Lima · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lima public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Fire Station Study and $46M rebuild plan
The fire department handled 6,474 calls in 2025, hired 8 firefighters, and logged over 5,000 training hours. It's developing a 5-20 year strategic plan that could include a new fire station or renovating existing ones — a decision that could shape fire coverage for years.
2027 Mayor's Estimate / city budget
Revenues are $1.8M above budget, income tax collections at $13.1M, and the city is on track to meet the 2026 budget — though the self-insured health fund is being watched closely.
Parks grant through Land and Water Conservation Fund
Council authorized applying for Huntington Community Development and Foundation grants to help fund the Community Aquatic Park.
Referendum petition against Ordinance 022-26
The Clerk certified referendum petitions on Ordinance 022-26, and a group of citizens challenged the ordinance's legal validity in correspondence to Council.
Cable Road sanitary sewer force main replacement
Councilor Wilkerson questioned spending $35,400 on engineering before the November Cable Road vote; Utilities Director Caprella said the forcemain has leaked 11-12 times in five months and must be replaced no matter what.
Lead service line replacement — Phase 4
Council advanced a $3 million Ohio EPA loan — over half forgiven — to replace lead water service lines, a major public health win for homeowners with old pipes.
Civil Rights
A hookah lounge owner and a resident separately alleged improper police conduct — warrantless entries to a business and an arrest off hearsay with alleged excessive force. A council member also said complaints of police disrespect from people of color are mounting and 'something's going to have to change.'
Metcalf Street Bridge replacement study
Lima signed on to an ODOT-administered project to modernize traffic signals citywide, with 80% federal funding and a 20% local match.