Mark Twain once said, “in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” But when it comes to inflation, the same can be certain.
At the May 7 meeting, Holland village council made note of inflation when at Mayor Ryan Spangler’s request, they raised the rental rates for the Lodge at Strawberry Acres Park and the community building.
The mayor said rates were last adjusted in 2020 and a review of other rentals revealed that inflation factored in to rising costs.
“Our rental rates are drastically behind the current market,” he added.
The mayor noted the new rates will take effect on July 1, but anyone who currently has a rental booked after July 1 will not be required to pay the higher rate.
Resident pricing will be funeral, $250; full lodge weekdays, $850; weekends, $1,500-$1,900.
Half lodge will be $675, weekdays and $1,000 to $1,100 weekends depending on whether the lodge is rented until 10 p.m. or midnight.
Nonresident pricing is $325 for funeral; full lodge weekdays, $1,000 and weekends, $1,800 to $2,300.
Half lodge will be $750, weekdays, and $1,150 to $1,350 weekends depending on rental until 10 p.m. or midnight.
Employees will continue to receive one free rental per building per year and are responsible for all setup and cleanup.
Other Business
In other business, council:
•Entered into a contract with Helms & Sons Excavating Inc for the McCord Road project at a cost of $379,364. Work is expected to begin in June with completion by the end of August.
In a related matter, council approved a joint cooperation agreement with the Lucas County engineer’s office, which will provide construction inspection services for the McCord Road project between Kipling Drive and Angola Road.
•Approved electric and natural gas aggregation agreements with Palmer Energy enabling the village to receive the lowest possible rates for public utilities to residents.
•Approved the purchase of five Automated External Defibrillators from Stryker for $11,181.
The devices are compatible with those used by the Springfield Township Fire Department and will be placed at the administration building, Lodge at Strawberry Acres, community building and in police cars, explained administrator Bob Bethel.
•Elected to go with a new logo that highlights the history of the railroad in the village while also noting the windmill symbol on the village’s previous logo.
The logo will be featured at all village-owned buildings except the police department, which is doing its own redesign.
Along with village council, the department is working on a rebranding logo for its vehicles. “We are hoping to have it in the near future,” said Police Chief Jim Piotrowski.
•Approved an agreement with the City of Sylvania to utilize their prosecution services at Sylvania Municipal Court.
The village is required to have a prosecutor and this is less expensive than hiring one for Holland, explained the mayor. “We need to have a prosecutor available when our cases are called,” he said, adding that there is no set schedule as to when that will occur.
Annual cost for the service this year is $25,000. Next year, it will increase to $35,000 and in 2026, the village will pay $45,000.
•Adjusted pay rates for two employment positions after finding errors. The maintenance superintendent pay moves to $29.80 retroactive to April 28 and office assistant for the police department will be $21.10.
•Heard from administrator Bethel that he is looking into zoning regulation changes as they pertain to food trucks in the village.
•Paid bills totaling $137,628. Council also authorized the clerk treasurer to pay bills through the summer session upon review and approval of Mayor Spangler.
Council’s next meeting will be at 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 21, in council chambers, 1245 Clarion Avenue, and is open to the public.
