The following Bluffton Village Council meeting was held on Monday, August 10, 2026. Mayor Richard Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
SAFETY SERVICES, PERSONNEL AND FINANCE
Phill Talavania reported a future change in the EMS work schedule. The department currently operates on the California Swing Shift Model, a 9-day work cycle where staff members alternate 24 hours on and 24 hours off for 5 consecutive days, then are off for a consecutive 96 hours. Chief Babcock requested that the EMS staff move to a work cycle of 48 hours on duty and 96 hours off duty. He said that after individual meetings with all his staff, this change was well received. This change was approved and will take effect in January 2027.
At 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026, the Bluffton Planning Commission will hold a public meeting to consider an application from Mennonite Home Communities of Ohio (MHCO).
The company is requesting the reclassification of a 15-acre parcel on Augsburger Rd by Willow Ridge from R-I Residential to R-III Residential zoning category.
The reclassification will enable MHCO to further develop senior living housing in Bluffton. The plan is to build duplexes for seniors.
At the July meetings of the Richland Township Board of Trustees, three new Zoning officials were appointed (see below) and the board accepted the resignation of the Roads Superintendent and Zoning Inspector. The Township is now accepting resumes for a full-time Roads Superintendent and a part-time Zoning Inspector.
Bluffton Village Council held a regular meeting on Monday, July 27, with Mayor Richard Johnson presiding. Among discussions and actions was a $1.2M reconstruction project on N. Main St. and the introduction of the SeeMyLegacy online community engagement platform.
NORTH MAIN ST. RECONSTRUCTION
The first Phase of the N. Main St Reconstruction project is expected to begin this month. Ohio Public Works Commission funding will be sought to cover some of the expected cost. It is projected to be approximately $1,184,254.
