Possible swap could take place tonight

VW independent staff

A potential swap of seats is expected to be one of the items addressed during tonight’s meeting of Van Wert City Council.

At the previous council meeting, held on November 14, Second Ward Councilman Jordan Dettrow announced he was resigning because he and his family purchased a home outside of the ward. His resignation took effect on Friday, November 22.

However, Dettrow could be back quickly. After he announced his resignation, it was suggested that if current At-Large Councilwoman Judy Bowers would be willing, she and Dettrow could swap council seats. Bowers lives in the city’s second ward. She is not expected to be at tonight’s meeting, but a letter indicating a willingness to make the change would suffice. Because council members are non-partisan, the swap just needs the approval of Van Wert City Council.

Van Wert City Council is made up of four ward representatives – First Ward Councilman Jeff Agler, (formerly) Dettrow, Third Ward Councilwoman Julie Moore, and Fourth Ward Councilman Bill Marshall, along with three at-large members – Bowers, Jeff Kallas and Jana Ringwald, and Council President Thad Eikenbary.

Tonight’s agenda also includes the third and final reading of the city’s proposed 2025 budget, as well as the third reading of three ordinances providing for raises for various non-union city employees.

The meeting, which is open to the public, will begin at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers on the second floor of the Municipal Building, 515 E. Main St. Prior to the meeting, A “Council of the Whole” meeting will be held at 6 p.m. to discuss a possible course of action on a blighted property located at Chestnut St. and Central Ave.