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Spring planting & open ditch maintenance
PRESS RELEASE
The Mercer County Commissioners and the Mercer County Engineer would like to remind those who plant and till the fields around the county this spring to remember to avoid planting in the roadway right-of-way. The Engineer and the Commissioner’s Office have maps that identify the varied widths of the road right-of-way throughout the county. More specifically, sight problems limiting the ability of the traveling public to see, can be particularly hazardous.
Also, a reminder to those along county-maintained open ditches. By law there is a maintenance easement for access adjacent to the tops of banks of the open ditches. We encourage the use of filter strips to eliminate sedimentation and soil erosion adjacent to the open ditches. Keep in mind that our maintenance crews use the easement for access for the maintenance operations we perform (the spraying of weeds and brush is the most significant maintenance operation).
Should you have any questions related to these requirements, please feel free to call the Commissioners’ Office at 419-586-3178 or the Engineer’s Office at 419-586-7759.
Ohio Law prohibits signs on trees and poles
Mercer County Engineer Jim Wiechart has issued a reminder that the Ohio Revised Code prohibits the erection of signs or affixing signs, posters or advertisement to any tree or utility pole within the right-of-way of any public highway.
Political candidates, campaign workers and supporters of issues appearing on the ballot are reminded that these signs are subject to removal.
Litter Pickup –
PRESS RELEASE
Youth groups to collect litter.
Motorists are asked to use caution in the next few months as youth community groups will be picking up litter in the ditches along many Mercer County Roads.
Mercer County Engineer Jim Wiechart issued the warning recently to protect the various groups of people who will be participating in the Litter Pick-up Program this spring.
“Clean-up crews are set to begin work in late March and typically complete the project by late spring.”
The litter pick-up program is a joint project funded by the County Engineer’s Office and Township Trustees who pay recognized civic and community groups who participate. Safety vests, gloves, bags and disposal fees are funded by the Mercer County Solid Waste District and the Ohio EPA.
Celina city councilors look to raise water rates 26.5% over the next two years to ensure the city’s water account has a minimum balance of $2 million.
If approved after the final reading, the water rate will increase 15% on April 1 and then another 10% on Jan. 1, 2027.
The hike will apply for both residential and rural water rates.
Effective April 1st
residential classification
the minimum monthly bill would rise from $31.77 to $36.54.
trailer park rate would climb from $10.16 to $11.68 per 1,000 gallons
bulk rate would rise from $10 to $20 per 1,000 gallons.
rural classification, the minimum monthly bill would rise from $47.36 to $54.87.
trailer park rate would climb from $19.62 to $22.62 per 1,000 gallons.
Effective Jan. 1, 2027
residential classification
the minimum monthly bill would be $40.19
trailer park rate would be $12.85 per gallon.
bulk rate would remain the same.
rural classification
minimum monthly bill would be $57.61
trailer park rate would be $24.88 per 1,000 gallons.
Current water rates-
From Feb 9th Council Meeting-
Water rates and infrastructure planning
Council discussed potential increases to water rates, noting the last rate adjustment was approved in 2013. City officials said rising operational costs and several large upcoming projects are driving the need for changes. Among the projected expenses are major water line replacements on State Route 703 and Sugar Street, along with future upgrades at the water treatment plant.
Officials emphasized the city’s goal of maintaining at least $2 million in the water fund for emergencies or catastrophic events. Several rate increase scenarios were reviewed, with discussion centered on balancing affordability for residents while ensuring the system remains financially sustainable.
Later in the meeting, council approved on second reading an ordinance amending water rates, including a phased increase beginning April 1, 2026, along with adjustments to bulk water rates and a revised chemical cost recovery charge.
Stateline Network EXTRA 