Barnhill Residents to Vote on Village Dissolution
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Oct. 29, 2026) – Barnhill’s future is on the ballot Tuesday. Issue 11 is a measure asking whether the village of roughly 400 residents should surrender its corporate powers. If approved, Tuscarawas County Prosecutor Scott Deedrick says Barnhill would likely be absorbed by Goshen Township, with the county taking over maintenance.
County officials say Barnhill hasn’t had a mayor or any public officials for more than a year, leaving no one authorized to appoint replacements, pay bills, cash tax checks, or access village bank accounts. Residents report worsening roads and fear facing another winter without snow removal.
Deedrick called the situation unprecedented. Residents began circulating petitions in July to place the issue on the ballot, needing just 23 signatures.