Gahanna · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Gahanna public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Supplemental appropriations
Council adopted supplemental appropriations to cover bond interest on the Gahanna Civic Center project, keeping the marquee downtown project's financing on track.
Electric supply agreement for city facilities
The city buys power for 67 accounts, about 4.2 million kWh a year, all currently renewable at just under 7.1 cents per kWh. Staff will shop rates before the December 6 change and keep renewables if the premium stays around $10,000 a year.
Our Gahanna Strategic Plan transparency dashboard
Planning Director Blackford reported construction progress on Elliott Park, Johnstown Road Apartments, Crescent Central Park, Northwest Bank and Biggby Coffee — plus new developer interest in the stalled Gahanna Logistics Center site.
Tax Incentive Review Council statutory fix
Questions about whether the TIRC had a valid quorum when it made its 2024 recommendations were resolved — the county counts a 12-member quorum requiring 6 present, and 7 attended. Council adopted the recommendations and will implement safeguards like alternate members.
Franklin County property value review sessions
Got your tentative property value in the mail and think it's off? Meet with an appraiser at the Gahanna Sanctuary Thursday or Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., before values become final — or use the Board of Revision later.
Income Tax Trends and Economic Outlook
The city's finances look solid: income tax withholding rebounded, the general fund sits at $48 million with a $10 million emergency reserve, and the city is on pace for its projected 4% income tax increase. Officials are watching inflation, tariffs, and possible state property tax reform.
Strategic plan in the Charter
A draft amendment would require the mayor to maintain a strategic plan and report annually to council on progress. Some commissioners worry it doesn't belong in the charter; others see it as an accountability mechanism.
2026 Community Grants Program awards
Mayor Jadwin announced the city's $100,000 community grant program for nonprofits opens March 16, prioritizing food insecurity and housing assistance.
Charter review cycle and ballot strategy
The commission is steering toward a ten-year Charter review cycle instead of five years, and is trimming its ballot list to avoid voter fatigue — five proposals advance to drafting while weaker ones get cut.
Mayoral primary election changes
The draft amendment would eliminate the mayoral primary, saving the city roughly $300,000. Commissioners agreed the ballot reasoning should highlight the cost savings and alignment with state law.
Pricing policy deposit amendment
Groups getting free or discounted shelter and equipment rentals will still be able to be charged a refundable deposit under the amended policy, protecting city equipment like the recreation trailer. City Council still has to sign off.
House Bill 413 — state expenditure reporting mandate
A bill moving fast in the Ohio House would force cities to use the Open Checkbook platform for expenditure reporting. Gahanna dropped Open Checkbook years ago because it was cumbersome and misleading, and plans to oppose the unfunded mandate.