It is hard to believe that Summer is winding down, and the year is more than half over. Over the summer, we have been quite busy in the Village of Oreana. We kicked off summer with the return of the Oreana Park Program. After a several year break, the park program returned with an average of around 65 kids attending the program each day. The kids participated in crafts, free-play, games, and sports. We also had special guests from the A-O Fire Dept, Oreana Police Dept, and the Macon County Farm Bureau visit the park throughout the summer. Overall the park program was a great success and we look forward to bringing it back again next summer.

The Village Board has also had a busy summer. In May, the Village Board approved my appointment of Aaron Donath to fill the remaining two years of an unexpired term. Please join me in welcoming Trustee Donath to the Village Board. The Village Board also approved re-appointments of Treasurer Michelle Fleming, Clerk Anne Kirby, and Attorney Mike Antoline.

Also during the May meeting, the Village Board approved two proposals from Chastain and Associates (Village Engineering Firm) to conduct two separate studies. The objective of the first study is to evaluate possible solutions for the drainage issues on W. Plains Drive, particularly from the intersection of Rayjon Drive and W. Plains Drive, South to Westmoor Drive. While this problem has been studied before, the objective of this study is to find a solution that we can currently afford.

The objective of the second study is to evaluate our current water and sewer rates and provide recommendations regarding those rates. While the Village has increased the utility rates in recent years, utility revenues continue to fall short of what is needed to operate the system. The Village Board will soon receive the results of both studies, and will determine the next steps over the next few months.

As always, please visit the village website at: oreanail.com to view the most recent meeting minutes, ask a question, or contact the Village. You can also email me directly at mayor@oreanail.com, or call 468-2476.

Aaron Keathley

Mayor