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Village crews handle big snow removal job during Winter Storm Fern

By Paula Pyzik Scott

The January 26 regular meeting drew a big audience for the special recognition of two Bluffton EMS crew members and the appointment of a new Bluffton Council member.

Ben Hill was sworn in by Mayor Richard Johnson as the sixth member of the council, following interviews with candidates in a closed-door session last week. In a confusing series of events, Hill’s application to appear on the November 2025 ballot was deemed invalid because it was received after the deadline, yet he was not allowed to appear as a write-in candidate by the Allen County Board of Elections. See Invalid applications narrow voter options in Bluffton council race.

The audience included many in Bluffton EMS uniforms, with Mayor Johnson presenting special recognition gifts to two longtime EMS crew members, Meri Skilliter and Jan Basinger. Skilliter was recognized for her 35 years of volunteer service, including serving as an Advanced EMT and EMT instructor. Jan Basinger, the former EMS Chief, was recognized for 19 years of service. He is now the Assistant EMS Chief.

RESOLUTIONS
Council approved the 3rd reading of a resolution approving a new contract for trash and recycling pickup with Rumpke. The new terms will be effective with the June 2026 billing cycle, with a 50-cent increase.

The terms are listed on page 8 of the accompanying packet. Service will include unlimited weekly same-day curbside recycling and trash pickup service. Approved bulk items will be picked up with a 48-hour advance notice.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Village Administrator Jesse Blackburn and Mayor Johnson commended the village employees who removed some 8 inches of snow in recent days. This was the first Level 3 Snow Emergency in Allen County in 20 years. Blackburn said that the Level 3 designation allowed Bluffton public works crews to thoroughly remove snow on Main Street and adjacent sidewalks. He also noted that it would normally cost the Village $10K to hire crews for a big snow event.

Assistant Village Administrator Bryan Lloyd explained that the cold weather has halted work on the SR 103 Roundabout, but that installation of an elliptical storm line across SR 103 had been completed.

New Village of Bluffton boundary lines to the east near State Route 103 have been updated on the  Hancock County Auditor’s website, according to Blackburn.

Council approved a change in investment fund accounts. Fiscal officer Kevin Nickel reported that the Village has had $18K in a State Treasury Asset Reserve of Ohio (STAR) account and $1.9M in a First National Bank of Pandora account due to an interest rate-matching opportunity. The current rate is 3.96%, which First National can no longer match. Therefore, funds will be moved, essentially “flip-flopping” those amounts.

SPECIAL EVENTS
Council approved a road closure for Bluffton High School’s Paint the Street event on  May 11 from 6-8 p.m.

SAFETY SERVICES
EMS: Chief Noah Babcock reported that when an EMS vehicle broke down on Friday, the Public Works department assisted in obtaining the necessary parts and helped get it back into service later that day.

POLICE: Lieutenant Matt Oglesbee reported that new cruiser and body camera systems will be delivered in March. The body cameras won’t go into service until a Village policy has been established.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m.

NEXT MEETING
February 9 at 7:00 p.m. on the third floor of Bluffton Town Hall, 154 N. Main St.