Leadership Change and Key Projects Approved at Jefferson Council Meeting

Village Administrator Chris Mackensen announced his departure to return as Jefferson Police Chief during Monday’s village council meeting. The council unanimously approved Mayor James Chiacchiero’s recommendation to appoint Steven Murphy as the new Village Administrator effective April 21.

“It’s not easy to step away from a role that has meant so much to me,” Mackensen told council members in an emotional address. “Serving as administrator has been an honor and working with the incredible people to keep the village running has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.”

Mackensen, who served as administrator for the past year and a half, highlighted accomplishments including rewriting the employee handbook and launching several infrastructure initiatives. He expressed confidence in Murphy, pledging to work closely with him during the transition.

Wastewater Project Funding Approved

A significant portion of the meeting addressed financial needs for the wastewater treatment plant’s clarifier project. Council unanimously passed Resolution 2025-R-3379, authorizing up to $100,000 to be transferred from the general fund to the sewer improvements fund, and Resolution 2025-R-3380, allowing Mayor Chiacchiero to contract with Union Industrial Contractors for the project.

The Phase One clarifier project (Project No. 241530) will cost $615,000, which exceeds the original $515,000 estimate by $100,000. Finance Committee Chair Steven Sekanina previously recommended a loan from the general fund with a three-to-five-year payback period, with the first two years likely having no repayment due to budget constraints.

“We need to find a way to fund the $100,000 we are short,” Administrator Mackensen told council. “The wastewater budget does not have the funding needed to support the additional $100,000.” The resolution was approved as an emergency measure to avoid project delays.

Government Restructuring

Council gave final approval to four significant ordinances that will reshape village government:

Ordinance No. 25-O-3376 rezoned Permanent Parcel Number 26-022-00-139-00 from Industrial to R-3-Multifamily Residential. Administrator Mackensen noted the sale was pending this zoning change, though the buyer remains unidentified.

Ordinance No. 25-O-3373 amended the village’s overtime policy, now counting holiday time off toward overtime calculations for most hourly employees.

Council approved Ordinance No. 25-O-3374, which combines the elected Village Clerk and Treasurer positions into an appointed Fiscal Officer role. This decision followed debate at the April 7 meeting when Councilman Pasquale Martuccio unsuccessfully attempted to require voter approval for the change, arguing that with “444 people having viewed our last council meeting,” the decision should be left to voters in the November 2025 election.

Ordinance No. 25-O-3375 waived village residency requirements for the new Fiscal Officer position.

Community Updates

Fire Chief Lachey delivered positive news, reporting the village’s ISO rating improved from 5.6 to 4.45 – the best rating in Jefferson’s history. “This is great for the village because it will reduce insurance rates for everyone,” Lachey said, with new rates taking effect July 1.

The village spring cleanup day is scheduled for May 10, coinciding with the county tire takeback day. Residents must wrap fabric and leather furniture in plastic, with items placed out between May 7-9. Collection crews will make only one pass through the village.

Recreation Director Roderick reported the Giddings Park playground and basketball and pickleball courts are now open. The department seeks volunteer coaches for youth T-ball (May 27-June 27) and soccer (July 8-August 7) programs, both costing $45 per child.

Council also approved Resolution 2025-R-3381, authorizing participation in ODOT’s 2025 road salt contracts. The village committed to purchasing 400 tons of road salt.

The next Jefferson Village Council meeting will be held May 5 at 7:30 p.m.