West Jefferson, Ohio
Upcoming
Council
The West Jefferson Village Council will consider several second‑reading ordinances authorizing supplemental appropriations for the Christmas in the Park event, the Parks & Recreation Superintendent position, and the Parks & Recreation Superintendent salary. A first‑reading ordinance proposes additional supplemental appropriations in the General Fund. The council will also vote on a resolution to temporarily waive a zoning provision to allow bow hunting on designated village land, and a resolution to place the Charter Review Commission’s recommendations on the November general election ballot.
- Ordinance 26-036 – second reading to authorize supplemental appropriation for the Christmas in the Park event
- Ordinance 26-040 – second reading to change the Recreation & Special Events Manager position to Parks & Recreation Superintendent and set the pay rate
- Ordinance 26-041 – second reading to authorize supplemental appropriations for the Parks & Recreation Superintendent
- Resolution 26-044 – temporary waiver of section 549.09 to allow bow hunting on certain village land with permits
- Resolution 26-045 – place Charter Review Commission recommendations on the November general election ballot
Recent meetings
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee will consider several financial items including a resolution to waive the mid-year tax budget, ordinances to donate additional funds to the Christmas in the Park event and to set the pay rate for a new Parks & Recreation Superintendent, and supplemental appropriations for insurance renewal and the superintendent position.
- Resolution 26-035: Waive mid-year tax budget
- Ordinance 26-036: Donate additional amount to Christmas in the Park
- Ordinance 26-040: Set pay rate for Parks & Recreation Superintendent
- Ordinance 26-039: Supplemental appropriation for annual liability insurance renewal
- Ordinance 26-041: Supplemental appropriation for Parks & Recreation Superintendent
Employee Benefits Committee
The Employee Benefits Committee will hold first readings of two ordinances: one setting the pay rate for the Parks & Recreation Superintendent and another authorizing supplemental appropriations in the General Fund for that position. No decisions are expected at this meeting, as these are first readings only. The rest of the agenda is procedural.
- [FIRST READING] ORDINANCE 26-040: Setting pay rate for Parks & Recreation Superintendent
- [FIRST READING] ORDINANCE 26-041: Authorizing supplemental appropriations in the General Fund for the Parks & Recreation Superintendent
Council
Council will discuss a draft charter review and vote on several resolutions and ordinances. Key actions include a resolution to adopt a cybersecurity program per state law, a resolution to waive the mid-year tax budget, and first readings of ordinances for supplemental appropriations and pay rates. An executive session is scheduled for security arrangements.
- Resolution 26-038 adopting a cybersecurity program with incident notification and ransomware payment protocols per Ohio law
- Resolution 26-035 waiving the mid-year tax budget
- Ordinance 26-036 (first reading) authorizing supplemental appropriation for Christmas in the Park event
- Resolution 26-042 approving a building/zoning official services agreement with Canaan Township
- Ordinance 26-040 (first reading) setting pay rate for Parks & Recreation Superintendent
Council
The West Jefferson Village Council will discuss a draft charter review and consider several ordinances and resolutions. Key items include setting the salary for the Recreation & Special Events Manager and authorizing supplemental appropriations in the General Fund for that position. The council will also recognize local donations and update employee reimbursement policies.
- Charter Review Draft discussion (Item A)
- Ordinance 26-029 – setting the pay rate for the Recreation & Special Events Manager
- Ordinance 26-030 – authorizing supplemental appropriations in the General Fund for the Recreation & Special Events Manager
- Resolution 26-031 – recognizing donations to local organizations
- Resolution 26-032 – amending employee cell phone reimbursement allowances
The Village of West Jefferson Council met on June 1, 2026, and conducted routine procedural business: excusing absent members, adopting the agenda, and approving previous minutes. No ordinances, resolutions, contracts, or other substantive decisions were passed; the meeting consisted entirely of department reports, a public comment, and a presentation on the Charter Review Committee's recommendations.
- Approved motion to excuse Samantha Cahill and Greg Holben (5-0)
- Adopted June 1, 2026 agenda (voice vote, carried)
- Approved minutes of May 18, 2026 Regular Meeting and May 4, 2026 Employee Benefits Committee (no corrections)
Finance Committee
The West Jefferson Finance Committee is meeting to consider two ordinances related to the Recreation & Special Events Manager position. One ordinance sets the pay rate for the role; the other authorizes supplemental appropriations in the General Fund for that position. The meeting will also approve previous minutes and hear public comments.
- ORDINANCE 26-029: Setting pay rate for Recreation & Special Events Manager
- ORDINANCE 26-030: Authorizing supplemental appropriations in the General Fund for the Recreation & Special Events Manager
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee will consider Ordinance 26-029, which sets the salary for the Recreation & Special Events Manager. It will also consider Ordinance 26-030, which authorizes supplemental appropriations in the General Fund for that position. No other items are listed.
- Ordinance 26-029 – set pay rate for Recreation & Special Events Manager
- Ordinance 26-030 – authorize supplemental appropriations in General Fund for Recreation & Special Events Manager
The Finance Committee recommended two ordinances to adjust the pay rate for the Recreation & Special Events Manager and provide supplemental General Fund appropriations to cover the cost. Both measures were approved unanimously.
- Recommended Ordinance 26-029 to set the pay rate for the Recreation & Special Events Manager (3-0-0)
- Recommended Ordinance 26-030 authorizing supplemental appropriations in the General Fund for the Recreation & Special Events Manager (3-0-0)
Council
The West Jefferson Village Council will consider several new business items at its May 18 meeting, including ordinances to set pay rates for the Building Inspector and Recreation & Special Events Manager, and a resolution to change the council minutes to a full transcript. A supplemental appropriation in the General Fund for the Recreation & Special Events Manager is also up for a vote. Committee and department reports will be presented with no specific actions listed.
- Ordinance 26-027 setting pay rate for Building Inspector
- Resolution 26-028 amending Rules of Council to require full transcript of proceedings
- Ordinance 26-029 setting pay rate for Recreation & Special Events Manager
- Ordinance 26-030 authorizing supplemental appropriation in General Fund for Recreation & Special Events Manager
- Council committee reports from eight committees and department reports from seven offices
The Council approved two ordinances related to a Parks and Recreation employee's pay rate and the associated funds. The meeting focused on addressing ongoing odor issues from a local food processing plant and included updates on various village projects and department reports.
- Approved May 18, 2026 Agenda (unanimous)
- Approved previous Council minutes (unanimous)
- Approved Ordinance 26-029 setting Parks and Recreation employee pay rate
- Approved Ordinance 26-030 authorizing associated funds
- Village installing new sewer seals to mitigate odor concerns
- Renamed covered bridge to the 'David P. Brand Bridge' (ceremony scheduled for tomorrow)
- Pool opens this Saturday with adjusted weekday hours
- Next 'Uptown' car show scheduled for June 12
Finance Committee
The West Jefferson Finance Committee will consider two resolutions: one to create a Building Inspector position and another to set the pay rate for that position. No other business is listed on the agenda.
- Resolution 26-026 creating the position of Building Inspector
- Resolution 26-027 setting the pay rate for the Building Inspector position
The Finance Committee reviewed and recommended Ordinance 26-027, which sets the pay rate for a newly created full-time Building Inspector position. The committee also noted that Resolution 26-026, which created the position, was already finalized at a prior meeting. The recommendation will go to the full Village Council for a vote.
- Recommended Ordinance 26-027 setting pay rate for Building Inspector position (motion carried)
- Noted Resolution 26-026 creating the Building Inspector position was completed at a previous meeting
Employee Benefits Committee
The Employee Benefits Committee will consider two resolutions: one to create a Building Inspector position and another to set the pay rate for that position. The meeting also includes approval of the agenda and previous minutes.
- Resolution 26-026 creating the Building Inspector position
- Resolution 26-027 setting the pay rate for the Building Inspector position
The Employee Benefits Committee recommended creating a full-time Building Inspector position and setting a pay rate for the role. The committee also excused an absent member and approved the meeting agenda.
- Excused Council Member Little from the meeting
- Approved the May 4, 2026, agenda
- Recommended Resolution 26-026 to create Building Inspector position
- Discussed setting pay rate for Building Inspector position (informational only)
- Adjourned the meeting at 6:11 p.m.
Council
The Village Council will consider three new business resolutions: transferring stale dated checks to the Unclaimed Monies Fund, creating a Building Inspector position, and setting the pay rate for that position. Routine committee and department reports will also be presented. Public comment is invited with a three-minute limit.
- RESOLUTION 26-025: Authorize transfer of funds from stale dated checks to Unclaimed Monies Fund
- RESOLUTION 26-026: Create the position of Building Inspector
- RESOLUTION 26-027: Set pay rate for the Building Inspector position
Council adopted Resolution 26-026 creating the Building Inspector position (6-0) and Resolution 26-025 transferring stale check funds (6-0). The first reading of Ordinance 26-027 setting the pay rate for the position was presented. Residents raised concerns about odor from Michaels Foods; no formal action was taken.
- Adopted Resolution 26-025 authorizing transfer of stale check funds to unclaimed monies fund (6-0)
- Adopted Resolution 26-026 creating the Building Inspector position (6-0)
- Heard first reading of Ordinance 26-027 setting pay rate for Building Inspector
- Approved the meeting agenda
- Approved minutes of April 20, 2026 meeting
- Excused Council Member Little from the meeting
- Discussed but did not vote on changing minutes format
Strategic Planning Committee
This meeting is largely procedural, covering call to order, roll call, approval of agenda and minutes, and unfinished/new business. No specific decisions, proposals, or financial items are listed; the session is described as operational and logistics-focused for the consultant team and village staff.
The Finance Committee recommended Ordinance 26-027 to Council, which sets the pay rate for a new full-time building inspector position. The committee discussed the need for the role due to increased inspection volumes and the elimination of a part-time position.
- Adopted May 4, 2026, agenda (unanimous)
- Approved April 20, 2026, minutes (unanimous)
- Recommended Ordinance 26-027 to Council (unanimous)
- Confirmed Resolution 26-026 completed
Finance Committee
The Finance Committee meeting is largely procedural, with call to order, roll call, approval of agenda and minutes, and unfinished business. The only substantive items are discussions of Ordinance 26-024, Ordinance 19-123, and Resolution 25-024, but no details on their content are provided.
- Discussion of Ordinance 26-024
- Discussion of Ordinance 19-123
- Discussion of Resolution 25-024
The Finance Committee approved recommendations for two ordinances and one resolution. Ordinance 26-024 authorizes supplemental appropriations in various TIF funds; Resolution 25-024 allows transfer of stale-dated check funds to the unclaimed monies fund. Discussion on Ordinance 19-123 (purchase guidelines) was held but no vote taken; the finance director was asked to return with updated figures reflecting CPI and COLA increases.
- Recommended Ordinance 26-024 (supplemental TIF appropriations) to Council (motion carried, no tally recorded)
- Recommended Resolution 25-024 (transfer of stale-dated check funds) to Council (motion carried, no tally recorded)
- Discussed Ordinance 19-123 (purchase guidelines) but tabled action pending updated figures
- Approved agenda for April 20, 2026 (motion carried)
- Approved minutes of March 16, 2026 (motion carried)
Council
The council will consider Ordinance 26-024, which authorizes supplemental appropriations in various tax increment financing (TIF) funds and declares an emergency. The meeting also includes routine reports from committees and departments.
- Ordinance 26-024: Authorizing supplemental appropriations in various TIF funds and declaring an emergency
Council unanimously approved Ordinance 26-024 to authorize supplemental appropriations in various TIF funds. The meeting also included reports on fire department equipment needs and ongoing efforts to resolve a local odor issue involving Michael's Foods.
- Approved Ordinance 26-024 for supplemental TIF fund appropriations (6-0-0)
- Adopted April 20, 2026, Agenda
- Approved April 6, 2026, Regular Meeting minutes
Charter Review Commission
The Charter Review Commission discussed revisions to the village charter, including adding language that allows a decision denied by the Planning and Zoning Commission to be appealed to the Council for a vote. Members also reviewed changes to the definition of “any matter” in section 9.04, the numbering and formatting of charter sections, and the interim Clerk of Council position, including the length of interim appointments and compensation. A public meeting for comments is scheduled for May 20 at the Community Center.
- Add provision allowing Council vote on appeals of denied Planning & Zoning Commission decisions
- Clarify the term “any matter” in charter section 9.04
- Update charter numbering to eighteen sections and adopt strikeout formatting for changes
- Discuss interim Clerk of Council appointment length (suggested 60 days) and compensation
- Public comment meeting set for May 20, 7:00 pm at the Community Center
The Charter Review Commission discussed proposed changes to the charter, including adding a process for appeals to Council after a Planning and Zoning denial and defining the role and salary of an interim Clerk of Council. The commission did not vote on any items.
- Discussed adding appeal process for P&Z denials to charter
- Discussed defining interim Clerk of Council role and salary
- Discussed ethics rules for council members related to employees
- Discussed adding 'absence or vacancy' to interim clerk ordinance
- Public meeting scheduled for May 20 at 7:00pm at Community Center
Charter Review Commission
The West Jefferson Charter Review Commission is reviewing proposed changes to the village charter ahead of a public presentation on May 20. Members discussed potential updates to the 1% municipal tax rate, candidate petition requirements, recall procedures, and ward boundary definitions. The commission will consider input from the public, council, and mayor but is not obligated to adopt requested changes. If adopted, the revisions would alter how the village is taxed, how candidates run for office, and how the mayor and council are structured if the village becomes a city.
- Review of proposed charter amendments
- Discussion of the current 1% municipal tax rate and potential increases
- Changes to candidate petition signature requirements
- Proposal to raise the recall threshold to 25% of votes cast
- Public presentation scheduled for May 20 at the Community Center
The Charter Review Commission discussed proposed changes to the village charter, including nepotism rules, petition signature requirements, and council composition. The commission set May 20 as the date to present the proposed changes to the public at the Community Center.
- Set May 20, 2026 at 7pm for public presentation of proposed charter changes at Community Center
- Commission will review proposed changes to the charter by Village Council and the Mayor
- Commission tasked with researching petition signature requirements and ward boundary language
- Commission tasked with researching nepotism and ethics provisions for the charter