Local government

“I want to see a noise level that is what it is today,” Portage County Regional Planning Commission Director Todd Peetz said. “They shouldn't be adding any noise to the neighbors. None. Zero.”

Garrettsville a golf cart community? Seems so. Village Mayor Rick Patrick and police Lt. Keith Whan both say they’re seeing more and anticipate an even greater uptick.

The Atwater Fire Department would like to thank the township residents for their generous donations of school supplies during their “Stuff the Fire Truck” event on Aug. 15.

On June 15, Gov. Mike DeWine signed Ohio’s 2027-2028 capital budget bill into law, awarding Portage County $32,007,287 for community projects and higher education institutions’ renovations, according to the budget.

Larkin immediately asked Crowe for a moment of reflection. He announced that the day prior, a Roosevelt senior passed away after a long battle with a medical condition.

Michniak led a discussion on arming selected city staff to help defend against armed attacks on city employees. After considerable discussion, and with the mayor stating he did not support the proposal, council agreed to explore additional layered security measures instead.

Mullaly then offered a report from the fire department and said they were currently looking at cost-cutting measures. Those include limiting purchases; stopping TV, newspapers and coffee at the station; limiting training; and limiting participation in the county teams.

Also in the consent agenda, Heflinger proposed the removal of school fees, excluding extra and co-curricular activities. He additionally asked for approval for contracts to purchase ELA books, for pest control services with A-Best Pest Control and with the ESC for special services.

With a projected growth in revenue in 2027, the end balance that year is estimated to be $750,000. That number will continue to grow in 2028 to $1.035 million. At that point, revenue numbers will flatten out. He predicted that in 2030, the district “will need to pay close attention to their cash on hand.”

A dedication for the new Veterans Point will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at Shalersville Park. This marks a major milestone in the township’s ongoing efforts to honor local veterans and enhance community spaces. 

Emotions ran high during an Aug. 12 Regional Planning Commission meeting, when area residents once again packed Shalersville Town Hall to object to a proposed data center campus.

Streetsboro City Council on Aug. 10 rejected the use of Flock cameras, with several council members objecting to their accuracy, effectiveness and potential misuse.

A “Meet the Candidates Day” will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22 at the Shearer Community Center at 9355 Newton Falls Rd.

Portage County property owners: The county treasurer’s office is mailing out second-half property tax bills, and the deadline to pay is set for Sept. 9.

The district will be operating with a surplus for two years, which will quickly turn into a deficit by 2031. Plageman also updated the board on recent and pending state legislation that could impact these projects. “There is an uncertainty at the state level,” Plageman said. 

Council Member Michael Lampa asked to speak as a citizen and reported that the Friends of Streetsboro Parks, a 501(c)(3) organization, has decided to dissolve the fund.

After missing two court dates, Hiram Council Member Chris Perme pleaded not guilty July 29 to two misdemeanor charges of assault.

Hiram Village Council has rezoned two properties in the village to allow for college properties to be sold and transitioned out of the institutional district.