Lima · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lima public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
Lincoln Park pedestrian safety
Councilor Lowe watched kids dash across speeding Shawnee Street from the basketball court and moved to add a painted crosswalk and slow-down signs — referred to the Traffic Commission.
Brightspeed broadband service failures
A returning resident described a 1.3-star internet provider whose technicians never show and whose billing hurts elderly customers — and asked council to pursue accountability or oversight.
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.
Consumer protection against contractor fraud
Autumn Budd shared how a failed contractor cost her family thousands and delayed her dying father's homecoming. She asked for affordable legal help, contractor verification, and a 90-day city action plan.
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.
Free meter parking for handicapped placard holders
Councilor Gordon referred the question of free parking meter use for handicapped sticker holders to the safety-services committee.
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.