Local elected officials discussed county projects, economic growth, public safety, and other community issues during the Top of Ohio Patriots’ annual Town Hall meeting Tuesday night at the Ohio Hi-Point Career Center.
The panel included Logan County Auditor Jack Reser, Logan County Engineer Scott Coleman, Logan County Sheriff Randy Dodds, Bellefontaine Mayor Dave Crissman, and Logan County Commissioner Mike Yoder.
Logan County Common Pleas Court Judge Kevin Braig also provided a brief update at the beginning of the meeting.
Yoder discussed several ongoing county projects, including the relocation of Job and Family Services to its new location at County Road 32 and State Route 47.
The county is also planning renovations to the Annex Building in 2027.
Plans call for the second floor to become a county records center, while the Adult Parole Authority will relocate to the building.
The county expects to demolish the current Adult Parole Authority building and the former homeless shelter on Detroit Street in Bellefontaine.
Yoder also addressed the $14.3 million in state funding expected to help Logan County recover from the 2024 tornado.
He said the state continues to promise the money, but a timeline for when it will arrive has not been provided.
Another project involves renovations to the county transportation building on Detroit Street.
Yoder said the county received a $1.27 million grant for the work, with the building expected to be in good shape by early 2027.
Bellefontaine Mayor Dave Crissman discussed continued growth in the city, including new subdivisions and businesses relocating to or opening locations in Bellefontaine.
Crissman also addressed the city council’s recent decision to enact a 12-month moratorium on data centers.
He said the pause will give council members time to gather information and better understand how data centers could affect the community.
No companies have approached the city about developing a data center, Crissman said.
However, with data center developments occurring in neighboring areas, city officials want to be proactive.
He encouraged residents to contact city council members and share their opinions on the issue.
Sheriff Randy Dodds discussed staffing, public safety, and the county’s animal shelter.
He said the shelter is doing well and is working toward offering low-cost spay and neuter services.
Dodds, who is in his 36th year of public service and his third term as sheriff, said he is considering running for reelection.
He also noted that his office continues to need additional corrections officers and deputies.
The sheriff praised the working relationships between his department, other local law enforcement agencies and area judges.
He said the drug task force has been busy and warned that crime often associated with larger cities is also affecting Logan County.
Dodds thanked the nonprofit organization Behind the Badge for supporting his office.
The group raises money to help fund the sheriff’s canine program and cover unexpected expenses that may not be included in the department’s budget.
He also identified mental health concerns, domestic violence, and drug-related issues as ongoing challenges in the county.
Dodds reminded residents that a proposed renewal of the county’s half-percent sales tax is on the November ballot.
The tax provides funding that benefits his department.
Auditor Jack Reser discussed the expanded Ohio Homestead Exemption and several pieces of state legislation affecting property owners.
Engineer Scott Coleman also addressed the half-percent sales tax renewal, explaining that it applies to purchases made in Logan County rather than being limited to county residents or property owners.
The tax amounts to 50 cents for every $100 spent.
The meeting gave residents an opportunity to hear updates directly from local officials, although attendance was relatively small.
