Meeting Minutes: November 3, 2026
Council called to order by Mayor Ron Searight on November 4, 2026 at 7:30 pm.
Let us pray – Dear God, thank you for giving us this country where we can vote and elect people of our choice. We thank you for the people that have stepped up and are serving this Village. Bless this meeting and the decisions that are made. We ask all these things in your Holy Name. Amen.
Pledge of Allegiance
On the recommendation of the Rules Committee – Joel Temple has been appointed to fulfill the term of Shane Young.
Oath of Office – Congratulations Joel.
Those present: Marcas Heitkamp, Mark Heitkamp, Luke Stephenson, Mary Beougher, Joel Temple, Chris Heitkamp.
Also attending: Chief Westgerdes, Robbie Peel, Francis Schaffner, Barry Helman,and Erin from the Daily Standard.
Motion Mary. Second Luke to accept the agenda as orders of the day.
Chris called for the question. Mary = y, Luke = y, Chris = y, Marcas = y, Mark = y, Joel = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Marcas. Second Mark toaccept the minutes from the October 20, 2026 council meeting as presented. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Joel = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Mayor’s Report and Correspondence:
Recognition of Brenda Barker – owner of His n Hers for 50 Years serving the Rockford Community.
Mayor Proclamation – was presented during Rocktoberfest and again tonight:
WHEREAS: We are here today to acknowledge, the owner of His N Hers Styling Salon, Brenda Barker, for 50 years of service to the Rockford community; and
WHEREAS: Brenda has provided personable services to this community for those years, but she is not stopping at this milestone, continuing to demonstrate an unwavering dedication to the citizens of Rockford through her daily interactions and ongoing commitment to excellence; and
WHEREAS: Her presence on Main Street has become a cornerstone for our community, representing the resilient spirit of independent business ownership and providing a welcoming environment for generations of residents; and
WHEREAS: the longevity of her career serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, illustrating that success is built upon a foundation of hard work, integrity, and a genuine care for one’s neighbors; and
WHEREAS: it is fitting and proper that the Village of Rockford formally recognizes those individuals who have devoted their lives to the betterment and prosperity of our town and school district.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we, the elected officials and community members of Rockford, Ohio, do hereby extend our deepest gratitude and heartiest congratulations to Brenda Barker. We declare this day in her honor to celebrate a half-century of exceptional service and community leadership.
PROCLAIMED on 31st of October, 2026.
Ron Searight
Mayor, Village of Rockford, Ohio
Mayor’s Message –
Again — Congratulations to His N Hers Styling Salon for fifty years of service to our community. Thank you, Brenda Barker, for your years of service and to all that have helped her achieve this accomplishment.
A big thanks to the Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring Rocktoberfest, as it was a successful day of fun for the whole family. We had a great turnout of people that attended it and there was so much to see and do. It truly was an all day event.
Thanks to the Rockford Fire Department for the Halloween costume judging at the Fire House. Kids look forward to it just about as much as they do the candy. It’s a great time for all ages to come and see these kids in costumes and enjoy. And the best part the entertainment comes mostly from our community of kids wearing such creative costume, and their parents’ wonderful ideas.
If you are a Rockford business owner and want to see Rockford grow along with your business, please get with the Rockford Chamber of Commerce and see how you can help them. Get involved with the community that you serve.
Winter Crisis Program (WCP) is now available for qualified residents to help with heating expenses for this year. For more information, you can stop by the Village Office or contact West Ohio Community Action Partnership in Celina for more details.
Finally, thanks to the Rockford businesses for being open and serving our community this past Saturday during Rocktoberest, but also every day. You do so much for our community with the services that you provide, along with the jobs you provide as well. Support them when you can, as they need it and appreciate it. Thank you.
Remember, “Give more than you take and you will receive more than you gave.”
God Bless you,
Mayor Ron Searight
Upcoming Community information & events:
Saturday – November 7th – Lions Club – Bag Bingo — Community Building
Friday – November 13 – St. Teresa Chili Supper – Community Building
Sunday – November 22 – Holly Day Market / Park Lighting / Trolley Rides
Friday – December 25 – Together at Christmas – Community Building
Village Administrator’s Report: Aaron Temple
Thank you to the Parkway Cross Country team for volunteering to help light / decorate the park for the Chamber Holly Day event on November 22nd. We appreciate your help as it takes many volunteers to make this happen. Thank you, we truly appreciate your help.
Leaf pick up will begin end of this week — please do not put leaves around mail boxes, trees, or street lights. If there is dog waste in the leaves – they will not be picked up.
WWTP- solar prep work is being done – equipment and installation parts are beginning to arrive.
Bad news – a blower at the WWTP quit working and the cost to purchase new is $15,000 — no warranty.
Finance Committee: Marcas Heitkamp
Motion Marcas to pay bills as presented: $26,211.45. Second Luke. Mark called for the question. Marcas = y, Luke = y, Mark =y, Mary = y, Joel = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Marcas to approve the monthly financial reports. Second Mary. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mary = y, Luke = y, Mark = y, Joel = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Cash Summary by Fund, Appropriations report, Revenue Report,
Budget vs Actual activity report, Bank statement.
Motion Marcas to approve supplemental appropriations to date. Second Mark. Luke called for the question. Marcas = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Mary = y, Joel = y, Chris = y. Passed 6 yes.
Motion Marcas to approve additional purchase order. Second Mary. Chris called for the question. Marcas = y, Mary = y, Chris = y, Mark = y, Luke = y, Joel = y. Passed 6 yes.
ORDINANCE 06-2026
AN ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CURRENT
EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE VILLAGE OF
ROCKFORD, STATE OF OHIO, DURING FISCAL YEAR ENDING
DECEMBER 31, 2027.
1st reading – 11/03/2026
Council discussed the need for an additional Police Protection Levy for consideration in May 2027. General fund is taking a downward turn and expenses are increasing each year. We are trying to be good stewards of Village finances and do not want to ask for more than is needed and we don’t want to have to come back for additional revenues. We are working on a solar project to help with electrical costs and are looking at other areas we can save money but the bottom line is we need additional revenue. Please review the following options and come back with your decision at the next meeting.
Police budget 2026 —327,758.00 or 12.73%
Options for Desired amount = $72,382 is 2.5 millage or $87.50 for a $100,000 home
$80,859 is 3 millage or $105 for a $100,000 home and
$101.335 is 3.5 millage or 122.50 for a $100,000
Would begin collecting 2028 on 2027 property tax.
Rules / Zoning Committee: Mary Beougher
Rockford Business Park annexation to Village of Rockford updates – haven’t received the paperwork yet.
ORDINANCE 05-2026
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A SNOW EMERGENCY IN THE EVENT OF TWO OR MORE INCHES OF SNOW, AND THE REQUIREMENT OF VEHICLES TO BE MOVED FROM ALL STREETS UNTIL THE SNOW REMOVAL IS COMPLETED. REPEALS ORDINANCE 0694 AND ANY OTHER PREVIOUS LEGISLATION. THIS ORDINANCE WILL BE IN FORCE IMMEDIATELY UPON PASSAGE.
1st reading – 11/03/2026
Service Committee: Joel Temple
Safety / Housing / Buildings Committee: Mark Heitkamp
Economic Development Committee: Luke Stephenson
Rockford Business Park — moving slowly but moving forward.
Public Utilities Committee: Chris Heitkamp
Mercer County recently executed a new electric aggregation agreement with Dynegy at a program rate of 11.52¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), or $0.1152 / kWh. The new rate will provide long-term price stability for residential and small business participants through the June 2029 billing period.
NEW RATES: meter reads in December showing on January’s bill.
Important —–You will begin receiving letters in the mail —-
IF YOU WANT TO STAY IN THE MERCER COUNTY AGGREGATION — DO NOTHING – IF YOU ARE ALREADY WITH DYNEGY.
ONLY return the card if you want to OPT OUT OF THE AGGREGATION PROGRAM.
If you don’t receive a letter, you are not in the Aggregation and you will need to contact the Village Office for more information. Aggregation supplier is DYNEGY.
Old Business:
New Business:
Meeting adjourned 8:00 pm.
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Mayor Fiscal officer
