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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.'
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.
Neighborhood code enforcement and e-bike safety
Lima is trying to write its first local rules for e-bikes after resident complaints about kids riding them recklessly. Council members split over age limits, helmet rules, sidewalk riding, and "immediate impoundment" of bikes — concerns included due process, enforceability, and not damaging police relationships with young riders.
2027 Tax Budget
Council scheduled a public hearing on the City of Lima's 2027 Tax Budget for June 22 at 7 p.m. — the public's chance to weigh in on next year's tax spending plan.
Event venue enforcement and business compliance
Mayor Smith laid out a timeline and compliance path for unapproved event venues, pushing back on discrimination claims while giving owners a written checklist, technical assistance, and public information sessions. Councilman Glenn pressed that neighborhood complaints drove the enforcement.
Sidewalk repair assessment prioritization
A resident's complaint about a $471 assessment for a sidewalk 1/16 inch out of compliance blew up into the night's biggest debate. Councilor Lowe argued the city should fix its own worst sidewalks before fining homeowners; the mayor and Public Works defended a citywide rotation program.
Sex offender residency restrictions near parks
A resident asked Lima to ban registered sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of city parks, citing registry data showing offenders on properties bordering four of the city's 16 parks. Council sent the idea to two committees for study, and the mayor said she'd pursue state legislative help.
Rumpke trash service performance
Residents near Republic Garbage's dumpsters have dealt with rats for years because the dumpsters aren't cleaned out. Council referred the issue to the Neighborhood Concerns Committee and asked that the company's manager be contacted.
18-month Moratorium on Standalone Data Centers
Lima would freeze new standalone data center development for 18 months and stop supplying water to data centers outside city limits while officials study the issue.
Expedited property maintenance abatement
A proposed change would swap the slow 10-14 day mailed violation notice for one annual published notice plus a 72-hour posted notice before the city cuts grass or removes trash and bills the cost to property taxes.
Police staffing and crisis response grants
Council advanced applications for federal grants that could add five patrol officers, buy forensic and drone equipment, and fund crisis intervention training with a dedicated crisis team.
Shared living facility moratorium extension
The city planned to extend its six-month freeze on new shared living facilities — including recovery housing — through September 23, 2026, while Ohio finalizes new certification rules under House Bill 58. This pauses new facilities while the zoning code is updated.
Enbridge Gas Ohio rate increase opposition
Council formally opposed Enbridge Gas Ohio's request to raise distribution rates, asking the state utilities commission to deny it. Rising utility bills are squeezing household budgets.
Nuisance Activity at Former Save-A-Lot Property
Councilor Glenn reported ongoing late-night parties at the old Save-A-Lot near Elizabeth and Vine Streets, frustrating buyers of new nearby homes. Council directed Law Director Tony Geiger to explore a nuisance action against the property.
OHFA Multifamily Housing Applications
Four developers — Spire, Fairfield Homes, and Buckeye Community Hope Foundation (twice) — notified the city they're applying for state multifamily housing funds for Lima projects. Council accepted the notices and let legislation drafting begin.
Street Resurfacing Project 4-26
A $1.28 million contract with The Shelly Company would resurface about 6.18 miles of city streets, funded by a mix of state grants and local funds. Work was planned for summer through November 2026.
Street Crack Sealing Program
A $1.28 million Shelly Company contract will resurface about 6.2 miles of streets this summer, plus a $52,755 crack-sealing contract with Scodeller Construction to stretch pavement life.
Affordable housing land transfers
The city is selling two Harrison Avenue lots to Blass Holdings for infill homes and donating vacant lots on Ritchie and Rice Avenues to New Lima Homes for affordable owner-occupied houses.
Amphitheater playground funding debate
Council deadlocked over using state capital budget money for a playground at the Greater Lima Region Park and Amphitheater. Critics say neighborhood parks like Cook, Baxter and Schoonover need equipment far more; supporters note the amphitheater park is open to the public daily. The ordinance returns for a second reading June 22.
Zoning code amendment for Board of Adjustment
The administration wants to amend zoning code Section 1244.01 so the mayor or their appointee can serve as an alternate voting member on the Board of Adjustment. It was referred to the Planning Commission for a recommendation.
Train blocking crossings on Central Street
Councilor Lowe says residents keep calling about a train that stops on Central Street tracks — sometimes for nearly three hours — and sounds its horn at 3 a.m. The city can't control how the railroad warns at crossings, but residents can report blocked crossings to police while Lowe pursues a time study.
Body-cam video incident involving Councilor Glenn
A viral body-camera video of Councilman Derry Glenn at a gas station sparked public apology and debate at the meeting. A police detective apologized to Glenn, Glenn apologized to the young officer, and the council president withdrew a planned public reprimand.
2026 Budget Amendment
Council advanced an amendment to the 2026 annual budget on first reading after trimming Exhibit A.
Council Ethics
Local drama is boiling over as body-cam footage of Councilor Glenn hits the internet, forcing the police and city council to take official sides. It's a messy situation that's shaking up local politics and keeping everyone guessing what's next.
Electric aggregation rate increase
The city's group electric aggregation rate rises slightly in June to about 9.998 cents per kilowatt-hour — still below AEP's price to compare. About 5,732 households participate and have averaged $110 in savings; letters go out May 11 and the opt-out window closes June 1.