All Bluffton Icon News

Michelle Ann Sherick, 40, passed away August 18, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. Michelle was born December 16, 1983 in Findlay. On June 24, 2006 she married Tyson Sherick who preceded her in death on January 10, 2018.

Robert “Bob” Wilch, passed away on August 18, 2024 in Arizona.  Arrangements are pending at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton.

In this series, the Icon presents the Bluffton Beyond Tomorrow comprehensive plan in eight segments, which can be found in full on the Village of Bluffton website HERE. The Bluffton Public Library has two print copies.

Housing
Municipalities across the nation are reviewing housing supply data as societal evolutions change requirements. The number of occupants per home is decreasing and the average home is growing in square footage. Our earliest pertinent data for Bluffton was collected in 1970. Just over 50 years ago, each resident averaged 325 square feet of living space with the mean home spanning 1,500 square feet. The most recent decennial census in 2020 identified the average home size in Bluffton as 2,465 square feet, raising the living space to resident ratio to 431 square feet to one resident (Allen County Auditor data).

Similar statistics could be tracked in most American municipalities. Denser populations are the goal because they are more efficient. Running utilities 2,000 feet to 10 homes returns less revenue than the same distance for 20 homes. Income tax on 20 homes returns far more capital to the municipality than property taxes on large lots with proportional homes.

By Betsi Werling

The August 19 meeting of the Bluffton Exempted Village Schools Board of Education included the approval of supplemental contracts for coaches, advisors and substitute staff and teachers. The use of a therapy dog was approved in the schools.

The regular board meeting for the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District is cancelled for Tuesday, August 20, 2024 due to the lack of the required quorum.

By Cort Reynolds

Playing at home, the Bluffton volleyball team lost to Shawnee in four tough sets Monday, August 19.

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