Merisa Bowers

Ten charter amendments on the November ballot

Skipping a mayoral primary when only two candidates run could save taxpayers over $300,000 in a single election cycle.

Hamilton Road streetlight outages

Estimated ~$100 million excluding land; no funding mechanism identified.

Fraudulent emails and phone scams impersonating the city

You could lose hundreds or thousands of dollars to fraudsters if you pay one of these fake invoices.

Flock Safety camera surveillance

Taxpayers are funding the purchase and installation of these new tracking cameras.

Recycling, composting and soil health

Capped at $35 per ton processing, with up to $20 per ton rebate — same as the last five years.

Civic Center construction wind-down and capital spending

Bond proceeds are covering Civic Center costs before general fund cash is used, protecting the operating budget for now.

Facility transition to new municipal buildings

The move delay caused no budget increase; corrective electrical work was done at no cost to the city.

Codifying ceremonial resolutions and recognitions policy

Mainly staff time — the debate centers on how much administrative effort each recognition requires.

FEMA disaster assistance available for August storm damage

Extra cleanup workload for city crews; no cost estimate given.

Winter Storm Fern response

Adds substantial cleanup workload for the public service department.

Tobacco preemption litigation

Local stores that rely on flavored tobacco sales might see a dip in revenue, but public healthcare costs could go down in the long run.

Mayor's authority over surety bonds in lien disputes

None directly — the bond issuer absorbs the financial responsibility.

Property value appeals and dog licensing

Owners of aggressive pets might face new licensing fees or fines if they don't follow the updated rules.

Distracted Driving Advocacy

While exact fine amounts aren't detailed, expect stricter ticket enforcement to hit phone-using drivers in the wallet.

2026 Civil Service Report from Human Resources

This standard administrative appointment uses existing municipal payroll funds without creating any new tax burden for residents.

ORD-0040-2026 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE GENERAL OFFENSES CODE OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF THE CITY OF GAHANNA; TO PROVIDE FOR PENALTIES; TO PROVIDE FOR CODIFICATION; TO PROVIDE FOR SEVERABILITY; TO REPEAL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; AND TO…

ORD-0042-2026 AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS – General Fund, Police Fund, and Parks & Recreation Fund for Anticipated Year-End Expenditures