The Logan County Mayors Association held its final quarterly meeting for 2024 on Wednesday night, bringing together mayors from Lakeview, Russells Point, DeGraff, Belle Center, West Liberty, Rushsylvania, and Bellefontaine for a productive roundtable discussion.
Each mayor provided updates on their respective communities, with a generally positive outlook on local conditions. However, an undercurrent of tension was noted as the upcoming election season approaches, highlighting the political climate in the region.
Key officials also shared insights during the meeting. Economic Development Director Ben Vollrath discussed local economic developments, while Breanne Parcels, Civil Chief of Prosecutors, provided updates on foreclosures in each area. Heather Martin from the Land Bank discussed initiatives aimed at community improvement.
In Lakeview, Mayor Fagan-Moore reported ongoing recovery from the March 14 tornado, thanking Vollrath for his support and hinting at exciting future plans, though details were not disclosed.
Russells Point Mayor John Huffman, new to the role, expressed excitement about stepping into his position. He noted the village is actively working on a stormwater project and has raised $60,000 of the $150,000 needed for a splash pad expected to be installed in Summer 2025.
DeGraff’s Mayor Orsborne updated the group on plans to establish a fire district in the coming months and announced the hiring of a new attorney to expedite the process. She highlighted community efforts in property clean-up and the recent opening of several new businesses, with the water treatment plant aiming for completion before winter.
In Belle Center, Mayor Lance Houchin remarked that things are steady but not particularly eventful at the moment.
Brand Hudson from West Liberty mentioned upcoming community events designed to attract visitors and boost local shopping.
Jason Miller from Rushsylvania shared that the village is wrapping up improvements to the park and is proud of the efforts made by residents to enhance the area. He also announced that residents can look forward to new village branding and a logo coming soon.
Finally, Bellefontaine Mayor Crissman reported significant growth for the city, with plans for 500-600 new homes in the next 5-6 years. While acknowledging the challenges this growth may bring, he encouraged collaboration and support among mayors.
The meeting fostered a collaborative atmosphere, allowing mayors to address challenges and share successes as they prepare for the upcoming election cycle, reinforcing their commitment to growth and stability within Logan County.
