Bellefontaine City Engineer Jim Bischoff informed the Bellefontaine Council that GoBus, a statewide transportation company, will be coming to Bellefontaine in 2026 in his remarks Tuesday night. Bischoff, also a member of the Transportation Planning Committee of the Logan, Union, and Champaign (LUC) Regional Planning Commission, said that Bellefontaine is one of several new proposed stops on the state-wide system.
Bellefontaine will be located on the Toledo-to-Cincinnati and Lima-to-Columbus routes, and the addition of the city will allow residents to use the service. Bischoff talks about the development:
The Federal Transit Administration and ODOT are funding the program, and, according to Bischoff, putting the stops on city-owned property will allow the city to apply for grants to erect shelters or other structures as needed. For more information on GoBus, visit their website here.
In his report, Mayor David Crissman updated the council on the continued work on the Master Plan. Work on the plan is ongoing, and he is hopeful the plan will be presented to the council early next year.
Service Safety Director Wes Dodds said that leaf pick-up is continuing and will continue as long as the weather permits. He also said that interviews for the new Downtown Event Coordinator are happening. The new hire will replace outgoing Maddie Stotler.
Police Chief Chris Marlow told the council that seven candidates were recently interviewed, and the Civil Service Commission will certify the interviews soon. Once that is done, he hopes to make an offer to a candidate.
Fire Chief Brian Wilson updated the council on vehicle issues. Both engines are back in service, but one ambulance unit developed electrical problems and was taken out of service. Since the unit is new, he believes that the work will be covered under warranty. He will also travel to Urbana to inspect the new engine authorized by the council in early December.
The council also tackled a heavy legislative agenda.
Ordinances for first reading:
- R25-93 – A resolution approving the investments and expenditures from the Dr. Earl Sloan Endowment Fund for 2025 and return of unused grants. Resolution adopted.
- 25-94 – An ordinance making supplemental appropriations and amending the Permanent Appropriations Ordinance for purposes of Police, Fire, Cemetery, Wastewater Loan payment, and Ambulance. Motion to suspend the three-reading rule approved. Motion to pass on first and final reading. Ordinance adopted.
- 25-95 – An ordinance approving Ludlow Ridge Phase 2 Subdivision Dedication Plat containing 16.577 acres in Lake Township. Motion to suspend the three-reading rule adopted (Springs voted no). Motion to pass on first and final reading approved (Springs voted no). Ordinance adopted.
Ordinances for second reading:
- 25-75 – An ordinance establishing and providing for compensation for the president of council, council members, clerk of council, mayor, law director, and auditor for 2026. Passed on second reading only.
- 25-76 – An ordinance establishing and providing for compensation for certain Bellefontaine Municipal Court employees. Passed on second reading only.
- 25-77 – An ordinance establishing and providing for compensation of the Bellefontaine Municipal Court Judge for 2026. Passed on second reading only.
- 25-78 – An ordinance establishing and providing for compensation for certain hourly employees of the City of Bellefontaine. Passed on second reading only.
- 25-79 – An ordinance establishing and providing for compensation for certain hourly employees of the City of Bellefontaine. Passed on second reading only.
- 25-80 – An ordinance establishing and providing for compensation for certain hourly employees of the City of Bellefontaine. (2026 Service Workers Pay ordinance) Passed on second reading only.
- 25-81 – An ordinance authorizing the purchase of miscellaneous supplies, equipment, and services for use in 2026. Passed on second reading only. Council member James abstained.
- 25-82 – An ordinance making temporary appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures during the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2026, and ending December 31, 2026. Passed on second reading only.
- 25-88 – An ordinance authorizing and creating the Chief Deputy Clerk position for Bellefontaine Municipal Court. Passed on second reading only.
- 25-89 – An ordinance authorizing and creating the Inspector/Locator position for the Bellefontaine Wastewater Department. Passed on second reading only.
- 25-90 – An ordinance authorizing and creating the Assistant Water Superintendent position for the Bellefontaine Water Department. Passed on second reading only.
- 25-91 – An ordinance authorizing and creating the Assistant Sewer Superintendent position for the Bellefontaine Wastewater Department. Passed on second reading only.
The next meeting of the Bellefontaine City Council will be on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at 7:30 PM.
