Millersburg Council Reviews Evidence Room Audit, Advances Cost Saving Projects

The Millersburg Village Council at its Dec. 8 meeting received an audit of the village evidence room, advanced multiple public works projects, and approved several measures intended to reduce operating costs for the village. Council members reviewed inventory and ongoing plans that officials say will improve safety, streamline services, and protect taxpayer dollars.

Two officers now responsible for evidence completed an audit that documented 727 pieces. The audit noted three items missing from the historical inventory, one dating to 2012 and two from 2022. Council members directed village staff to consult the solicitor about legal and records retention requirements, including the possibility of returning or destroying unneeded items once legal obligations are cleared. The review underscores the importance of proper chain of custody and legal compliance for local law enforcement operations.

Financial and utility decisions drew significant attention. An analysis from Aspen Energy indicates the village saved more than $500,000 by locking a fixed price under its three year electric aggregation program. The council also approved plans to move municipal voice service from legacy POTS lines to a Spectrum fiber connection, a change estimated to save about $289 per month.

Infrastructure updates include sidewalk project engineers continuing design work and finalizing lighting plans for the west end of Jackson Street. Downtown traffic signal hardware has arrived, and installation is being scheduled with Pathmaster and Signal Service to improve traffic flow and intersection safety. The village ordered lighting for the pickleball courts at Airport Park, with installation planned for next year, supporting expanded recreational use after dark.

The council discussed county demolition projects that continue to reshape neighborhoods, and a housing study that began with a Dec. 2 kickoff meeting has started contacting data sources for analysis that could influence future local planning. Prospective alley vacations were raised, with Baker Surveying to be contacted to begin the process, and staff will research ways to boost downtown crosswalk visibility.

Taken together these actions reflect local officials balancing legal stewardship, infrastructure investment, and cost saving strategies, goals that resonate with municipal priorities worldwide as communities seek to protect services while managing budgets.