Minutes: President Pro Tempore Owen Best called the August 14, 2025, Village of Attica Council regular meeting to order at 7:30PM.
Roll Call: Ed Beamer, Owen Best, Nicole Lenhart, Jim Gray, Keith Hopple, Kirk Stanfield
Others Present: Maintenance Supervisor Scott, Solicitor Niedermeier
Absent: Mayor Sanders
Approval of Warrants: Motion by Councilwoman Lenhart to approve the warrants for payment, seconded by Councilman Beamer. Vote: 6-0 Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes: Motion by Councilwoman Lenhart to approve 7/24/25 regular meeting minutes, seconded by Councilman Beamer. Vote: 6-0, Motion carried.
Written & Oral Communication: Resident Kristy Bogner inquired on her recent water bills, noting large increases since her meter had been replaced. She stated no household changes, but her usage has doubled. She had multiple inspections done with no leaks being detected. Miss Bogner requested clarification on if her recent bills were estimates or actual readings. Maintenance Supervisor stated the new meter had been read. Councilman Best noted that all meters had been read later in the month than typical so there was an extra week of usage in the bill, the staff will work to avoid that in the future. Maintenance Supervisor Scott noted the old meter was probably from the 1990’s and had reached its lifespan, when the meters go bad, they tend to run slower. Miss Bogner asked how much the Village receives in water revenue. Fiscal Officer Phillips stated around $30,000 per month for the water operating fund. Miss Bogner inquired if the water department was running at a surplus or deficit. Councilman Best replied, a large deficit. Miss Bogner stated a $260 water bill is outlandish for community members. Councilman Beamer and Best noted their bills have both been above $250 per month recently and they understand the frustration. Councilman Beamer encouraged community members to get involved and help solve problems, rather than criticizing the people that are trying to help. Councilman Best mentioned the Village is working hard to bring relief to the community with many efforts engaged in regionalizing the municipalities’ water supply.
Public Safety: None
Streets & Properties: Councilman Beamer noted attempts have been made to contact Rumpke to cancel the Village’s trash service to no avail. He inquired with legal if we had recourse to stop payment to encourage Rumpke to reach out. Solicitor Niedermeier encouraged staff to ensure no contract was in place. Fiscal Officer Phillips will look into the matter and continue trying to contact Rumpke.
Parks: None
Trees: None
Fire: None
EMS: None
Cemetery: None
Personnel: None
Zoning Commission: None
Finance and rule: Fiscal Officer noted cash balance of $928K.
Fiscal Officer provided 2026 Tax Budget to be submitted to the Seneca County Tax Budget Commission, Councilwoman Nicole made motion to accept the proposed budget, Councilman Hopple seconded the motion. Vote 6-0, motion carried.
Water & Sewer: Councilman Stanfield inquired on the need for the expensive corrosion control study. Councilman Stanfield noted New Washington is a similar, neighboring community that has been connected to Northern Ohio Rural Water so the results of their partnership should be used for Attica’s purposes. Councilman Best reiterated the EPA’s concern with the chemical treatment Attica has used to mitigate the risk of harmful effects from lead pipes and the unknowns of how these chemicals could react with a new water supply.
Village Website & IT: None
Train Derailment: None
Unfinished, Old Business and New Business: Councilwoman Lenhart provided pricing options and draft agreements for residents that would need lead line replacements, this would allow them to receive quotes from their own contractor or allow the Village to replace the line. Fiscal Officer Phillips inquired with Solicitor Niedermeier if the Village could special assess property taxes for repayment of replaced lead lines. Solicitor Niedermeier noted she would further research the topic.
Fiscal Officer Phillips provided data showing possible impacts to the general fund if an income tax was established in Attica, notably more funds could be allocated to quality-of-life assets such as improving streets and parks throughout town. Also noted was the increased amount of property tax legislation at the state level threating property tax revenue to municipalities around the state. Property tax is the main dedicated revenue source for the Attica general fund, without this revenue, the budget would be drastically downsized. Councilman Beamer encouraged the topic to continue and encouraged council to consider if 1% is enough. Councilman Beamer stated he believes the right thing to do would be to bring the matter to ballot rather than enacting a tax. Councilman Beamer believes community support would show if the benefits of the tax were outlined to the community.
Next meeting: Regular meeting on Thursday, August 28th at 7:30 PM.
Motion by Councilman Beamer, seconded by Councilman Gray to adjourn the meeting. Time: 8:34 PM. Vote: 6-0, Motion carried.
