Office of the Mayor

State of the Village

January 14th , 2026

As we reflect on 2025, the Village of Beverly made meaningful progress despite ongoing financial and infrastructure challenges. This year required difficult decisions, careful planning, and a strong focus on long-term stability and I am thankful of what has been accomplished.

Major Accomplishments

One of the most significant actions taken in 2025 was the acceptance of the resignation of Police Chief Todd Bumbalough. While this was not an easy decision, it marked an important step toward rebuilding and strengthening the Beverly Police Department. Since that time, the department has been rebuilt and stabilized, positioning it for continued improvement moving forward.

We also made substantial improvements to the Municipal building. The back half of the building was cleaned out, repaired, and painted. This space had gone unused for many years, and our goal is to offer it for rent in 2026+, creating a new revenue stream for the Village.

To improve accountability and consistency in operations, the Village developed and adopted formal policies for both employees and elected officials. These policies were added to the employee handbook and now serve as a foundation for clear expectations and effective governance.

In order to remain compliant with EPA regulations, the Village hired a third-party provider to inspect and verify all backflow devices within the Village’s water system. This proactive step helps protect our drinking water supply and ensures continued regulatory compliance.

Additionally, the Village entered into a contract with the communication platform Text-My-Gov. this system allows the Village to communicate important-and sometimes emergency-information directly to residents, while also enabling residents to report concerns and safety issues.

Our wastewater treatment plant also achieved its second consecutive year with no E.coli violations, under the operation of Carl McKim-an important accomplishment for public health and environmental protection.

Grant Success and Infrastructure Investment

In 2025, the village was successful in securing the County’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). This funding will allow the Village to:

• Replace an aging asbestos water main

• Replace all picnic tables throughout the Village

• Provide the Beverly Volunteer Fire Department with much needed safety equipment

This grant represents a major investment in public health, safety, and quality of life for our residents.

The village also transitioned it internet and phone services from Spectrum to Frontier, resulting in improved service reliability and cost savings.

2025 Goals Progress

At the beginning of the year, six primary goals were identified. By year’s end, four of those goals were fully completed:

1. Establishing backup licensed operators for both wastewater and drinking water systems; Chris McKim obtained a WWl wastewater license & Devon Gibson obtained a Class l water license.

2. Rebuilding the Beverly Police Department, with police Chief Matt Rummer playing a key role in restoring stability and professionalism.

3. Developing and adopting Village and Police Department policies, made possible through the efforts of Josh Holland & Rollin “Bud” Hopkins.

4. Making significant progress on the Ferry Street Project. The Village partnered with the Mayors Partnership for Progress to update outdated plans and pursue financial assistance necessary to complete this project.

The fifth goal-replacement of playground equipment and restroom facilities at Dodge Park-advanced through the completion of cost estimates and the submission of a grant application in 2025. We are hopeful this project will move forward in 2026.

The sixth goal was to establish a county-wide paving alliance. Unfortunately, asphalt prices have increased dramatically over the past four years, making traditional paving financially unrealistic, Instead, in 2025 the Village utilized chip seal and fog sealing on selected streets. These treatments cost approximately one-quarter of traditional paving and wil help extend the fire of our roadways.

Acknowledgements

None of this progress would have been possible without the dedication of our Village leadership and staff. I would like to thank our Village council members: Derrick Huck, President; Jay Arnold; Abby Spung; Rollin “Bud” Hopkins; Edgar “Pete” Kegley’ Josh Holland; and Solicitor Tom Webster. I also extend my gratitude to our Board of Public Affairs members, Stacey Brooks, President; Rodney “Boo” Strahler; and Jason Lipot.

My sincere thanks go to our Village employees, who work on the front lines every day to make things happen:

• Stephanie Campbell, Fiscal Officer

• Emily Lockhart, Water/Sewer/Mayor’s Clerk

• Police Chief Matt Rummer

• Lieutenant Brad Oliver

• Officer Andrew Currey

• Part time officers Steve Boyd and Ted Offenberger

• Village Administrator Chris McKim

• Carl McKim, Wastewater Operator

• Devon Gibson, Water Operator and Mechanic

• Sam Brooker, who has agreed to assist part-time with his wastewater and sewer license

This dedicated team has helped us achieve key goals, complete numerous projects, and position the Village of Beverly for success in 2026 and beyond.

Looking Ahead

While challenges remain, 2025 was a year of progress, responsible decision-making, and preparation for the future. The Village of Beverly continues to move forward by focusing on infrastructure, regulatory compliance, public safety, and fiscal responsibility. I look forward to building on the momentum in 2026.

Submitted by James W. Ullman, Mayor