Citizen Portal News Ohio

Erie County asks Huron to consider joining regional water-sewer feasibility study Erie County commissioners asked the Huron City Council to consider participating in an independent feasibility study to explore regionalizing water and sewer services across the county. Commissioners said an independent study would establish a factual baseline on capacity, operations and potential cost savings; council members pressed for details,,

Erie County is proposing a groundbreaking feasibility study that could reshape water and sewer services across multiple communities, promising potential savings and improved efficiency.

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#OH #CitizenPortal #RegionalCollaboration #InfrastructureImprovement #CostEfficiency

NBCTC receives 5-star state rating; ranks No.2 in classroom spending, board told The career-technical center reported a 5-star state rating and that 76.4% of its funds go directly to classroom instruction, ranking second among 18 centers. The center also announced an additional remote learning day for Regional SkillsUSA and reviewed staff and student travel approvals and resignations.

The NBCTC just scored a prestigious 5-star state rating and ranks second in Ohio for classroom funding—find out how they're investing in the future of education!

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#OH #CitizenPortal #EducationExcellence #RemoteLearning #WorkforceDevelopment

Tipp City board hears update on state bills that could reshape property-tax levies and local school funding At a Tipp City Exempted Village work session, a district staff member reviewed pending state proposals — including House Bill 129 and House Bill 309 — that could eliminate emergency levies, alter the 20-mill floor calculation and affect rollback credits. Board members debated messaging to the community and were told county valuations and a proposed

Major changes in Ohio's property tax laws could impact local school funding and emergency levies, raising concerns among the Tipp City Board of Education.

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#OH #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #TaxReform #EducationFunding

Canton Local treasurer: local taxes up, foundation revenues down; board readies messaging for Nov. 4 levy as House Bill 186 raises funding concerns The treasurer reported a year-over-year increase in local tax collections and a decline in foundation revenues. Administrators urged community support for a renewal levy on the Nov. 4 ballot and warned that recent revisions to House Bill 186, including a retroactive provision, could reduce state funding to districts.

Local tax collections have surged by $600,000, but with state funding on the decline, the district is sounding the alarm about a crucial levy on the Nov. 4 ballot.

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#OH #CitizenPortal #LegislativeImpact #LocalTaxation #EducationFunding

Middle school sets measurable attendance, behavior and achievement targets; CareerTech posts strong outcomes Middle-school leaders outlined three measurable goals — lower chronic absenteeism to 21%, reduce minor referrals by 20% (major referrals by 30%), and raise test subject scores by 3% — while CareerTech partners reported 5-star results and strong Perkins indicators.

Middle and high school leaders in Ohio are setting ambitious goals to boost attendance, behavior, and achievement—could this be the turning point for student success?

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#OH #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #AttendanceIncentives #StudentSuccess

Canton Local board says SWAT call handled; ParentSquare outage delayed messages, board weighs backups A SWAT-call threat at Canton South High School was handled without incident, but a nationwide ParentSquare outage delayed parent notifications. The board discussed backup systems, clarified lockdown messaging and plans to review redundancy for emergency communications.

A SWAT-call threat at Canton South High School was managed effectively, but a major communication outage left parents in the dark during the emergency.

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#OH #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EmergencyCommunications #EducationSecurity

Council moves supplemental appropriations, hears multiple ordinances and a 9-1-1 addressing resolution Council approved an appropriations supplemental after suspending rules and held readings on zoning fee changes and an Efficiency Smart contract renewal; a resolution to allow the county engineer to serve as addressing authority for Next Generation 9-1-1 was set for a future reading.

St. Marys City Council just passed a critical emergency ordinance that reshapes fiscal spending and introduces new zoning fees—big changes are coming!

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#OH #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #ZoningRegulations #EmergencyResponse

Police, county and federal partners credited for quick response to school lockdown City officials said law enforcement response to a recent school lockdown was timely; police described FBI and Fusion Center involvement and said tracing the call led to an overseas VPN and no domestic location was identified.

A recent school lockdown in St. Marys showcased the seamless coordination between local police, federal partners, and mutual aid agencies, revealing the complexities of tracking an anonymous threat that originated overseas.

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#OH #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CivicAccountability

Delaware County approves design contracts and procurement steps for sanitary sewer and biosolids projects The board approved design, planning and procurement steps for multiple sanitary sewer and biosolids projects, including a Liberty Hills trunk sewer design with an estimated $2 million construction cost and a biosolids master plan to study processing and hauling at nine treatment facilities.

Delaware County is investing $2 million in ambitious sewer rehabilitation and a comprehensive biosolids master plan to enhance its wastewater infrastructure for the future.

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#DelawareCounty #OH #CitizenPortal #WastewaterManagement #DelawareCountyInfrastructure

Delaware County commissioners approve letter urging end to federal shutdown as staff warn of SNAP and veterans impacts The Delaware County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a letter asking federal elected officials to resolve the federal government shutdown after Job and Family Services and Veterans Service staff described likely local effects, including interrupted SNAP payments beginning Nov. 1 and possible pay and health-care timing issues for reservis

Delaware County officials are sounding the alarm as a federal shutdown threatens vital SNAP benefits for over 6,300 residents starting Nov. 1.

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#DelawareCounty #OH #CitizenPortal #FoodSecurity #EconomicResilience #VeteransSupport

Votes at a glance: Franklin County commissioners approve contracts, grants, annexation and debt action At its Oct. 28 meeting the Franklin County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a slate of resolutions including contract awards for road work and a shared-use path, cybersecurity and phone-system contracts for Job & Family Services, a Department of Justice grant application for the prosecutor, an expedited annexation to Obetz, and a cash "$

Franklin County Commissioners have made significant moves by approving major contracts and grants that will impact public safety, infrastructure, and community services.

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#FranklinCounty #OH #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CivicAccountability #FranklinCountyHumanServices

Dublin superintendent pauses high‑school redistricting, calls for expanded community focus groups Superintendent Dr. Marschhausen told the board the district is pausing the current high‑school redistricting effort to seek broader community input and to have the board and policy committee review Policy 51 20. He cited the need for a 'cooling off period,' said an external consultant (Planning Next) has been contacted, and gave cost figures for to

Dublin City Schools is hitting pause on high-school redistricting, prioritizing community input before making any changes!

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#OH #CitizenPortal #CommunityInput #EducationPolicy #TransparencyInGovernance

Community Development reports $66 million in 2024 investment, growth in EV charger use and steady permitting The Community Development Department presented its 2024 annual report, reporting roughly $66 million in total recorded investment, 362 building permits and increases in EV-charger sessions (258 in 2023 to 403 in 2024). Major projects included Cincinnati Childrens Applied Gene Therapy Center and a $17 million Live Smart hotel under construction in

The city is booming with $66 million in investments, major projects underway, and a significant rise in electric vehicle charger usage — all set to reshape the community!

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#OH #InfrastructureInvestment #CitizenPortal #SustainabilityEfforts #EconomicDevelopment

Council adopts Mill Creek Triangle Trail feasibility study to support regional trail grants Council approved Resolution 2025-R13 adopting the Mill Creek Triangle Trail feasibility study, a regional plan led by Tri-State Trails and Arcadis that identifies trail connections through northern Hamilton County including focus areas in Sharonville. Planning commission recommended approval; adoption allows jurisdictions to use the plan for grant-

Sharonville City Council has taken a major step towards enhancing local connectivity by adopting the Mill Creek Triangle Trail feasibility study, paving the way for crucial regional trail grants!

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#OH #CitizenPortal #GrantFunding #CommunityDevelopment #RegionalPlanning

Akron City Council approves consultants, housing contractor and local historic landmark; several items referred or placed on consent agenda Council approved an employee-benefits consulting services ordinance, added a contractor to the housing rehabilitation program (one-year contract, not to exceed $600,000), and designated the John Brown House as a local historic landmark. Several conditional-use items were referred to committee or placed on the consent agenda; the proposed FOP wage/f

Akron City Council just made major moves, approving a $600,000 housing contract and designating the historic John Brown House as a landmark!

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#AkronSummitCounty #OH #HistoricPreservation #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #CommunityDevelopment #AkronHousing

Residents and council members press for full public disclosure of Akron police union contract amid accountability concerns Public commenters and two council members urged Akron City Council to delay action and publicly read the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) contract, citing use-of-force statistics, limited citizen-review-board authority in the agreement and the need for transparency before any vote.

Akron residents are demanding transparency in the Fraternal Order of Police contract, citing alarming statistics on police violence and accountability that the public deserves to see.

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#AkronSummitCounty #OH #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #TransparencyInGovernment

Votes at a glance: donations, warrants, a TIF collateral amendment and two contract actions The board approved routine minutes and warrants, accepted a $5,207.67 donation to the police department, approved a DHEA TIF collateral-assignment amendment, and approved two contract actions after executive session (fire chief amendment and administrator contract extension). The board also moved the November meeting to Nov. 10 and adjourned.

Brimfield Trustees made significant moves, including accepting a $5,207 donation for the police and extending key contracts for the Fire Chief and Township Administrator.

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#OH #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CivicAccountability #LocalGovAI

Hilliard council passes 2026 operating budget and multiple ordinances, approves water‑main contract On Oct. 27 Hilliard City Council approved the 2026 operating budget (Ordinance 25‑26) and several ordinance and resolution items including code updates and public‑works contracts. A motion to delay non‑police new hires failed; the operating budget passed 6–1. Multiple resolutions, including the Old Hilliard Water Main contract award, passed largely

Hilliard City Council just approved a $641,000 water main improvement and the 2026 operating budget, but one councilmember stood alone in opposition!

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#HilliardFranklinCounty #OH #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureImprovements #HilliardCityCouncil #CommunityPlanning

Commissioners highlight first-responder wellness center, Boardman stormwater park funded with ARPA and opioid-settlement dollars Commissioners and staff used the Oct. 30 meeting to highlight recent community projects funded with federal ARPA and opioid-settlement dollars, including the newly opened Smith Wellness Center for first responders and a Boardman Township stormwater park and track that officials say will reduce basement flooding and provide educational opportunities

Mahoning County is making strides in community health and safety with the new Smith Wellness Center for first responders and a transformative stormwater park designed to protect residents from flooding.

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#MahoningCounty #OH #CommunityInvestment #CitizenPortal

Food-service director outlines USDA school-meal changes; Monroe will phase in reduced added sugars and maintain whole-grain requirements The district’s food-service presenter reviewed forthcoming USDA updates to National School Lunch Program standards — including limits on added sugars in cereals and flavored milk, phasing from 2025 through 2027 — and described Monroe’s approach to meeting them while keeping popular menu items.

Big changes are coming to school lunches in Monroe as the district phases in new USDA nutrition standards aimed at reducing added sugars and promoting healthier meals by 2027!

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#OH #CitizenPortal #HealthySchoolMeals #NutritionStandards #ChildhoodNutrition

Animal Charity of Ohio asks Mahoning County to confirm prosecutor services, seek appropriations amid heavy demand Jane MacMurchie of Animal Charity of Ohio told the Mahoning County Board of Commissioners the nonprofit provides countywide animal-control services without a formal county contract, faces rising caseload and costs, and was quoted $20,000 per year to use county prosecutor services. She asked commissioners to confirm statutory authority and consider,

In a heartfelt plea, Animal Charity of Ohio calls on Mahoning County to secure vital funding for their lifesaving animal-control services, which also protect vulnerable residents from abuse and neglect.

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#MahoningCounty #OH #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunitySupport

Office of Homeless Services warns HUD NOFO could cut permanent supportive‑housing funding and require treatment mandates The Office of Homeless Services told county council a forthcoming federal Notice of Funding Opportunity would cap funding for permanent supportive housing and rapid rehousing at about 30% of previous levels and require mandatory mental‑health or treatment components, forcing program redesigns and increased local operational costs.

Cuyahoga County's homeless services face a drastic funding cut, potentially forcing a shift from housing-first models to treatment-mandatory approaches—what does this mean for those in need?

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#CuyahogaCounty #OH #CitizenPortal #MentalHealthSupport #CommunityResilience

Advocates push Hamilton County to press MSD for impervious-surface fees and fair sewer billing Community groups (CUFA, Sierra Club) and residents told commissioners the Metropolitan Sewer District should adopt an impervious-surface fee and reduce residential billing CCFs to address overcharging and runoff management. County staff said the county budget and MSD 2026 budget releases are imminent and that public hearings will be scheduled with"

Hamilton County residents are demanding fair sewer rates and stormwater management solutions, urging commissioners to implement an impervious-surface fee that holds large commercial owners accountable.

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#HamiltonCounty #OH #CitizenPortal #PublicParticipation

FirstEnergy briefs Akron public service committee on streetlight reporting and possible LED conversion FirstEnergy representative Amy Hopkins told the Public Service Committee how residents and councilmembers should report streetlight outages (311 or firstenergycorp.com), explained the information that helps crews locate poles, and said a pending PUCO rate case could end the ESIP special rate and trigger LED replacements either upon failure or as a-

FirstEnergy is set to revolutionize Akron's streetlights with a potential shift to LED fixtures, but residents will need to speak up about outages to keep the lights on!

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#AkronSummitCounty #OH #CitizenPortal #InfrastructureImprovement #AkronStreetlights #CommunitySafety

Superintendent outlines "portrait of a learner," cites five-star rating and honors National Merit students Superintendent Dr. Gupta updated the board on a districtwide Portrait of a Learner process, announced a five-star state report card rating, and recognized National Merit semifinalists and commended scholars by name.

Oakwood Schools is redefining education with its innovative Portrait of a Learner initiative, aiming to equip students with essential skills for the future while celebrating their impressive five-star state rating!

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#OakwoodCitySchoolDistricts #OH #CitizenPortal

City unveils $518.9 million proposed 2026 budget; public hearing scheduled for Feb. 18 City budget director Abby Patel Jones presented a $518.9 million proposed 2026 operating budget organized around 14 community priorities, with major investments in youth programs, demolition, housing, public safety and the Mediation Response Unit. Staff outlined legal steps and a public-hearing timeline for adoption of the appropriation ordinance.

The city has proposed a groundbreaking $518.9 million budget for 2026, prioritizing youth programs, housing investments, and public safety initiatives that could transform our communities.

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#OH #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #YouthDevelopment #HousingInvestment

Finance committee reviews 2026–2030 CIP; aquatics, Creekside funding and gateway signage discussed The finance committee reviewed the draft 2026–2030 Capital Improvement Plan on Oct. 27, focusing on the aquatics master plan, a site assessment request for Gahanna Soccer Park (GSP) pool options, entryway signage and updated Creekside cost estimates. Staff said the CIP book numbers have been updated and that formal funding requests for the Creekide

Gahanna's finance committee is making waves with bold plans for the future, including a $90,000 aquatics site assessment and significant upgrades to community parks and signage!

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#GahannaFranklinCounty #OH #GahannaFinance #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityImprovement

Gahanna officials review Creekside development agreement; parking, financing and staging remain unresolved City staff and developer representatives updated council on the proposed Creekside mixed-use development, presenting parking-study findings, public-engagement results and a fiscal-impact analysis. The development agreement was refined (parcel verification, reconveyance terms, staging-area limits) but no final vote was taken; a public hearing is set

Gahanna's ambitious Creekside mixed-use project faces critical questions on parking and financing as developers present updates to city council, leaving residents eager for clarity.

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#GahannaFranklinCounty #OH #CitizenPortal #FiscalImpact #PublicEngagement #GahannaDevelopment

Finance director: municipal income tax supplies the bulk of Independence's revenue; debt down about $15 million since 2018 Finance Director Vernon Blaise told the State of the City audience that municipal income tax provides roughly two‑thirds to three‑quarters of annual revenue (about $35 million), property tax makes up under 2% and operating expenditures are the largest outlay. He said the city's debt declined about $15 million since 2018 and will be about $17.1 m at

Independence's Finance Director reveals that municipal income tax fuels two-thirds of city revenue, while the city has slashed its debt by $15 million since 2018—find out what this means for future projects!

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#OH #CitizenPortal #IndependenceCityFinance #DebtReduction

Speakers urge "yes" vote on Issue 9 to re-establish Dayton public hospital; residents cite access gaps after Good Samaritan closure Multiple public-comment speakers urged the commission and residents to support Issue 9, a citizen-driven ballot initiative to create a publicly governed Dayton hospital, citing the closure of Good Samaritan Hospital and local health-care access challenges.

Dayton residents are rallying for Issue 9 to create a public hospital, claiming the closure of Good Samaritan has left the community struggling for essential health care.

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#OH #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #CommunityTrust #HealthAccess #DaytonHealthcare