There will be no solar development in Bellefontaine for the Duff family—at least not within city limits.
On Tuesday night, the Bellefontaine City Council voted to uphold Mayor Dave Crissman’s veto of a proposed annexation of just more than 200 acres on the north side of town.
The controversial annexation would have brought land owned by Duff Quarry, Inc., into the city for potential solar development.
To override the mayor’s veto, two-thirds of council members needed to vote in favor.
However, the final vote was 4–2, falling short of the required supermajority, with Councilwoman Jenna James absent due to recent surgery.
Councilmen John Aler and Kyle Springs continued to vote no on the annexation, consistent with their stance throughout the entire process.
Council President Zeb Wagner opened the meeting by reading a statement from James, in which she explained that, after listening to constituents in her district, she would not support the annexation.
Following the meeting, both Dave and Scott Duff declined to comment on their next steps for the property when asked.
The vote effectively ends the annexation effort, which has been a subject of debate in recent months.
Mayor Dave Crissman had this to say after the meeting:
Other Council Business
Council also held readings on several ordinances and resolutions:
First Readings:
- Ordinance 25-39: Authorizes the Service-Safety Director to grant power of attorney to Priority Power Management, LLC, for natural gas aggregation services.
- Resolution R25-40: Adjusts the city’s capital asset threshold.
- Resolution R25-41: Amends the Debt Service Fund to the Recreational Improvements Fund and creates new revenue and expense accounts.
- Resolution R25-42: Approves extension of city water lines and services to a 1.423-acre parcel owned by Habitat for Humanity outside the city limits.
Second (and final) Readings:
- Ordinance 25-35: Makes supplemental appropriations for parks, the city pool, and the fire department.
- Ordinance 25-36: Authorizes bids and contracts for the Harmon Park Project.
- Ordinance 25-37: Authorizes design work for the new Hoffman Municipal Swimming Pool.
Third Reading:
- Ordinance 25-32: Provides additional appropriations for park-related expenditures.
Tuesday’s meeting marked the final City Council session for the month of June.
The next Bellefontaine City Council meeting will be held Tuesday, July 8th at 7:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.
