Tuesday night’s Galion City Council meeting featured legislative action, recognition of heroic service, and a spirited conversation about the future of Clay Street, giving residents a glimpse into moving parts of city government.
⚖️ Council Approves Raises for Elected Officials and Council
In two separate third readings, Council passed ordinances finalizing updated salaries for Galion’s elected officials and council members. Ordinance 2025-13 set compensation for the mayor, auditor, treasurer, law director, and council president. Ordinance 2025-14 addressed the rest of City Council.
There was little debate, with most members having discussed the measures thoroughly in previous meetings. Votes passed unanimously, signaling broad agreement on the importance of fair compensation in attracting and retaining public servants.
💸 Budget Adjustments Support Infrastructure and Safety
A significant financial adjustment came with Ordinance 2025-17, which amended the city’s permanent appropriations. The changes included:
- Returning funds to the general fund from employee health insurance contributions
- Accepting a donation to the fire department
- Establishing a line for state capital bill funding
- Funding EPA-mandated sewer flow monitoring
- Supporting stormwater infrastructure projects
The time sensitivity of several items prompted Council to declare the measure an emergency and pass it unanimously.
✈️ Airport Projects Get Green Light
Two ordinances approved Tuesday night will push forward critical upgrades at the Galion Municipal Airport:
- Ordinance 2025-18 authorizes the city to bid out rehabilitation work for the airport’s access road and parking lot.
- Ordinance 2025-19 allows for reconstruction of the airport’s rotating beacon — a safety feature for pilots.
Both ordinances were amended to reflect updated cost estimates and passed as emergency measures to meet FAA grant deadlines.
👮 Heroic Officers Honored for Life-Saving Response
One of the night’s most heartfelt moments came when Council recognized Galion Police Officers Kevin Shafer, Tim Duncan, and Austin Chaplin. The three responded to a house fire on East Atwood Street on March 21 and risked their lives to save a woman and her young son.
Council Member Cathy George shared her personal appreciation:
“Our police and fire do a great job daily. Sometimes we don’t recognize them as much as we could. Tonight, we say thank you.”
🏚️ Clay Street Trailer Park Area Future Spurs Cautious Optimism
Council and city administration discussed at length the fate of several vacant mobile homes on Clay Street, a longtime concern for the community. With a land bank acquisition possible, the city is weighing whether to assume responsibility and fund cleanup or redevelopment.
Mayor Tom O’Leary said the now-cancelled Land Bank meeting had bought time for Council to develop a clearer consensus.
“If we do acquire [the property], the city will become the target of neighborhood expectations,” O’Leary warned. “We’ll need a firm commitment — financial and strategic.”
The conversation included the challenges of locating mobile home titleholders, potential demolition costs, and how best to engage legal support to expedite the process.
Several council members drew parallels to successful past projects, including the Depot transformation, urging their colleagues to think long-term.
🧾 Financial Reports & Closing Remarks
The Auditor’s Report included updates on recent financial movements, including reimbursement of major airport project funds and advances back to the general fund. Despite large spending figures, Council was assured that most were internal transfers or reimbursed costs.
