Plymouth firehouse build | Shelby finances ahead of '24 pace | 13 new police reports | spring storms | more
By David Jacobs
Construction is keeping its steady pace on Plymouth’s future firehouse, with crews working toward a summer completion date.
Work officially kicked off on Sept. 12, 2024, with Simonson Construction at the helm. The project is being funded through a combination of a state grant, support from the Milliron Foundation and other funds.
One key feature currently under development is a stormwater retention pond at the front of the property. This installation is a permanent fixture designed to manage runoff even after construction concludes.
The new firehouse is set to take the place of a station that has served the community for several decades.
STORMS MOVE THROUGH REGION
Storms moved through the region on Wednesday, prompting a severe thunderstorm warning in a portion of Richland County and nearby areas.
At 1:49 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Mansfield, moving northeast at 25 mph, the National Weather Service said.
It reported 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail.
Locations impacted include Mansfield, Wooster, Ashland, Loudonville, Bellville, Shreve, Hayesville, Nashville, Butler, Perrysville, Lucas, Jeromesville, Mifflin, Rowsburg, Mohicanville, and Reedsburg, the weather service statement said.
SHELBY LAW ENFORCEMENT
Shelby police have released 13 new reports in recent days.
List: Shelby police calls (May 17-May 20)
SHELBY GOVERNMENT
Latest numbers shed light on city finances
Shelby’s tax revenue continues to climb, with April’s collections pushing the city more than $300,000 ahead of last year’s pace for tax receipts, City Councilman Nathan Martin reports.
“We did get property taxes that came through in April, so those were reflected as well as the administrative fees were distributed," Martin, Finance Committee chairman, told City Council this week.
"Things are starting to take shape as to what's actually there and not what's projected," he said of the budget process.
The financial update was delivered during the May 19 Shelby City Council meeting, as members reviewed current fund balances and looked ahead to any adjustments.
"We had a very strong April again, as one would expect during tax season," Martin said.
April’s revenue was just a few hundred dollars below last April’s figure, he said, but the year-to-date numbers show significant improvement.
“Our January, February and March were much stronger than last year's,” Martin said.
Despite the encouraging totals, some budget areas were being addressed. The street fund, for example, had about $3,000 remaining after encumbrances.
“We're going to have some legislation to transfer some money from the general fund to that account so we can fill potholes,” Martin said of the $50,000 transfer that is expected to be repaid later this year, barring new projects.
The city’s hospitalization fund is also being monitored. The target balance is about $360,000, but the current level is roughly $332,000. “So we're watching that pretty closely as well,” he said.
As of the latest report, the city of Shelby's treasury holds $16,386,296.40.
Martin also noted the city was taking final steps to close its US Bank account -- because that bank left Shelby last summer. Shelby’s government does business with financial institutions with a presence in the city.
As he concluded his remarks, Martin requested that the combined financial statement and cash investment reconciliation statement dated April 30 be received, placed on file and posted to the city’s website.
This passed 4-0 with Martin and councilmen Steve McLaughlin, Eric Cutlip and Derrin Roberts voting. Councilman Charles Roub was not in attendance.
COMMUNITY
Shelby church to host community dinner
The next community dinner sponsored by the Shelby First Lutheran Church will be on Tuesday, May 27, with serving from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., organizers announced.
The menu will include Marzetti, plus salad, garlic bread, brownies and ice cream.
"All members of the Shelby community are welcome and donations are accepted," the announcement said.
REGION
State Route 61 partial closure
RICHLAND COUNTY -- State Route 61, between Hinesville Road and Vernon West Road, is temporarily closed for a culvert replacement, the Ohio Department of Transportation said.
The detour route for southbound motorists is State Route 61 south to State Route 314 south to West 4th Street to U.S. 30 west to State Route 61 and reverse for northbound motorists.
The estimated completion is May 30, ODOT said.
Willard splash pad to make debut
A scheduled opening date is set for Willard's city swimming pool -- June 6, the city government reports.
“The opening will include the addition of Phase 1 of the new splash pad,” Willard City Manager Bryson Hamons said in his May 19 report to Willard City Council.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Preview: Shelby High School graduation, list of Class of 2025 members
Chill delays Seltzer pool opening
Good timing for Shelby cleanup | utility rates clarified | pothole repair funding set
Long-troubled Shelby property clears path forward
A closer look: how Mickey’s, Dunkin’ project took shape in Shelby
Shelby’s new Mickey’s features decades-long personal connection
WEATHER
Shelby forecast (live updates)
Huron County region (live updates)
AT A GLANCE
Reporter David Jacobs can be reached at davidjacobs@shelbynewsreporter.com
