Mayor Plyben delivers State of the City, highlights public safety workload and park upgrades

Mayor Plyben told the Orrville City Council on Jan. 20 that the city closed 2025 with heavy public-safety activity and steady utility services, and he outlined planned park upgrades and a grant-funded renovation for a fire station.

"We continue to be guided by the 3 R's, which are respect, relationships, and resources," Plyben said, saying those principles help ensure fiscal responsibility, strong public safety and reliable city services. He credited city employees and department leaders for day-to-day operations and cited recent responses to emergencies, infrastructure work and community programs.

Plyben said the Orrville Police Department filed 232 reports and made 762 traffic stops last year; officers also responded to 114 crashes and completed nearly 3,000 safety checks for homes and businesses. "Fire and EMS crews responded to 1,337 calls for service," he said, noting that figure surpassed the previous year by about 120 runs.

The mayor said the city placed a new Pierce Manufacturing heavy rescue vehicle (No. 63) into service and is moving toward partially staffing the fire department with part-time employees rather than relying solely on volunteers. "These are not immediate decisions, but they are conversations we must approach thoughtfully and proactively," Plyben said, describing the staffing transition as a budget and policy consideration tied to call volume.

Plyben announced planning has started on expansion and renovation of Fire Station No. 2 and said Congressman Max Miller helped secure a grant to support the project; the fire chief is working with an architect to advance design. He did not provide a construction schedule or a total project cost at the meeting.

On utilities, Plyben said Orrville's utility system continued providing reliable power, clean drinking water and effective treatment despite regulatory and insurance challenges; he said the city typically purchases power from the grid but the municipal plant can operate when needed. He said he had reviewed the city's finances with finance director Janet and described the city's reserves and fiscal position as strong, while adding the municipal income-tax structure will require review to meet future needs.

Parks and recreation updates included a report that wind screens for ballfield backstops and dugout covers will be funded by the Boys and Girls Club with support from the Orrville Firefighters Association, with no cost to the city.

Votes at a glance: Council President Carl Hopkins asked for approval of the Jan. 5 minutes; according to the meeting record the motion (moved by Lacks, seconded by Barr) carried with yes votes from Spires, Wax, Davies, Carr, Squirrel and Work (unanimous).

The meeting moved on from the State of the City after department directors were scheduled to present more detailed reports at future meetings. The council noted no public comments were received at this session.