Millersburg Council Tackles Infrastructure, Zoning, and Community Projects in March

Three overlapping grants totaling $300,032 turned what would have been a piecemeal sidewalk repair into a single large-scale improvement project for Millersburg, Mayor Kelly Hoffee told Village Council during its March 9 meeting. The funding includes a $136,400 Community Development Block Grant, $112,000 in Appalachian Regional Commission funds, and a third award of $51,632. "Thank you to our commissioners and Arnie Oliver (county Planning Commission director) for helping us turn a small project that would have had to be completed in multiple phases, into a large project that will enhance the beauty of our town," Hoffee said, crediting a grant opportunity conversation with County Commissioner Dave Hall as the starting point.

The sidewalk project was one of several infrastructure topics at the March 9 meeting, which also covered a lot split review, a waterline grant, planning and zoning actions, and community initiatives including July Fourth festivities and park improvements. A waterline grant was listed on the agenda but specific funding details were not available at press time.

On the technology front, fiber has been installed from the utility pole to the server rack at Village Hall to support a new phone system, though the village is still awaiting next steps from its vendor. Pathmaster is scheduled to appear at the March 23 council meeting to present data from the downtown smart street light system and explain the adaptive module capabilities of the network; the company will also address crosswalk lighting and pedestrian safety for downtown intersections. Separately, the village followed up with Jenna Brumme on a possible stage awning project; she will begin the design process and report back as it progresses.

Looking ahead to April, Holmes County Emergency Management Agency's Jason Troyer will attend the April 13 council meeting to walk members through the Hazard Mitigation Plan update and adoption process. On the budget side, the village's property and liability insurance renewal came in 5% higher than the prior term.

Energy costs are also on the horizon. Council minutes indicate that electricity rates are projected to climb to around 12 cents per kilowatt, and a representative identified in minutes only as "Sell" is urging the village to lock in an aggregation agreement before a rate increase takes effect in June. Residents would retain the right to opt out and negotiate their own rates. Sell is expected to present specific rates and terms at a future council meeting.

Hoffee also used recent sessions to outline a broader 2025 agenda. She announced the formation of a Business and Housing Committee focused on attracting development to the village, and said discussions are underway about the best use of the Millersburg Elementary School property once students relocate to a new building at the high school campus west of the village. "I formed a new Business and Housing Committee to discuss and find ways to add housing and business growth to Millersburg," she said.

The council's ambitions come on the heels of a productive 2024. Completed projects include upgrades to public spaces, sidewalk installations, construction of a new Street Department storage building, and the painting and refacing of Village Hall. The village also added community events, with Hoffee crediting partnerships with Historic Downtown Millersburg and the Holmes County Historical Society for launching Garage Sale Day, a community trick-or-treat, and Merry Millersburg. The momentum earned Millersburg recognition as Ohio Magazine's Best Hometown for 2024-2025.

A Round 29 NatureWorks grant of $22,480, available specifically for Holmes County parks, is also under consideration. With a required 25% local match, the total project value would reach $29,973, requiring $7,493 in local funds. Brad Conn, who presented the opportunity to council, suggested directing improvements toward Airport Park. The Holmes County/Village of Millersburg Comprehensive Plan, titled "Shaping Our Future" and developed over 18 months by the county, the village, and a resident-appointed Steering Committee, is available for review at Village Hall or electronically by request.