Fulton County Ohio Media

Concerned with the possible negative ramifications of fees placed on food trucks operating within the Village of Swanton by the Village Council, Delray Busch, Executive Director of the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce, sent the following letter to Village officials, including all six Council members.

To the Village of Swanton Officials,

I am writing following the November 5 meeting regarding proposed updates to food truck permitting. I appreciate the time and consideration that goes into reviewing policy, and I am sharing concerns about the impact these changes would have on our business community and community events.

Food trucks play a meaningful role in drawing people into Swanton. They support local commerce by increasing foot traffic, complementing brick-and-mortar businesses, and enhancing events throughout the year. Many of these operators are small, family-run businesses that already pay multiple fees across the region to remain compliant. Adding an annual fee of $150 and a special event fee of $100 creates a financial barrier that will discourage trucks from participating in our community.

These proposed fees would directly affect graduation parties, weddings, our wedding venue, school events, breweries, bars, wineries, Christmas in Swanton, Corn Fest, and the Swanton DORA Block Party. As a reminder, the Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce makes no profit from the Summer Block Parties and, in fact, loses money.

It is completely reasonable to ensure that food trucks are not parked indefinitely in one location. If a vendor remains in the same spot for more than twenty days per year, charging a fee is appropriate. However, applying the same high fees to occasional participants or event-only trucks penalizes the entire community for a concern rooted in a single situation.

I respectfully ask that the Village reconsider this proposal and work toward a balanced approach that addresses long-term placement without discouraging the food trucks that help make Swanton’s events successful and vibrant.

Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely, Delray E Busch, Swanton Area Chamber of Commerce

This coming Monday evening, December 15^th at 6:00 PM, the Village Council will be voting on the Second Reading of Ordinance 2025-XX, Establishing Chapter 112 of the Codified Ordinances of the Village of Swanton, Ohio Regulating Food Trucks, Mobile Food Vending, Permitting, and Inspections.  At the previous meeting, with only five of the six Council members present, The First Reading passed 3-2.  Council members John Schmidt, Noah Kruez and Sam Disbrow voted in favor of the Ordinance while Dianne Westhoven and Derek Kania voted against.  If the Second Reading is passed, a Third Reading will be voted on during the first meeting of 2026, January 12^th,  by the newly seated Council.

While food trucks have become a common sight in the Swanton community the past several years, the general consensus among some of the local business owners and residents is the near daily presence of the El Primo Street Taco truck, most recently located in the parking lot between Marco’s Pizza and the Citgo gas station on Airport Highway, has prompted the Village to consider regulating food trucks in general.

The Swanton Chamber of Commerce encourages any local business owner who may be affected by this legislation to attend the meeting or contact Village officials with any of their concerns prior to or after the meeting.  All Swanton Village Council meetings are live-streamed on their Facebook page and will remain available for viewing for the next 12 months.