Minster Village Council Advances Purchasing, Energy Savings Programs at Latest Meeting

Minster Village Council addressed several routine and forward-looking items during its latest meeting, according to Village Administrator Don Harrod.

Council began by taking the first reading of a resolution allowing the village to participate in the Ohio Department of Administrative Services Cooperative Purchasing Program for 2026. The state-run program enables municipalities to purchase goods and equipment at bulk rates through contracts bid and awarded by the state, helping reduce costs for local governments.

Council also gave a first reading to a resolution authorizing the sale of excess personal property through online auctions. The village has used this process for several years to sell surplus equipment and vehicles no longer needed. Items are auctioned on the website GovDeals.com, with council approval required to participate.

Another item receiving a first reading was an ordinance approving Minster’s participation in a community energy savings smart thermostat program. The program, which began in 2023, helps reduce peak energy demand by adjusting Wi-Fi connected thermostats in participating homes during high-usage periods. Residents can enroll at no cost. Village officials estimate the program could save about one kilowatt per enrolled thermostat, translating to roughly $1,500 to $2,000 per month in peak demand savings.

Council also made several appointments and approvals during the meeting. Kurt Albers was appointed council president for 2026, continuing in the role he held in 2025. Nicole Clooney and Josh Rosero were appointed to represent the village on the Volunteer Firefighters Dependent Fund.

In personnel matters, council approved the hiring of Carter Elking as a parks laborer for the Parks and Recreation Department. Elking is a graduate of New Bremen High School and brings experience in lawn care and baseball diamond maintenance. His starting wage was set at $22.51 per hour.

Council also accepted the December 2025 income tax report as submitted by the City of St. Marys. The village received $406,694 in income tax revenue for December, bringing total income tax collections for 2025 to $5,245,320, approximately $76,000 more than the previous year.