Minster Village Administrator Don Harrod Recaps 2025 Projects and Previews 2026 Priorities on Spectrum

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Minster Village Administrator Don Harrod says 2025 was another busy year for the village, with major work underway on streets, parks, utilities, public safety communications, and downtown development.

During a year end interview on Spectrum, Harrod said the Hamilton Street project is a full reconstruction from 5th Street to 7th Street, including a new road base, curb and gutter, sidewalks, and new utilities. The work began in October and is expected to wrap up when construction resumes in the spring. The project price tag is about $700,000, supported by an Ohio Public Works Commission grant and a 0 interest loan.

Harrod also discussed plans to improve the Stallo Library building in partnership with the Auglaize County Public Library system. The village is aiming to add an elevator to make the second floor accessible, then renovate the upstairs for meeting space, office use, and children activities. Harrod said the goal is to begin work in 2026, with some grant support coming from the Auglaize County commissioners.

Another highlight from 2025 was new improvements at Paris Street Park. Harrod said resident input helped drive additions including new playground equipment and a splash pad that went into service in August. A new shelter house with restrooms was also added. Next, the village is working with Choice One Engineering on a master plan for the full park, with ideas including additional ball diamonds, multipurpose fields, parking upgrades, and a broader facelift to match the look and success of Four Seasons Park.

Harrod also noted new sidewalks are being installed on the east side of State Route 66, also known as North Main Street, from Eagle Plaza to Benjamin Road. He said the project was requested by residents and is aimed at making it safer and easier for pedestrians to access businesses in that corridor. Construction began in early December and could be completed by the end of the year.

On the public safety side, Harrod said Minster has invested in MARCS radios to improve communication for fire, police, and other safety services, especially during mutual aid responses. He said the village purchased base equipment in 2024, then spent about $300,000 in 2025 on radio upgrades so firefighters have better, more consistent communication.

Harrod also explained infrastructure work on the south end of town, including a water line loop to improve pressure for fire service needs and a sanitary sewer project that allowed the village to eliminate an old lift station, shifting the system to gravity feed into the wastewater treatment plant.

Looking ahead, Harrod said the village is working to extend the multipurpose trail south toward Fort Loramie using the canal towpath, with support including a $100,000 state grant. The long term goal is connecting communities and eventually linking into larger trail networks farther south.

Harrod also talked about Minster’s designated outdoor refreshment area, known locally as the MORA, which covers parts of the downtown. He said it is designed to encourage more downtown activity and business traffic, with participating establishments offering official cups that allow visitors to move within the district.

On the financial side, Harrod said Minster’s annual budget is around $35 million, with a large portion tied to the village electric department and the cost of purchasing and reselling power. He said the village expects to finish 2025 with income tax revenue near $5 million, a new high for Minster, helping support ongoing projects and reliability upgrades.

Harrod said priorities for 2026 include finishing Hamilton Street, pursuing additional street work, continuing improvements at Parris Street Park, and moving forward with the Stallo Library plans.