The Logan County Mayors Association met Wednesday in Bellefontaine to discuss local projects, economic development, and community updates.
Only two mayors attended, along with other elected officials and community leaders.
Logan County Sheriff Randy Dodds and County Engineer Scott Coleman discussed the half-percent sales tax renewal on the November ballot.
The tax costs 50 cents for every $100 spent and helps fund local road and bridge projects.
If renewed, the tax rate will remain the same.
Helen Norris with the Logan County Emergency Management Agency reported that the agency has approved its 2027 budget and is fully staffed.
She also reminded local officials that EMA is available to help their communities when needed.
Jara Everheart with Community Health and Wellness discussed school-based health care services available in every Logan County school district except Bellefontaine City Schools.
Ben Vollrath with Logan County Economic Development announced a legislative breakfast with Congressman Bernie Moreno next Thursday at 8 a.m. at Otterbein Green Hills.
He also said he will join Bellefontaine City Council members next week to visit data center sites and research what might be best for the city.
Vollrath also invited attendees to the Stars in Business Awards on November 4 at the Holland Theatre.
Logan County Commissioner Greg Fitzpatrick outlined several county projects involving housing, transportation and infrastructure.
The county has approximately $14.1 million in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funding.
Plans include building up to 30 single-family homes with Habitat for Humanity of Logan County, repairing or rebuilding up to eight tornado-damaged homes, developing up to 20 affordable multifamily housing units, and making infrastructure improvements such as extending water and sewer lines.
Fitzpatrick also reported that the county received a $1.27 million federal grant to renovate the building at 315 West Auburn Avenue for the Logan County Transportation Facility.
The building was affected by major flooding in 2017.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2027, with completion planned by July 1.
Transportation services are expected to start with four vans, with additional vans anticipated in early 2028.
Bridges Community Action will help operate the service.
Another project involves a $2.5 million Ohio Department of Transportation grant to improve the Simon Kenton Bike Path between Bellefontaine and Urbana.
Planned work includes asphalt paving and improvements to signage and drainage.
Zanesfield Mayor Joe Fawcett reported that the village’s car show earlier this summer attracted 84 vehicles.
Leaf pickup will begin October 26 and continue every Monday through November 23.
The village will host Santa at Firehouse Pizza on December 6 from 4:30 to 6 p.m., followed by a Christmas tree lighting.
Fawcett also said the village has one vacant council seat and could have a second opening in January.
Applicants must have lived in Zanesfield for at least one year and be registered voters. The village plans to continue road paving in 2027.
Bellefontaine Mayor Dave Crissman discussed the city’s growth and recent flooding.
He also confirmed that Papa John’s, Jersey Mike’s and Jimmy John’s are coming to Bellefontaine.
City officials are also considering the future of the former Old National Salt building on Main Street.
Work continues on the city’s hoop building at that location, where officials are getting quotes for a concrete floor and making repairs and updates.
The building is expected to provide storage for street department equipment and office space.
Crissman said the city is continuing to review how its buildings can best be used as it moves forward with several projects.
The Logan County Mayors Association meets quarterly.
The next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 20, 2027, at 6:30 p.m.
The location has not yet been determined.
