I always start my articles with weather-related comments. Hopefully, the snow is in the rearview mirror and blue skies are ahead. Our village used four times the amount of salt this year compared to recent years. Many areas struggled to secure salt as usage increased across the board, but fortunately, our village managers had a plan in place to ensure our supply was adequate. Everywhere I go, I see the tremendous effect the frigid temperatures had on our roads and business parking lots.
We held a bid opening on March 27 for the repaving of Grove Street, Thompson Avenue, Northview Drive, Ridgewood Drive, Hillcrest and the Meadow View Place cul-de-sac. Our village income tax rate of 1.25 percent remains one of the lowest in the area. A few years ago, voters generously approved an increase from 1 percent to 1.25 percent, with the commitment that the additional 0.25 percent would be dedicated to capital improvements. These funds are used annually to maintain and improve our village.
As Middlefield continues to attract investment and grow, we must ensure our infrastructure keeps pace. We’ve been very busy the last few years planning and executing projects to support this growth. These projects are complex and expensive. Fortunately, we have a team of employees and outside contractors with the expertise to ensure results are achieved while also being good stewards of your tax dollars.
We were recently notified that the Illuminating Company plans to abandon its operation on West High Street and relocate staff and equipment to its facility in Concord. We oppose this decision and strongly believe our manufacturing businesses, retail establishments, and the large surrounding population require and deserve the current level of service. We hope that with collective input, we can prevent this relocation.
The village is in the process of trying to purchase a building in Burton Township with the intent to provide a walk-in clinic, which our area desperately needs. We are also in communication with Cardinal Schools to explore using a portion of this building to support their ACE Academy program. We are conducting our due diligence and will provide updates as the project progresses.
I recently learned about a veterans breakfast held every Friday at Briar Hill and had the privilege of visiting last week. It was a fairly large group, led by a friend of mine, Elmer Bollinger. I was accompanied by Chief Tucholski and Lt. Graley. I can’t express how appreciative I am of these heroes. Their efforts, bravery, and sacrifice have given me 73 years of freedom unmatched anywhere else in the world. I thank God every day for this great country, and I hope we never take for granted or forget those who made it great.
I recently traveled to Columbus to meet with our state senator, Sandra O’Brien. My goal was to discuss House Bill 197 regarding employees working from home and their income tax liability based on their employer’s location. We also discussed upcoming legislation regarding the annexation process and authority. The message was clear: we request local control on most issues. The state often issues legislation with a one-size-fits-all mentality, which doesn’t always logically apply to certain areas. Local governments and residents have more expertise in determining what is needed to support their communities. We are requesting less state interference.
We look forward to a busy summer.
Be informed, be involved, exercise your right and responsibility to vote, shop Middlefield Village, and visit us at www.middlefieldohio.com.
Ben Garlich
Mayor, Village of Middlefield
