By 1812Blockhouse

Shelby City Council gathered Monday night to tackle a full agenda, including infrastructure updates, financial planning, and plans to honor Charles Follis, the first African-American professional football player. The council also reviewed its 2023 audit, advanced several ordinances, and discussed the future sale of the Main Street Fire Station.


Financial Highlights Emphasize Caution for 2025

The Finance and Personnel Committee outlined Shelby’s financial performance. The General Fund ended 2024 with a balance of $2,333,620 after encumbrances, though surpluses are already allocated for early 2025 expenditures. The city’s Water and Sewer funds each grew by $65,000, while the Electric Fund faced a $14,000 deficit, prompting plans to address future budget shortfalls.

Tax revenue presented a mixed picture. While withholding taxes increased due to a rate adjustment, business tax returns dropped by $60,000, signaling potential economic challenges. Salary expenses grew by 3.1%, and health fund claims rose by 11.6%, requiring careful budgetary planning.

“This was our second-best year on record financially, but with rising health costs and a dip in business revenue, we’ll need to remain cautious,” one Council member cautioned.


Infrastructure Projects Move Forward

The Utilities and Streets Committee presented updates on ongoing infrastructure efforts:

  • Hydropower Reallocation: Shelby successfully transferred shares in hydro generating facilities to St. Marys, reducing debt service by $4,500 annually. Discussions are underway to expand solar energy capacity in town.
  • Wastewater Improvements: A $182,500 design loan was secured for sludge dewatering upgrades at 0% interest over five years. Work begins this month.
  • Street Maintenance: Crews repaired 70 miles of streets, managed snow removal, and addressed sewer and stormwater issues. Over 138 Christmas trees were collected, and 90 dump truck loads of leaves were cleared during the fall.

Shelby’s water treatment plant processed nearly 447 million gallons last year, with additional upgrades planned for reservoirs and monitoring systems. The Division of Electricity also made strides, including retrofitting downtown lamp posts and upgrading FAA aircraft warning lights.


Celebrating a Local Legend: Charles Follis

Mayor Schag used his report to announce Charles Follis Day, which will be observed across Ohio on February 3. Known as the first African-American professional football player, Follis signed his historic contract in Shelby in the early 1900s.

The city is working with Follis’ family to promote this year’s theme, “The Power of One,” emphasizing the difference one person can make.


Legislative Actions and Audit Review

Several legislative items advanced during the session:

  • Solar Energy Guidelines: Ordinance 2-2025 passed its first reading, establishing zoning regulations for residential and commercial solar installations.
  • Traffic Impact Studies: Ordinance 3-2025 passed its first reading, requiring developers to assess potential traffic effects on city roadways.
  • 2023 Audit: Shelby received a clean audit, with minor recommendations for IT security and public records training. The Municipal Court resolved outstanding reconciliation issues, ensuring smoother audits in the future.

The council also postponed two resolutions—one supporting an Ohio Municipal League challenge to AT&T’s tariff application and another concerning demolition assessments—to the next meeting.


Looking Ahead: Appropriations and Fire Station Sale

The Main Street Fire Station is slated for sale, with final legislation expected by early February. Richland confirmed the building is no longer needed for municipal use.

The council also began planning appropriation reviews, tentatively scheduling sessions for February 15 and February 22.

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