Hundreds Brave Frigid Water To Kick Off The New Year In Waterville
BY NANCY GAGNET — MIRROR REPORTER
Last year they wore grass hula skirts and coconuts. This year a group of West Toledo family and friends chose traditional swimsuits for the New Year’s Day polar plunge.
“It’s the fourth year we’ve done this – it’s a team building thing,” Steve Groh said.
The group of 10 took to the banks of the Maumee River behind the old Waterville Elementary School on January 1, where approximately 400 people participated in the annual river dip.
According to Waterville Fire Chief Steve Parsons, the water temperature was the same as the air temperature, which reached 40 degrees.
“Everything went without a hitch. We didn’t have any problems,” Parsons said.
Wearing wet suits, several members of the rescue team also braved the cold river. Other rescue workers stood watch on the shore.
“We don’t sponsor this or control it. We’re just there in case something goes wrong,” Parsons said.
What is now a standing tradition for many began in the 1930s when longtime Waterville resident Herb Mericle jumped in the river at 2:30 p.m. on New Year’s Day in honor of his wedding anniversary. Mericle died in 2008 at age 101. His last dip into the river was in 2002.
Twins Nate and Chris Foley decided to take the plunge for the first time.
Nate of Monclova and Chris of Holland are both Anthony Wayne High School graduates.
“I decided this morning to give it a try,” Chris said.
His brother said the cold water hurt.
“It feels like needles poking in my legs,” he said.

Maumee City Council Approves 2012 Budget
BY NANCY GAGNET — MIRROR REPORTER
Income tax collections in the city of Maumee are expected to reach an all-time high in 2011 and the trend should continue in 2012, according to a finance committee report approved by Maumee City Council.
Income tax collections for 2011 are projected to reach more than $16 million, said finance committee chair and council member Jenny Barlos.
At the December 19 city council meeting, council members approved a majority of the finance committee report, which included 2011 expenses, funding for community events, rates and fees, and the overall budget for 2012.
Council members held a special meeting on December 23 to finalize approval of the report. Council also requested clarification related to wage and benefit ordinances for non-bargaining employees.
According to Barlos, the ordinance related to non-bargaining employees was kept in committee to allow for further discussion as necessary.
“It was approved by council, but that issue was also kept in committee so non-bargaining groups and the personnel committee could have the option to review it if they need too,” Barlos said.
A committee cannot discuss an issue unless council refers it; therefore, keeping the matter in committee would eliminate the need to refer the issue again, she said.
“Since we are waiting for results of a performance audit and updating staff job descriptions, we know there will be further discussion,” she said.
With $16.15 million projected in revenue and $17.4 million projected in expenses, the finance committee has projected a $1.25 million deficit in 2012.
Of the deficit, $905,000 is attributed to costs related the Maumee Municipal Court.
Expenses in the general fund, which include personnel costs, are expected to increase by $332,600 in 2012, due in part to retirement payouts to three employees, as well as training expenses and salary increases due to promotions.
The report included $62,300 in funding for community programs, which is a 5 percent decrease from 2011 and a 49 percent decrease since 2009.
While the city will provide $29,000 for the Maumee Senior Center’s utility costs and building repairs, it has eliminated funding the senior nutrition program.
“It is the understanding of the committee through communications with the senior center executive director that other communities do not contribute toward the senior nutrition program but still receive it in their communities,” Barlos said.
The city will continue to fund the Maumee Valley Historical Society, Substance Abuse Interven-tion League and the American Legion flag program.
As recommended by the finance committee, city council also approved a 2.4 percent increase in ambulance and mileage rates.
“The finance director noted that the rates had been increased two years ago and roughly five years prior to that,” Barlos said.