The Bellefontaine City Council rejected Kristina Bellefontaine, LLC’s application for a Bellefontaine Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) on Tuesday night. This is the second time the council has considered the application for tax breaks and renovations at the Deercreek Apartments on Kristina Drive.
Initially, the tax abatement request was 75% for 15 years. As previously reported, the council rejected the proposed CRA on July 29th. During that vote, council members Reser, Palmer, Easton, and Lile all voted no.
This time, the application was for 70% for 15 years. In this vote, council members Palmer, Reser, Springs, and Easton voted no.
In his report to the council, Service-Safety Director Wes Dodds thanked the participants and helpers who made last weekend’s America 250 Parade a smashing success. He said it involved nearly a year of planning and was thankful that the severe weather never materialized.
Dodds also said the city continues to address flooding concerns of many residents. He said the city recently rented a second vacuum truck that city crews are using to clear out storm sewers in the city. He also ordered every waterway in the city to be walked in its entirety, with pictures showing areas of possible concern.
Dodds talked about the ongoing mitigation efforts:
Police Chief Chris Marlow said that the two new cruisers are in service. He said the cruiser that was damaged by the tree is scheduled to be built in the near future. Also, the department has six employees in training: two dispatchers, two officers in field training, and two officers in the academy.
Fire Chief Brian Wilson told the council that he was informed that the ladder truck that developed engine problems is slated to be reassembled this week. He said he will continue to monitor the situation.
City Engineer Jim Bischoff updated the council on work that will be done to address flooding concerns in the Red Pines and White Pines neighborhoods. He said he recommended that modifications be made to the current retention ponds, including removing the divider between the ponds. It is hoped, according to Bischoff, that the increased capacity will alleviate the flooding that has occurred.
Bischoff also echoed the comments of SSD Dodds and said that the old sanitation lift station in the area could be used after being refitted with pumps.
Code Enforcement Officer Amber Parker said that the properties that were voluntarily demolished are all completely down. She reminded the council that these were done at no cost to the city. She said that she is already working on the next round of voluntary demolitions.
Several ordinances were given various readings:
Resolutions
R26-42 – A resolution authorizing the City of Bellefontaine to order the Logan County Auditor to remove an additional tax lien on certain real estate taxes as stated herein. Resolution adopted.
R26-43 – A resolution accepting the amounts and rates as determined by the Budget Commission and authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the County Auditor. Resolution adopted.
R26-44 – A resolution approving the Bellefontaine Community Reinvestment Area Project application of Kristina Bellefontaine LLC, and authorizing the City to enter into a Community Reinvestment Area Agreement with said applicant and directing the Housing Officer and City Auditor to take all necessary actions to effectuate the tax exemptions granted therein. The resolution failed, with council members Reser, Palmer, Easton, and Lile voting no.
Ordinances for 1st Reading
26-45 – An ordinance to approve, adopt, and enact the 2026 Replacement Pages to the Codified Ordinances. Ordinance passed on first reading only.
26-46 – An ordinance amending the pay rate for the Bellefontaine City School District Seasonal School Resource Officer. Ordinance passed on first reading only.
Ordinances for 2nd Reading
26-40 – An ordinance making Supplemental Appropriations and amending the Permanent Appropriations ordinance for purposes of the Insurance Trust Fund. Motion to waive the three-reading rule passed. Ordinance adopted.
Ordinances for 3rd Reading
26-37 – An ordinance making supplemental appropriations and amending the Permanent Appropriations ordinance for purposes of Group Insurance. Ordinance adopted.
The next meeting of the Bellefontaine City Council will be Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 7:30 PM in council chambers. The meetings are open to the public.
