Residents press council over reconstruction assessments as officials confirm $500,000 OPWC grant

Residents raised repeated concerns about assessment notices and engineering estimates for the 3rd Street and Walnut Street reconstruction project at the Village of Anna council meeting on June 23, 2026, prompting council members and staff to clarify the project’s funding and the status of any assessment votes.

Resident Dave Duckro asked whether the council had received assessment figures, whether the council had approved them and what exactly had been approved; council members (including Riley Schumpert and Randy Van Horn) said several members had only recently seen detailed numbers and had previously seen only the total project cost. Several residents reported receiving different letters and different timelines for when construction would begin.

Administrator William Kessler told the council the Village received a $500,000 Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) grant and a $500,000 loan for the project, and that the Village had passed a resolution to apply to OPWC in September 2024 and was notified of the award in 2025. Kessler emphasized that the council had not yet voted to assess charges to residents.

Residents also raised safety and construction questions. David Hurley and Gina Hurley asked about the placement of certain poles and whether the engineering estimates were valid; Gina Hurley asked that the emergency vehicle situation be addressed because parts of her street were blocked during construction. Kessler said manpower was available at intersections to move blockades for emergency vehicles but that after‑hours access remained limited.

On related project business, the council approved a storm drainage change order at the corner of Walnut and Third streets. Council member Riley Schumpert moved to approve the change order and Ken Aselage seconded; roll call recorded all yeas. Craig Mescher had reviewed the details of the proposed change order prior to the vote; the motion referenced an approximate cost of $20,000.

Council members also amended the financing terms for Resolution 26‑974, the ordinance declaring the necessity of the 3rd Street and Walnut Street reconstruction. Mayor Cindy Naseman reviewed the proposed amendment to change the payment term from five to ten years and to set interest at 0% (Shelby County auditor fees would still apply). Kristin Johnson moved and Riley Schumpert seconded the amendment; the roll call was Randy Van Horn, No, and the remaining members voted in favor, allowing the amendment to pass.

Several residents asked about project documentation, including whether there were pre‑removal photos of sidewalks that were taken before demolition and who authorized particular removals; those questions were raised during the old business portion and remain items for further administrative follow‑up.

The council did not vote at the June 23 meeting to assess property owners for the reconstruction project. Further action on assessments would require a future formal vote by the council.