Port Clinton council adopts emergency crane purchase, approves 3.9-mill fire levy and authorizes infrastructure funding applications

Port Clinton City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 24 to approve a package of time-sensitive measures including an emergency purchase for the wastewater treatment plant, a proposed 3.9-mill property tax levy for fire and EMS, and broad authority to seek state and federal funding for water, sewer and shoreline projects.

The meeting opened at 6:00 p.m. with Lisa Sarty, President of Council, calling roll. Under second reading Council adopted Ordinance 5-26 to allow the Director of Safety and Service to contract with QT Equipment for a specialty crane truck for the wastewater treatment plant without formal bidding, citing an emergency because the city's existing crane was rendered unsafe. Jerry Tarolli moved to waive the third reading, retain the emergency clause and adopt the ordinance; Tarolli's motions were seconded by Avery Robinson and carried by unanimous voice roll-call votes.

The council also moved quickly on a ballot measure for public safety. By unanimous roll-call votes Council waived the three required readings, retained the emergency clause and adopted Resolution 26-1 to submit a new 3.9-mill property tax levy under Section 5705.19(I) of the Ohio Revised Code. The resolution, which the law director said needed an added section after contact from the Ottawa County Board of Elections, would fund fire and EMS apparatus, stations, vehicles, equipment, capital improvements and personnel costs if approved by voters.

Council repealed Ordinance 36-25 through Ordinance 7-26 by unanimous vote to satisfy a state wording requirement tied to F.L.I.P. funding, and approved Ordinance 8-26 authorizing the Director of Safety and Service to prepare and submit applications and execute contracts for a list of infrastructure projects (including water meter replacement, sanitary sewer improvements, Lakeshore Drive revetment work, pump station rehabilitation, lead service line inventory and replacement) and to pursue funds from the Ohio Water Development Authority, Ohio EPA, Ohio Department of Development, CDBG, WPCLF, WSRLA, OPWC, ODOT SIB and other sources.

No action was taken on Ordinance 9-26 (Community Housing Impact and Preservation partnership agreement); it was moved to second reading on March 10. Ordinance 10-26 (annual appropriations) will also move to second reading on March 10; Auditor Gabe Below noted appropriations are limited by the Certificate of Estimated Resources and said the Fire Department faces that ceiling but will receive additional appropriations in 2026 similar to last year (a supplemental $225,000 was mentioned).

The Safety Service report said the Lakeshore Drive revetment project is about 70% complete and that Republic Services will begin yard-waste pickup April 1 for a $10 monthly fee if residents sign up by April 15. The clerk announced the city's Easter Egg Hunt will be March 28 at Lakeview Park.

Council held two executive sessions — at 6:29 p.m. for sale of real estate and at 7:06 p.m. for employee compensation — and returned to open session before adjourning at 7:18 p.m.

Votes at a glance: Ordinance 5-26 (emergency purchase for wastewater crane) ' motions to waive third reading, retain emergency clause and adopt ' all recorded voice roll-call results affirmative. Resolution 26-1 (3.9-mill levy) ' waived readings, emergency clause retained, adopted unanimously. Ordinance 7-26 (repeal 36-25) ' waived readings, emergency clause retained, adopted unanimously. Ordinance 8-26 (infrastructure funding authority) ' waived readings, emergency clause retained, adopted unanimously.

The council will reconvene for committee work and to consider second readings of Ordinances 9-26 and 10-26 on March 10, 2026.