Sugarcreek approves small water rate increase, fire station renovation delayed

Sugarcreek council met December 20 and set several measures that will affect residents into the new year, chief among them a 3 percent water rate increase that will take effect January 1. Officials said customers on the minimum rate will see a modest rise of 82 cents per month, a change intended to shore up utility revenues while keeping costs predictable for households.

Mayor Walt Wilson updated council on the long awaited fire station project on North Broadway Street, reporting a regulatory setback. “There has been a setback with the renovation of the fire station. We are not permitted to join two buildings together, so nothing will be done on the project until spring." To limit inflationary cost pressure the council agreed to solicit the lowest bidder for needed materials and ask firms to hold purchased materials until spring so some can be bought this year and the remainder in 2026.

Council also approved pursuing a demolition grant for an apartment building at 227 N. Broadway St. The property owner agrees the building is in disarray, and the village contracted Far Sight Management from the Dover area to survey for asbestos and lead at an estimated cost of $2,500. The survey is a prerequisite to safe demolition and potential grant funding.

The fire department received approval to sell surplus items through Govdeals.com, with an ordinance to be prepared for the January 5 council meeting to authorize the sales. Proceeds will be returned to the fire department. Department leaders plan to sell a brush truck and repurpose a utility truck for brush coverage so there will be one vehicle instead of two. Council noted the ladder truck has been repaired and is back in service.

On zoning, the council held the fifth reading of an ordinance to address short term rentals such as Airbnbs, with the village solicitor advising that a public hearing must be held before adoption. The first reading also took place for zoning unzoned parcels annexed into the village near Skyline Meadows School off Ohio 93. A public hearing will be set to zone that area as S 1, a special designation that applies to schools.

Council recognized outgoing member Nate Wagler for his service. He did not seek reelection and reflected on his time on council when he said, "it was great working with everyone, and he gained much experience about the village." Residents were reminded to remove vehicles from streets when two or more inches of snow fall so plows can clear roads efficiently.

A streets, water and sewer committee meeting is scheduled for January 5 at 6:30 p.m. The next council meeting follows at 7 p.m. at 410 S. Broadway St.