Rossford

General Overview
Rossford is situated along the Maumee River in Wood County, Ohio, The town lies at the so-called "Crossroads of America," the intersection of Interstate 75 and the Ohio Turnpike. This location has allowed Rossford to build a strong manufacturing base in a variety of industries including glass, plastic, automotive assembly and parts production. Rossford has a large school district with three public grade-schools, one junior-high and a high-school. Rossford's cost of living is 16.85% lower than the U.S. average.

History
Rossford was founded in 1898 by Edward Ford of the Libbey-Owens-Ford Glass Company, who purchased 173 acres along the Maumee River for his factory. Ford named the town Rossford, combining the last name of his second wife, Caroline Ross, with his. In 1998, Rossford built a memorial next to the Ford Club in honor of the town's centennial, which was celebrated with a street fair, parade, concert, and other festivities.

Government Services
Rossford is governed by a mayor and a seven member city council.

The Rossford Fire and Rescue Department runs special operations and marine rescue units in addition to the standard firefighting operations.

The city of Rossford has its own police department.

Tax Rates
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units in 2000: 1.2% ($1,343)

Employment
Rossford is home to hydraulics, technology, automotive related, retail, transportation and basic manufacturing firms. The area's largest employers include

Bowling Green State University
Cooper Standard Automotive, Inc
DaimlerChrysler AG
Great lakes Window
Magna/Norplas Inc
Owens Community College
Perrysburg Village Board of Education
Rudolph-Libbe Companies
Wood County Government
Wood County Hospital Assoc

Recreation
Rossford's parks offer a wide variety of spaces for leisure activities. Located on the Maumee River, Veterans Memorial Park has facilities for boating, fishing, baseball, tennis, basketball, volleyball, outdoor grills, and picnicking. Beech Street Park is equipped with a batting cage, concession stand, two play areas, tennis courts, ball diamond with enclosed dugouts, basketball court and a small picnic area.. Island View Park has an exercise trail with 16 stations. W.W. Knight Nature Preserve features a nature center and a chance to enjoy the outdoors in a quiet setting.

Community Organizations
Rossford Senior Center, Rossford American Legion Post 533, Girl Scouts: Maumee Valley Council; Boy Scouts: Erie Shores Council: Commodore Perry District