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MIDDLEFIELD -- The village's finances have come a long way from several years ago.
Fiscal Officer Nick Giardina said at this month's council meeting that the village has had "three exceptional years," with only a slight decline in income from the three main sources compared to 2022. Even with the decrease, the village ended the year with $4.6 million in its coffers, Giardina said, noting that before the pandemic, the village would not have had enough to cover more than a few months of expenses.
Village Administrator / Economic Development Director Leslie Gambosi-McCoy said she has been busy answering questions on available properties, working on developing properties, marketing available properties and administering the storefront grant program.
Zoning Inspector John Boksansky said 19 zoning permits were approved in December, including an Ace Hardware expansion and larger permanent sign and a new sign for Kaballos Mexican restaurant (formerly El Patron). He also said a number of Ryan Homes have temporary occupancy applications pending.
Police Chief Joe Tucholski said the Middlefield Police Department responded to 5,453 calls for service last year -- an increase of 537.
Also seeing an increase was the village's website, which saw 7% more traffic in 2023 compared to 2022.
Mayor Ben Garlich said more young people need to get involved with their local government because the village officials serving now will one day retire and will need to be replaced.
Garlich also said there was an increase in winter sports registration, especially in the basketball and wrestling programs. He said it is difficult to find coaches for the youth sports teams and spring sports registration will begin at the beginning of February for spring soccer, flag football, baseball, softball and T-ball.