Minster Council Approves Right Of Way Change, Fire Truck Purchase And Hears Income Tax Update

Minster Village Council handled several items during its latest meeting, including a right of way change, a special assessment ordinance and the purchase of a new fire truck.

Village Administrator Don Harrod said council gave the third and final reading of an ordinance narrowing a portion of the right of way on Second Street between Garfield Street and Lakewood Drive.

Harrod said the change was requested by property owners who live along that right of way. The village had a 50-foot right of way for a future section of Second Street, but officials have elected not to build the street. Property owners asked the village to vacate part of the area and narrow the right of way from 50 feet to 15 feet.

Council approved the ordinance, leaving room for a 5-foot sidewalk and 5 feet on each side of the sidewalk.

Council also gave first reading to an ordinance levying special assessments for improvements to North Hamilton Street. Harrod said this is the final step in the assessment process for part of the project costs to be assessed back to property owners.

The total assessment amount is $154,702.33. Property owners will have 45 days to pay their portion to the village. If not paid directly, the cost will be assessed on their property taxes over 10 years.

Council also approved a motion to purchase a new fire truck for the Minster Fire Department. The department is looking to replace a 1988 pumper that is nearly 40 years old. Harrod said replacement parts for the current truck have become difficult to find.

The new pumper will include a water tank and a pump capable of pumping 2,000 gallons per minute. The truck will be purchased at a cost of $1,295,929.

Harrod said the village has about $1 million in the fire and EMS tax levy fund, which generates about $300,000 per year. The cost of the truck will also be split between the village and township trustees, with the township trustees paying one-third of the cost.

Council also accepted the May 2026 income tax report submitted by the City of St. Marys. The village received $288,778 in income tax dollars for the month of May, bringing the yearly total to $2,113,702.