LEESBURG, Ohio — LEESBURG — Village officials moved ahead on new regulations, property transactions, and park development during the May 19 council meeting, a session that blended routine financial oversight with updates on several major community projects.
Council opened by approving April’s meeting minutes before reviewing the month’s expenditures. Fiscal Officer Debbie Kassinos addressed questions on several payments, including a handheld meter reader invoice that had been incorrectly billed. She negotiated the cost down from more than seven thousand dollars to three thousand five hundred dollars and closed the vendor account due to concerns with its billing practices. Other expenses covered chlorine, polymer for sludge disposal, street signs, sewer repairs, lift station upgrades, and advance stamp purchases ahead of the July postal rate increase. Council unanimously approved the payment listing and commended Water and Sewer Clerk Julie Duncan for her organization and clarity.
Duncan also reported that nine new veterans banners had arrived and would be installed before Memorial Day. Mayor Rita Smith Daulton noted that garden flags will need to be ordered through Amazon.
Council passed three ordinances during the meeting. The first established regulations for signs placed on public property and utility poles while leaving yard signs on private property unaffected. The second authorized the sale of 104 Miller Street and 322 Grace Lane after suspending the standard three reading rule. The third created a special events chapter in the village code requiring organizers of non village events to carry at least one million dollars in liability insurance. The rule will take effect in thirty days. Smith Daulton said Becker’s SMASH tastic Burgers already meets the requirement for its monthly jeep gatherings, while a movie night planned by the Dairy Barn and Saucy Sisters will not require a permit because it occurs before the ordinance’s effective date and is on private property.
In her report, the mayor highlighted preparations for America 250 events scheduled for mid July and provided a detailed update on the ACGP park project. Work on the splash pad, lift station, and bathroom facilities is underway, and playground installation is expected to begin the week of May 25. She also praised the Class of 2026 Senior Parade, which drew forty of the village’s sixty two graduating seniors and brought families downtown to celebrate.
Administrator Sam Spargur reported encouraging news on grant requests for water tower and hydrant upgrades. He also noted that the village saved about one thousand dollars by planting its own flower pots instead of contracting the work. With two employees facing medical leave, Spargur recommended hiring summer help for mowing and general labor. Council agreed, citing the need to maintain village properties during the busy season. Spargur also demonstrated the iamGIS system, which tracks work orders and inventory.
Police Chief Shane Nolley told council that Sergeant Nicole Michael is working limited duty and noted an increase in domestic violence cases. Council members thanked him for resolving a long standing trailer issue on North High Street.
In other business, officials discussed nuisance property actions, including the Blake property, and reported that the auction of 133 North Fairfield Street brought in twenty nine thousand dollars. The sale will reimburse village expenses, with remaining funds applied to county back taxes. Smith Daulton also announced that representatives from OVRDC will visit Leesburg on June 24 to review progress on the ACGP project.
Council adjourned at 7:08 p.m. following a unanimous vote.