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South Bloomfield council approves appropriations, pursues RFQ for satellite fire station and sets budget schedule
Summary
Council approved Ordinance 2025-05 (Permanent Appropriations for 2025), agreed to pursue an RFQ for a proposed satellite fire station and police building pending possible state grant funding, and instructed staff to begin the 2026 budget process and schedule events.
At its March 17, 2025 meeting, the Village of South Bloomfield council approved Ordinance 2025-05 (Permanent Appropriations for 2025) on its third reading. Councilmember Woody Blanton moved the third reading and the motion passed on recorded votes from available councilmembers.
Mayor Aaron Thomas said members of the North Gate Alliance met with State Senator Reynolds about funding for a proposed satellite fire station and police department building; with apparent support from state representatives, the mayor and Village Administrator Joe Allen asked staff to issue a request for qualifications (RFQ) so the village would be prepared if grant funding is awarded. Council unanimously agreed to move forward with issuing an RFQ; Mayor Thomas and Administrator Allen indicated there is no immediate cost to the village to seek RFQs.
Village Administrator Joe Allen also described plans to pursue Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant funding to explore a walking path between Ashville and South Bloomfield with partner agencies (Ashville, Harrison Township and Pickaway Park District). Allen noted that because TAP involves federal funds, expanding the easement to accommodate the path may require eminent domain.
Fiscal Officer Alisha Burke said she will begin preparing the 2026 budget and meet with department heads in the coming weeks and asked council to set dumpster and yard-sale dates at the next meeting. Mayor Thomas reported he attended a quarterly health-department meeting and will include information on State Issue 2 in the next water-bill newsletter. He also said he has reached out to U.S. Rep. Dave Taylor and plans to request meetings with U.S. Senators Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted.
Votes at a glance: the council recorded motions to approve the meeting agenda; waive readings and approve Ordinance 2025-05 (Permanent Appropriations); approve Ordinance 2025-06 as an emergency; authorize staff to contract for police radios; approve prior meeting minutes; approve payment of bills; and adjourn the meeting. All recorded roll-call votes on these items were affirmative among voting councilmembers present.
