01/23/2026
2026 State of the Village message from Mayor Hanes:
Village of Lowell
308 Walnut Street
Lowell, OH 45744
(740)896-3046
January 13, 2026
2026 State of the Village of Lowell, OH
As 2025 is reflected upon, the Village of Lowell has made meaningful progress while facing ongoing financial and infrastructure challenges. This year has required careful planning that required decisions that were not favorable to some, but the focus was what is best for the Village of Lowell and its residents. I am very thankful for what has been accomplished and the people that have made this happen.
Accomplishments
One of the major accomplishments of course, is the new water treatment plant. This project had some stumbling blocks but was finally operational June 3, 2025. I would like to thank all the employees and board members that assisted in this accomplishment.
The wastewater treatment plant is on target for bidding for construction to begin this summer. This required maps to be completed again before project would progress with FEMA. Although this was extremely frustrating, the village has been able to move on to the next step in the process.
An ordinance was passed and procedures created and implemented for off-road vehicles to require an inspection and permit to operate within the village. The requirements of this ordinance include licensed operators and many safety features. Seventeen vehicles have been permitted so far.
Procedures were reviewed and improvements made to assist in more efficient operation in several areas. These are things that are not necessarily seen by everyone except those that use the procedures. One major influence that has assisted in increasing knowledge to help improve efficiency in areas has been attending Mayor’s Partnership for Progress (MPP) meetings and developing resources to call upon. Often, these resources have dealt with similar concerns and why struggle through when others are willing to share. We have also provided assistance to others in return. The village was fortunate to host a MPP monthly meeting at the firehouse in September. We appreciate the assistance the Lowell-Adams Fire Department provided for this opportunity.
A study was completed at no cost to the Village regarding replacement of water lines on Buell Island, This was an extensive study and will be very valuable in future infrastructure improvements. We also had another study completed on the Ball property area on Third Street at no charge to the Village that will aid in funding achievement for demolition.
Through contact with Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) Nicholas Long, our certified water and wastewater operator, and Jarrod Merrow, president of the board of public affairs, arranged a training day for other operators throughout the area to obtain educational training that helps them maintain their licenses. The training was held on Buell Island and the new water treatment plant was accessible to all.
Through a donor that would like to be anonymous as possible, Japanese Lilac trees have been planted along route 60 through the main part of town. The donor has also continued to supply items for Thomas Park which have been pleasing aesthetics to the village, This donor has also provided an opportunity for the village to improve the area on Third Street, known as the Ball buildings and doctor’s office. We are attempting to secure funding through various sources to demolish the structures and eliminate potential safety concerns. Once demolished, ideas will be discussed for the property. The donor has been very generous to the village and is very much appreciated.
Challenges
The Village is not without its challenges. The most serious challenge at this time is the lack of sources for general revenue. The Village relies on real estate property taxes and minimal resource income for the areas such as police services, public utilities, federal and state taxes, etc. This is also what would fund the swimming pool operation. Tough decisions have had to be made to be able to work within our revenue limitations. No one likes to make those decisions but they are necessary, unfortunately. Other areas such as water and sewer have steady sources of revenue monthly that provide for those expenses.
It is a goal of the Village Council to achieve what is absolutely necessary for our village within the restrictions of the actual budget available. Sometimes that means alternatives have to occur or cannot happen but the actual needs must be met. The renewal levy is critical to the village operation and will be on the ballot this spring. We will provide information to our residents so the legal wording that shows on the ballot can be put into words everyone can understand.
In 2026, the Village Council will be developing goals that would assist the village and residents and has the ability to be attained. Grants and funding sources will continue to be researched and applications submitted. The council members will be placed on various internal committees in attempt to accomplish more goals simultaneously.
Acknowledgements
I do not want anyone to think I do this alone. I work for the council of this village, board of public affairs, and the residents. None of the progress the Village of Lowell could have happened without them and especially the employees of the Village.
The village employees are amazing with what they accomplish and are responsible for. My sincere thanks and appreciation goes to them and the number of accomplishments they achieve with little in return. They make things happen and they are appreciated:
Beverly Strickler, Administrative Clerk
Nicholas Long, Certified Operator Water and Waste Water -Superintendent
Joseph Augenstein, General Maintenance Supervisor
Nancy Hinton, Fiscal Officer
You are the glue that holds things together.
I thank the village council members for their time and dedication to assisting the village succeed:
Steve Weber, President of Council
Brenda Lee, Elected Council
Dan Day, Elected Council
Gary Pitt, Council
Gary Shannon, Council
Vacancy
You do not get the appreciation you should for taking your time to be a part of the solution for the betterment of our village and I thank you.
I also thank the Board of Public Affairs for all they do and have accomplished:
Jarrod Merrow, President of BOPA
Daniel Stewart, BOPA member
Vacancy
Between the water treatment plant, wastewater treatment plant, and new water tank projects, and the other infrastructure considered, that includes the water lines, meters, valves, sewer lines, breaks, leaks, and all other concerns too many to mention, it’s a lot! What an understatement! Again, without your dedication and willingness to help your community, I do not even want to think where we would be.
You are all a dedicated team that help achieve goals that affect your entire community and has helped the village get on the right track for improvement in 2026 and future years.
Future
There will be challenges faced most days, but do not lose sight of what progress has been made in 2025, even if it seems small to you it has impacted in some way. The Village of Lowell will continue to move forward by responsible decision-making, communicating with each other and the community, ensuring compliances are met, public safety, fiscal responsibility, and keeping the needs of the village at the forefront. I look forward to continuing to assist with improvements and working with you all to achieve our goals in 2026.
Submitted by David A. Hanes, Mayor
Village of Lowell
308 Walnut Street
Lowell, OH 45744
