accept ODNR capital improvement/community parks grant; emergency): Adopted by roll call. - Appropriation amendment for police expenses (midyear amendment to cover computers, cybersecurity, camera contracts, LEADS): Adopted by roll call. - Resolution 25-7-2 (authorize OWDA application for water design and construction): Adopted by roll call. - Resolution 25-7-3 (authorize OWDA application for wastewater and storm facilities): Adopted by roll call.

Why it matters Securing the ODNR grant and OWDA loan authorizations lets the village proceed with needed drainage, water and wastewater work and with park improvements that committee members say are priorities for community quality of life. The appropriation amendment responds to unanticipated increases in police contract and technology costs, and the raised bond preserves financial authority while grant work proceeds.

What’s next Council directed staff to move ahead with the OWDA applications and with the grant pass-through paperwork; staff said they expect grant eligibility notifications in about a month to six weeks and that construction will be staged so some travel remains possible during work. The village will appropriate loan repayments in future budgets when loans close.