Council takes action on delinquent property taxes
At the Feb. 4 meeting of Port Washington Village Council, members voted to proceed with the notification and sheriff sale process on all properties in the village having in excess of $2,500 in delinquent property taxes.
The measure came after Krisly Sullivan, village resident and owner of the Sullivan Speed Shop at 103 N. St. Clairsville St., voiced concerns to council about several issues with residents of a rental property adjacent to the business.
Sullivan said there had been a near-miss car accident with one of the shop’s customers, a dog running at large, a hypodermic needle found in the parking lot and other problems.
Sullivan said the home owner is delinquent on property taxes and asked if village council would consider taking steps to force a sheriff sale on the property. This led to a review with Village Solicitor Mark Perlaky of multiple properties where taxes are delinquent.
Council heard from Perlaky that it takes $2,500 to begin the process for a sheriff sale. Council President Joe Bourne produced a list of properties where taxes are delinquent, and council voted after reviewing the list.
Mayor’s report
Mayor Tom Gardner informed council that Tony Mart wants to expand its building. According to Gardner, there is a 15-foot unnamed alley between the store’s deli and garage, and the owner is asking the village to vacate in order for him to build onto the deli.
Gardner said the property owner also is purchasing canal property in that area and will handle all surveying and paperwork, then bring it to council to approve the vacation of the alley.
Gardner said he would like to see a fire protection well installed in the area of Bremer and Arch streets near the elementary school. His hope is a well will prevent fire in that area and bring better water service to that end of the village.
Council agreed with the plan, and Gardner and Administrative Assistant DJ Meek will look for grant funding to potentially cover the expense of the project.
Request to move forward on junk vehicles
Council member Nate Penrod asked the village to move beyond issuing citations for junk vehicles and cleanup issues. Penrod said the problem has been ongoing and that 10-day notices are issued, but that’s where it ends.
Penrod asked the village to prosecute property owners who do not comply with 10-day notices. Perlaky said he would do so. Gardner will contact Police Chief Rodney Dusenberry for a sweep of the village to identify owners in violation of village ordinances. Penrod said he would offer his assistance in cleanup and removal of items if property owners need help.
Firefighters needed
Bourne presented a review of the work performed by volunteer firefighters in Ohio and at the Delaware Valley Joint Fire District including the following:
—Ohio has 1,180 fire departments with approximately 70% being volunteer departments.
—Volunteer firefighters typically have other full-time jobs.
—The DVJFD received 43 calls in 2024.
—Calls to fire departments in Ohio increased by 9% from 2018-20 while the number of volunteers decreased by 6.5% in the same time period.
—The primary service area of the DVJFD is Port Washington and Salem Township. However, the department also provides mutual aid to neighboring departments in Tuscarawas County and portions of other counties.
—The DVJFD handles auto accidents, wildfires and rescue calls; provides fire protection and fire prevention; provides training and joint training with neighboring departments; and hosts fundraising events.
Bourne stressed the need for more firefighters in the department and said anyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter should contact a local member of the DVJFD or call the Ohio Fire Academy at 614-752-7196.
Port Washington Council meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Village Hall. All meetings are open to the public.