Garrettsville Village council recognized two police officers for exceptional acts of bravery and life-saving intervention, reviewed October financial reports, advanced two resolutions on first reading and discussed insurance renewals, meeting improvements and ongoing village projects.
Council members Tom Hardesty, John Chambers, Sheri Johnson, John Brachna, Richard Beatty and Jeff Kaiser were present, along with Mayor Rick Patrick, Fiscal Officer Donna Love and Solicitor Bill Mason.
Police Chief Tim Christopher issued two formal commendations, recognizing Patrolmen Tom Wilde and Joshua Erb for what he described as courage, professionalism and decisive response during two high-risk incidents earlier this year. Christopher said commendations are reserved for officers who meet “the highest standards of law enforcement and public service.”
Wilde’s commendation arose from an incident in the Sky Plaza parking lot, where he had been preparing to conduct traffic enforcement. While monitoring the area, he spotted a young man sitting alone on a concrete bridge abutment across from IGA. Recognizing the potential danger, Wilde drove closer and asked from his cruiser if the man was all right. The man responded, “no.”
Wilde activated his emergency lights, pulled over and approached the man from the ground to ask whether he would come down from the ledge. When the man declined, Wilde asked if he could come up instead. According to Christopher, the man agreed.
Wilde then climbed over a five-foot wall to reach the ledge, which was only about two feet wide. Christopher noted that the patrolman undertook the climb despite personal fears of heights, calling the action “exceptional courage.”
Once on the ledge, Wilde engaged the man in a calm, compassionate conversation. Because Wilde also works as a full-time paramedic with Community EMS, he recognized the individual and knew his background. Christopher said this allowed Wilde to quickly build trust and communicate effectively.
After several minutes of focused dialogue, Wilde convinced the man to move away from the edge. Both climbed down safely, where officers and family members were waiting.
“Patrolman Wilde demonstrated extraordinary bravery, presence of mind, and professionalism in a high-risk situation, preventing a potential tragedy,” Christopher said. Wilde also received a commendation pin corresponding to his certificate of merit.
Christopher then recognized Patrolman Joshua Erb for his response to two linked incidents—which the chief described as “life-saving.”
On Aug. 20 at 6:48 p.m., Erb assisted Community EMS at the Garrett House Apartments for a woman experiencing an altered mental state. During the call, he discovered she was carrying a wallet and passport belonging to an unidentified man. Concerned, Erb contacted Bainbridge Police to check the address on the ID.
Bainbridge officers reached the man’s power of attorney, who confirmed the man lived somewhere within the same apartment complex but could not specify the unit. The representative also disclosed that the man had medical issues involving blood sugar and had not answered phone calls.
With only a brief description to go on, Erb searched the building and located a unit matching the information. After receiving no response at the front door, he checked the exterior and found an open back door. Determining there were exigent circumstances, Erb entered the apartment and found the man unresponsive in his bed.
Erb requested EMS to respond immediately. Paramedics determined the man was severely hypoglycemic, with a critically low blood sugar level. Christopher said EMS advised that without intervention, the man could have suffered fatal consequences within hours.
“For the outstanding performance of your duties to the citizens of the Village of Garrettsville,” Christopher said, “we hereby recognize and commend your actions.”
Council approved minutes from the Oct. 8 meeting before reviewing monthly financial statements.
According to the Fund Status report, the village held $5.37 million across all accounts as of Oct. 31. The General Fund totaled $1.83 million, roughly 34 percent of the pooled balance. Water and sewer operations remained the largest enterprise funds, with balances of $923,482 and $1.84 million, respectively.
Year-to-date revenues totaled $3.45 million, or 101.5 percent of the 2025 budget. General Fund receipts reached 121 percent of projections. Income tax collections, budgeted at $1 million for the year, totaled $1.19 million through October. Monthly income tax receipts for October were $122,114—an increase of $15,079 from the same month in 2024.
Expenditures for October totaled $140,222. Major expenses included water and wastewater equipment purchases, police cruiser outfitting, utility costs, insurance premiums and sidewalk maintenance. Routine costs covered uniforms, office supplies, fuel, contract services and park restroom cleaning.
Council unanimously approved and enacted two legislative measures on first reading:
• Resolution 2025-30 authorizes the mayor to sign the village’s annual participation agreement with the Portage County Public Defender for 2026. The measure ensures representation for indigent defendants facing potential jail time. The resolution was declared an emergency so the village can meet county submission deadlines.
• Resolution 2025-31 proposes an update to the village’s funeral leave policy. The amendment grants full-time employees three paid days—eight hours per day—following the death of an immediate family member, defines eligible relationships and requires documentation such as an obituary. The update would take effect at the earliest time allowed by law after final passage.
Council reviewed renewal information for the village’s employee health insurance plan. Medical Mutual COSE Benefit Plan premiums are expected to rise 7.5 percent next year, increasing from $26,133.56 to $28,094.62 per month. Dental coverage through Anthem may rise 4.5 percent, from $852.97 to $891.34. Vision coverage will remain at $168.80 per month.
Combined, the village’s monthly medical, dental and vision premiums will increase from $27,155.33 to $29,154.76—an overall 7.4 percent increase. No major benefits changes were reported. Hardesty said he is speaking with employees who may qualify for Medicare to transition off the plan where possible.
Fiscal Officer Donna Love provided council with a quote to replace the 1980s-era council dais and seating with a modern crescent-shaped workstation manufactured by ErgonomicHome.com, Inc. of Houston. The three-section desk would seat nine members, include built-in privacy panels, cable grommets and individual power and data ports, and sit on reinforced framing with locking casters. The plan also includes big-and-tall executive chairs and desktop cable-management hatches.
The total project cost is $27,865, including fabrication, and delivery. Because the furniture is custom-built, the vendor requires an advance deposit. Production would take six to seven weeks after approval.
Council member Richard Beatty said he was not comfortable spending nearly $28,000 on a desk and chairs when what the village has works. The proposal remains under review.
Christopher also showed council the department’s new “bail-out bags,” funded by a $1,000 Elks Club grant supplemented with $200 from the police budget. Each bag contains medical supplies to treat two critically injured individuals and additional ammunition. The design allows officers to detach and throw the medical supplies to victims while continuing to clear an incident. Every cruiser is now equipped with a bag.
A resident asked if snowplowing could begin earlier during winter storms, noting that the 5–7 a.m. window is critical for commuters.
Roundtable updates
• Brachna reported meeting with Portage Parks Director Christine Craycroft about adding business-promotion signage near the dog park trailhead and applying for a Portage Park grant.
• Hardesty said he and Love met with employees to discuss Medicare eligibility and transitions off the village’s insurance plan.
• Mayor Patrick reminded council of the clocktower lighting ceremony on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29 at 5:30 p.m.
• Love updated council on a proposed cyber-security policy discussed in October and said Solicitor Mason recommended moving forward.
• Beatty said the tornado siren project with Vassu is entering the installation phase with no expected traffic impact, and costs may come in lower than anticipated. He also expressed gratitude for council members ahead of Thanksgiving.
• Kaiser asked whether a centerline could be added at Center Street and Liberty Street. Hardesty said the work may be feasible in the spring.
Council adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. December 10th at Village Hall.
