From The Mayor's Desk - November 9, 2025

Good evening residents of the Village of Hartsburg. 

I hope that everyone had a safe and enjoyable Halloween and enjoyed the extra hour of sleep last weekend.

The Village held its October Village Board Meeting on Monday 10/27/25 with its second largest turnout since the new Administration took office.  Five of the 9 residents present took the opportunity to share their thoughts, ranging from ways to improve the Village and make it safer for our children and residents, to distaste with the current Administration and their opinion of the direction that the Village is heading.

One resident expressed concern about speeding on Front Street noting excessive speeds and non-adherence to traffic signage.  They also felt that signage alone was ineffective without enforcement and suggested the Village explore speed cameras.  The resident also suggested online bill pay as an option for the Water Bills.

Rest assured, the Village is taking this concern seriously, as it is not the first time that we have heard it.  Since taking office, the Board has explored and researched several options to find the best possible solution to this problem.  We have partnered with the Sheriff’s Office and are taking their recommendations into consideration.  We have partnered with the Logan County Engineer for guidance and access to bulk signage orders.  Chris Bowling, our Chair for Streets and Maintenance, presented a proposal to the Board at Monday night’s meeting.  While there are still a few questions to be addressed, we are getting closer to approving and implementing a plan.  The Board is working diligently to ensure that all aspects are considered and that the signage is used appropriately.  We hope to have a resolution and an execution plan in the coming weeks.  Maria has been researching alternative options for the Water Dept billing and payment and has requested the topic be added to the November agenda.

Another resident shared concern that Board Meetings have been running too long and described this as inconsiderate and selfish. 

I agree that the length of the meetings has become a challenge.  The majority of the Board, myself included, have full-time jobs outside of our civil duties.  While not necessarily an excuse, it is important to note that over the last 6 months, the Board has covered a significant amount of ground.  In that time, we have welcomed 2 new Trustee appointments, implemented a new payroll system that is saving the Village money, completed 3 years’ worth of Audits, finalized groundwork for the Ordinance Officer and the Over-the-Counter Settlements, undergone an IEPA Water Tower Inspection, worked to stabilize the Water and Wells Dept, and had two Executive Sessions.  I remain committed to streamlining meetings and being respectful of everyone’s time, while still addressing the needs and issues of the Village.

A resident stated that the “Village Board is a joke” and asked us to “give them their Village back”. 

Please rest assured that our Village is still here and hopefully on a path toward reducing its alarmingly high debt, stabilizing its finances, and securing its future, all while holding residents accountable to Ordinances that have been in place for years, and in some cases, decades.

Another resident questioned whether Board Members were “puppets on a string” and cited unfounded claims that the Official Village of Hartsburg FB page bars certain residents from posting on the page.

In my opinion, the Board is comprised of a healthy mix of demographics.  Each Board member brings a wealth of real-world experience and demonstrates passion and dedication for their elected or appointed role.  Every issue discussed and voted upon by the six Village Trustees has been approved unanimously.  To date, the Village has not blocked any resident nor anyone at all from commenting on a post on the Village FB page.  Anyone who wishes to comment must follow the page for at least 24 hours.  Additionally, if a resident has blocked the page administrators, they will be unable to post or comment.

Another resident shared that they feel that “things” are “pushed through very quickly” and that certain items get approved but never completed. 

If there is a perception that the Board rushes issues or resolutions, I apologize.  I can assure you that is not the case.  As reflected in the length of recent Board Meetings and the amount of discussion, research and due diligence conducted, the Board takes its responsibilities seriously.  Regarding items that have been approved but not yet completed, many of those require volunteer time to carry out.  We are always seeking volunteers willing to share their time and skills to make Hartsburg a better place to live.  Please reach out if you are interested in helping with current or future projects.

I continue to stand by my commitment I made to the Board and to our Village when I took office.  I am here to serve the residents of Hartsburg.  If you have a question or concern, please reach out.  There are multiple ways to contact us, through the Village Phone (which accepts calls and texts), the Village email, or by speaking with one of the six Board members or myself.  We welcome the opportunity to address concerns early and encourage productive, respectful conversation.

As we continue navigating the modern age of social media, I caution residents not to believe everything they read online.  Some pages or sites spread misinformation.  Please continue to use the Official Village of Hartsburg Facebook page and DiscoverHartsburg.com as your trusted sources for accurate information.

I continue to welcome the residents to our Board Meetings and look forward to following up on questions or concerns in this same transparent manner in the future.  The next Village Board Meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 24^th at 7pm.  I hope to see you there.

With Sincerest Regards,

Darien Ritterbush

Mayor of the Village of Hartsburg

VoH - From the Mayors Desk - 11-9-2025.pdf

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