Fulton County Ohio Media

We are one full month into the new year and a new Village Council has been seated, including the newest member, John Schmidt, who was elected this past November, fill the seat previously held by Dave Pilliod, who chose not to run for another term.  Returning members are Dianne Westhoven who was reelected in November and Derek Kania, Samantha Disbrow and Mikey Disbrow, all who will be in third year of their four-year term.  Mr. Kania will also be serving as President of the Council or Mayor Pro Tempore and will fill in for Mayor Neil Toeppe, who is starting his second term as mayor, when the mayor is absent.

As always, it is expected to be a busy and challenging year for the Village.  Below, from the desk of Mayor Toeppe, are some of the major highlights the Village Administration and its service organizations will be dealing with in 2024.

Fire Division

We will be implementing the recommendations of the Organizational Assessment from the Ohio Fire Chiefs’ Association. Over the past several months we have significantly increased the staffing level of the division and expect to continue to grow. We are increasing the number of paramedics and are finding grant monies to help offset the cost of paramedic training, On the job training will increase for all positions. We are starting the year with two new lieutenants. We also will see a significant increase in fire inspections since we have a dedicated Fire Inspector.

Police Department

We continue to be fully staffed. The police department will continue to explore grant opportunities to help alleviate the burden on the general fund.  We are in the process of getting a canine (K9) certified. We now have an officer qualified as a firearms instructor and he will be taking over the operations or management of the firearms range. We will be increasing enforcement of excessive speeds on village streets, especially Church, Dodge, Brookside, and Munson. The police department will continue to work with the Ohio Collaborative to ensure policies and procedures adhere to the standards of the State of Ohio.  Continuing education for all members of the police department will be increased this year from years prior.  The police department and other village departments will continue to work close to together in preparing for activities within the village, including Firework, Corn Festival, Halloween Hoopla and the Christmas parade. 

Water and Sewer

We expect to complete the Storm and Sanitary Sewer separation projects this year.  After having two big projects completed in 2023 (RO upgrade and Water Tower painting) the Water Plant will be looking to do some minor improvement/maintenance projects at the Water Plant.  Water Distribution will be working on identifying lead service lines as the updated lead service line inventory is due October 16, 2024.  New rules that were put in effect late 2022 have made this inventory a mandatory requirement.

Public Service

With the near completion of the Sewer separation projects we will renew our focus on street improvements.  We will be assessing streets that need improvements and determining estimated cost and budget implications.  We will be doing some crack sealing of the roads this year to prolong their lifetime.   Due to EPA regulations, we will be inspecting water service lines to determine the materials used.  This will take all summer. We also plan on retro fitting Christmas decorations to LED bulbs and getting the sequencers that make them move, repaired or replaced.

Administration and Finance

With the anticipated change in refuse service this April the office staff will be familiarizing themselves with the new company. Individual contracts will be between the residents and Klumm Brothers. Residents will be able to select the level of service that meets their needs. Current and proposed 2024 road projects will continue to keep the village staff busy. Annual water rates will reflect in the February billing. We will begin to prepare for the annual activities such as the Fireworks, Corn Festival and Christmas in Swanton events. The Fiscal Officer continues to research grant opportunities to help leverage your tax dollars.

Photo: Swanton Village Solicitor R. Kent Murphree swears in Councilwoman Dianne Westhoven and Councilman John Schmidt at the Village’s first meeting of the year on January 8, 2024.