A Message From Mayor Daniel Fritz

Dear Residents,

It’s hard to believe that summer is coming to an end. In our Village the end of the summer ushers in a very demanding schedule on many fronts. Our Service Department begins to prepare for snow and ice season as equipment is connected, inspected and improved to ensure that we are ready for the hills that make up our challenging and beautiful topography. In my office this time of the year, the focus is very strongly on the budget. I am very proud of the hard work undertaken by my Administrative staff including our Treasurer Prashant Shah, his assistant Marcia Bossart and all of the other department heads who have helped to navigate these uncertain times. Through conservative financial planning our position continues to be stable. Through the end of July 2021, income tax, which is the main revenue source for the Village, is trending at approximately 14 percent higher than 2020. Property tax, which is the next largest source of revenue, is also up by approximately 15 percent. Our 2021 budget included $600,000 of Capital Improvements and incorporated additional equipment for the Police and Service Departments. Additionally, the annual infrastructure maintenance program was budgeted at $1,500,000. This program included investment in sewer, water, and roadway improvements. The upgrade of two major retaining walls was also included in this year’s budget. The Village is expected to receive allocations from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in the amount of $334,000, payable in two equal installments during 2021 and 2022. These funds are restricted to certain type of expenditures including water and sewer lines and will be used in accordance with the guidelines provided by the Treasury Department.  

Like the rest of the Country, we continue to modify our campus protocols as we work our way through the pandemic. With the increased challenges posed by the Delta variant, we have modified our campus protocols to include masking when inside of any municipal building. This requirement is for both vaccinated and non-vaccinated employees, vendors and residents. We continue to follow the science and experts at the Ohio Department of Health and, locally, at the Cuyahoga County Department of Health. As you are probably aware, the strong recommendation is that one receives the vaccine if they are able to do so. The recent full FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine is expected to result in an increase in our state vaccination rate. Residents can be assured that your representatives are closely monitoring the data and will continue to implement measures that are proven to increase the safety of our employees and residents.

Speaking of safety, many of you are aware that I am a career firefighter/paramedic. Your safety is one of my top priorities as Mayor and I take that responsibility very seriously. Police Chief Kevin Wyant and I meet often to discuss improvements and upgrades to our Police Department. Even the best departments can find areas to improve upon. With input from Village Council members, our recent discussions have included the future addition of body cameras and other technology that will allow our Officers to be better equipped to perform their duties. I am very proud of this department and the men and women who bravely serve our community. The addition of two new police cars this year has helped bring our fleet up to the standards our residents have been accustomed to. As for Fire and EMS, the Chagrin Valley Fire Department continues to set the standard for top level services while incorporating a regional funding model. The six communities served by this Fire Department continue to benefit from this funding model. Specifically, the taxpayers benefit from increased savings when compared to staffing their own individual fire departments.  Recently, all six communities have gathered to consider legislative efforts that will allow our Fire Department to undertake the capital improvements desperately needed at their current location. Through philanthropic efforts, this department has managed to collect nearly $800,000 of the expected $1,200,000 station renovation cost. Our Village Council will be discussing and voting upon a resolution that would empower our Village to contribute to this campaign using the metrics agreed upon by all six communities.

Lastly, I hope many of you have had the chance to see the improvements up at Forest Ridge. The newly paved access drives and parking areas will complement the wonderful pavilion slated for completion this fall. This area will be a focus for local gatherings and will open up many opportunities for us to better engage as a community. I continue to be very proud to serve as your Mayor. Have a wonderful September.