Dixie Highway annexation survey underway

A third and final reading of two ordinances raising water and sewer rates in the village was approved by Bluffton council at Monday's regularly scheduled meeting.

Also, a proposal to annex property owners on South Main/Dixie Highway is currently being reviewed by village council. A total of 21 of 34 property owners have signed a petition requesting to be annexed into the village. The annexation would mean property owners on the edge of town would be included in the village's sewer and water systems.

The proposed annexation has been in discussion for twenty years, said Mayor Fred Rodabaugh. The project became more serious when the village received a state grant that would cover 50 percent of the sewer extension.

Currently, the village is conducting an annexation survey. One west Dixie Highway homeowner attended Monday's meeting to address council after finding survey workers in her front yard.

"They were in my front yard with a drill," said the Bluffton resident. "There haven't been any letters sent from the village and no one seems to know what's going on."

Village administrator Jamie Mehaffie said council hasn't been pushing either way for the annexation.

"We held a public hearing a year ago to see how residents felt about the annexation. It will take time for the project to be completed," said Mehaffie.

Property owners with questions or concerns about the proposed annexation are welcome to call Jamie Mehaffie. To contact town hall offices, call 419-358-2066.

Separately, the annual Consumer Confidence Report has been mailed to all Bluffton citizens and those who receive village water. The OEPA requires the village to send this report annually to inform consumers about their drinking water.

Residents who do not receive the report in the mail, but would like one, may pick up additional copies at town hall, Community Market, Bluffton Public Library, or the post office.