Public officials from three different government agencies in Auglaize County came together to look at what's next. Our Eran Hami was there.
A time for reflection and looking forward is what the state of the city, county, and schools were all about on Thursday. The Wapakoneta Chamber of Commerce hosted the event to promote communication in the community, specifically addresses from the City of Wapakoneta, Auglaize County, and Wapakoneta schools.
Mayor Tom Stinebaugh emphasized the improvements in all city departments including expansions in electric, water, and water treatment. Stinebaugh boasted about the $1.2 million dollars raised through the recent levy for road construction but is looking forward to a project that has been in the works for some time.
"The big one is the riverscape project, it was approved before I was even mayor but we're finally going to get started on that work after the Summer Moonfest. So that's another big one coming up," commented Mayor Stinebaugh.
That project, worth over two million dollars will provide a facelift to the area around the Auglaize River.
Much of the same sentiment on improvements was expressed by the county commissioners. Thanks in part to an increased 2019 budget.
Commissioner Don Regula said the budget increased 6% from the previous year. But only what he said were small projects were in the works.
"Well, we're going to do some improvements out at the fairgrounds, that's probably one of the things," said Commissioner Regula. "The county engineer is putting up a salt shed and that's going to help all the villages and townships here in the county."
Of the accomplishments in the past year, Regula highlighted the sale of Auglaize Acres. Looking forward, like Stinebaugh, Regula is excited for the moon landing anniversary celebration taking place this summer and the people it will attract such as Governor Mike DeWine.
"It's going to make a big difference to the businesses. A lot of times they say they don't make a profit until Christmas but this is like Christmas in July, I think. It's going to be good forward," said Regula.
Mayor Stinebaugh did add that they do have some plans in the works to bring more housing to the Wapakoneta area.
