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New Bremen council adopts 2026 budget, 3.5% wage increase and several emergency measures
Summary
At its Dec. 22 meeting the Village of New Bremen approved 2026 appropriations and a 3.50% wage increase, adopted emergency personnel and funding measures, authorized asset sales and approved a four-year lease for village farmland.
The Village of New Bremen council approved its 2026 spending plan and a 3.50% across-the-board wage increase at a Dec. 22 regular meeting, and adopted a series of emergency measures affecting personnel and capital funds.
Council approved the 2026 appropriations ordinance after a third reading. The budget includes major capital items highlighted by council: Second Street reconstruction (projected OPWC funding of $498,000 with a $925,000 local share), replacement of water transmitters ($170,000), dredging of Lagoon 2 (estimated $925,000), and purchase of a new fire truck ($1,400,000). Total appropriations for 2026 were reported at $25,920,181.62.
Council also passed an ordinance setting a 3.50% wage increase for all employees. The motion passed with five ayes; Councilmember Bertke recorded an abstention on that vote.
Fiscal reporting at the meeting showed December expenditures of $2,221,328.32 and November receipts of $1,533,094.97. Council member Larger told colleagues that expenses were elevated this month because the village received two AMP invoices in the same period.
Several emergency measures were approved after council voted to suspend rule requirements. The body declared an emergency resolution accepting an employee resignation/termination for Lomakin effective April 23, 2025, and accepted a personnel status change for Patrolman Karl Lengerich from full time to part time effective Dec. 1, 2025.
The council approved the sale of a 2004 International digger truck to the Ohio Department of Transportation for the appraised value of $60,000, following an independent appraisal and ODOT’s agreement to purchase at that price.
Council amended the 2025 appropriations to reflect actual revenues, decreasing the year’s total appropriations by $317,478.52 to $25,781,743.74. Separately, members authorized a transfer of $250,000 from the sewer fund to the sewer reserve fund to underwrite future capital improvements at the sewer plant.
On property matters, council reviewed bids received Dec. 4 for a 90.139-acre tract along State Route 274; the high bid was submitted by Fleck Brother Farm Partnership for a four-year lease covering 2026 through 2029 with total consideration of $142,450. Council recorded a second reading of the ordinance authorizing the lease.
The council also authorized, by third reading, the sale of personal property through GovDeals.com for 2026 to dispose of surplus village items.
Mayor Robert D. Parker offered seasonal remarks during the meeting and thanked Councilman Steve Pulskamp for filling an expiring seat, saying, “Merry Christmas. Thank you to Steve Pulskamp for his support and service filling the open seat expiring 12/31/25.”
The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn at 6:46 p.m.; the motion passed unanimously.
