Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
Village council members in Walbridge approved a resolution adopting the 2026 budget as part of a brief, but busy regular meeting on Dec. 3.
Ordinance 34, in official terms, authorizes appropriation for current expenses and other expenditures of the village of Walbridge for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2026.
A few other items in relation to next year’s budget were also passed.
Ordinance 33 passed as an emergency following a second reading, which authorizes four percent wage increases for council members, the mayor, and staff for 2026.
Another one that was passed via emergency after a second reading was ordinance 37, which authorizes the village to enter into a renewal agreement with Paramount Healthcare Association HMO base plan, which is in regard to health benefits for the village’s staff.
“This is the best reading we can find,” mayor Ed Kolanko said. “I don't see this changing. By passing this tonight, it will allow us to get the renewal done for our employees.”
Ordinance 38, in technical terms, establishes a new capital outlay account as required for the OPWC (Ohio Public Works Commission) appropriations for the Allen Street and Walbridge project.
“As discussed in the finance meeting, per the auditor's office, they would like us to establish two line items in our budget, really to reflect the OPWC projects, money going in, money coming out,” Kolanko said. “This just allows us to put those two additional lines in the budget.”
In other business, council passed two ordinances, following third readings, that authorizes the village administrator to enter into an agreement with the Wood County Office on Aging to provide space for the senior programs in 2026, as well as one authorizing the village administrator to enter into an agreement with the Wood County District Public Library for the lawn mowing and removal of ice and snow on the WCDPL property located within the city limits.
Another ordinance, 32-2025, was tabled following a third reading in order to complete some more work necessary. It would amend four sections of chapter 1183 of the Walbridge off-street parking and loading code.
Three other readings simply had their second readings. One proposes amending chapter 711 of the Walbridge peddlers and solicitors code. Another authorizes the mayor to enter into a business property lease with Hallcon for the leased premises commonly known as 30801 Drouillard Rd. The third one amends chapter 509 of the Walbridge disorderly conduct and peace disturbance code, specifically section 509.08. It would change prohibiting loud noises from residential to all districts within village limits.
Village administrator’s report
In the village administrator report, Todd Robson addressed some of the challenges of some unexpected December snowfall for leaf collection, as well as the construction of the new salt barn. His staff has also been working on area Christmas decorations, including at Veterans Park, as well as in preparation for the village’s tree lighting on Dec. 7.
Robson then discussed being more efficient with salt use this season.
“We're going to try and limit some of the salt,” he said. “We used a lot of salt last year. We're going to try and cut that back. It's hard on the roads, especially with us just paving four new ones this year.”
Lastly, Robson encouraged council members to attend the Wreaths Across America event Saturday, Dec. 13.
Police chief update
During his personnel and HR committee report, council president Ron Liwo said that interviews for the new police chief are moving along.
