Richwood Village Council members were told that there are three levies which are coming up for renewal.
There is a 1.2-mill levy for the general fund, which brings in $30,885, set to expire soon. After much discussion, council decided that it would put this renewal levy on the Nov. 5 ballot. This levy, originally approved in 2010, would result in no new money on residents’ tax bills if approved.
Council also voted to place on the November ballot a renewal of 3.2-mill levy, which would be designated for the general fund. This levy would generate $82,360.
The third levy is a 1-mill park levy, which was originally passed in 2014. This levy brings in $25,738 for the park budget. Since the village received several million dollars in grant money to improve the park with the walking path, the addition of tree plantings, a proposed new shelter house near the beach and a new floating boat ramp, council wants to keep up with maintenance of the park, but will need more income to do that.
After much discussion, council voted to put before voters the current levy with an additional 2 mills, which would bring in approximately $70,000 new money.
Council members passed a resolution to have the Union County Auditor certify the amounts of the levies and at the next council meeting, the solons will vote to officially put the issues before voters.
Village Administrator Monte Asher told council that village employees have been busy patching potholes, working on alleys, weed eating and mowing. Crews will be flushing fire hydrants in the near future. An announcement of that date will be reported to the public when it is finalized.
Asher also said the pond on Ira Bean Parkway recently had a fish kill. Tests were done to find the cause. Test results came back that there was some back flow and the water became dirty, but no problem with the quality of water was found to explain the event.
In other business, council:
-Was updated on the process of the North Franklin Street project. Asher also mentioned that North Franklin Street is closed from Beatty Avenue to Landon Road. Emergency vehicles and any residents living in this area will be permitted to used the street. No other traffic will be allowed. He also mentioned that the entrance to the girl’s softball diamond from North Franklin Street is open for those attending the ball games.
-Heard that new MARCS Radios will be ordered for the police department and the old radios will be traded in.
-Was informed that a new police cruiser is on order and officials are hoping to receive it soon.
-Heard the Sports Festival will be held in the village Saturday. The duathlon, (formerly called the 5K Sun Run), will take place in the morning and the Rock the Clock event will be downtown in the evening.
-Heard Asher say that he is working with Fire Chief Randy Riffle and Richwood Fair Board President Geoff Phipps on an emergency plan for the local fairgrounds in case of a disaster or weather-related events.
-Heard that Brenneman Construction is planning to fix a few bad spots on the walking trail.
The next regular meeting of council will be held Monday, June 24 at 7 p.m. at the village administration building, 153 N. Franklin Street. The meeting is open to the public.