Wadsworth Council Reviews Annexation, Levy Proposals, and Infrastructure Projects in Mid-July Meetings
Wadsworth City Council and its committees held a series of meetings July 7–15 covering a proposed 94-acre annexation, fire and EMS levy changes for the November ballot, a $920,359 construction contract, and several infrastructure updates. All items below come from published agendas; minutes have not yet been posted, so no final votes or outcomes are confirmed.
Wall Road Annexation
Council reviewed Resolution 26-09, which addresses the expedited Type 2 annexation of 94.2835 acres from Wadsworth Township for Wall Road Development. The resolution outlines that the city would provide police, fire, emergency medical, and solid waste services to the area. Developers would be required to install water and sanitary sewer mains at their own expense. If city zoning is incompatible with remaining township zoning, a buffer such as landscaping, fences, or open space would be required. A traffic impact study and stormwater flow control would also be required.
Fire and EMS Levy Proposals
Council discussed two tax levy measures for the November 3, 2026 election:
- **Resolution 26-10:** A proposed 0.5-mill fire equipment levy.
- **Resolution 26-11:** A proposed 4-mill ambulance and EMS levy.
A July 14 work session reviewed options including a 1.0-mill reduction to the existing 1.5-mill fire levy, which would lower the rate to $11 per $100,000 of assessed value, and a 1.0-mill increase to the 3.0-mill EMS levy, raising the rate to $92 per $100,000. Projected fire levy revenue under the decrease option is $315,700 annually; projected EMS levy revenue with the increase is $2,523,100 annually. Fire cash balance is projected at $2.3 million by 2031, and EMS cash balance at $2 million by 2032.
Seville Road Access Project
Ordinance 26-080 would authorize a contract with Fechko Excavating, LLC for the Seville Road Access Project in an amount not to exceed $920,359.00. Council also reviewed Ordinance 26-081, which would repeal Ordinance 26-078 due to a project description error.
College Street Rezoning
Amended Ordinance 26-062 proposes rezoning City Lots 5049, 5050, and 5051 from R-1 and College Street Gateway to R-2 Residential. A public hearing was scheduled as part of the July 7 meeting. The Economic Development & Planning Committee also discussed the rezoning on July 13.
Other Council Items
- **Resolution 26-04:** Authorizes sale of surplus city vehicles and equipment by internet auction in 2026.
- **Ordinance 26-074:** Authorizes purchase of an Altec Model DX53E hydraulic digger derrick. No dollar amount was listed.
- **Warrant payment:** An ordinance authorizing a warrant of up to $3,472.89 to Purvis Brothers, Inc.
- **Surplus sale:** An ordinance authorizing sale of a 1999 Pierce/International 4900 heavy rescue truck.
- **Capital plan:** A resolution requesting the finalized Fifteen-Year Capital Improvement Plan be submitted to Council by October 1, 2026.
- **Proclamation:** A proclamation for the Wadsworth Meteorite.
- **Annual report:** Presentation of Judge Lewis's 2025 Annual Report.
Safety Committee
The Safety Committee reviewed staffing levels: 30 current police officers against an authorized strength of 34, and 8 current dispatch staff against an authorized strength of 11. The committee also discussed township contract negotiations related to the Fire/EMS Levy, the MARCS Tower Project, and implementation of a cloud-based 9-1-1 system and Prepared 9-1-1 A.I. software.
Public Ways Committee
The Public Ways Committee received updates on the Friedt Park Project, Brickyard Park Remediation and Passive Park, City Hall East Parking Lot, the SR94 & East Reimer Intersection Improvement Project, the 2026 Sidewalk Improvement Program, and airport apron, PAPI, and AWOS projects.
Coming Up
No upcoming meetings are listed for the next 14 days. Residents should watch for published minutes from the July 7–15 meetings to confirm which items were approved.