Celina City Council Approves Fire Department Software, Water Funding; Housing and Tax Abatements Discussed

CELINA, OHIO — Celina City Council addressed several issues during its Monday, November 9, meeting, including new fire department reporting software, additional funding for water operations, residential development, property tax abatements and ongoing improvements throughout the city.

Council also heard concerns from a resident regarding the conduct of an elected official during a recent OVI arrest.

Fire Department to Receive New Reporting Software

Council unanimously approved an agreement with Locality Media LLC, doing business as First Due, to provide updated reporting and management software for the Celina Fire Department.

Fire Chief Brian Davis explained that the department has experienced problems with its current software, including frequent freezing and difficulties with everyday operations.

The new system will consolidate fire and EMS reporting, inspections, training, hydrant maintenance and scheduling into one program.

Davis said the new software will cost approximately $5,000 to $6,000 more annually than the department's existing systems. However, he believes the improvement in reliability and ease of use will justify the expense.

Council voted 7-0 to approve the ordinance as an emergency measure, allowing the department to move forward before existing contracts expire in January.

Water Department Receives Additional Funding

Council also considered supplemental appropriations totaling $136,000 for the city's water department.

The funding includes $100,000 for increased water treatment chemical costs and early replacement of carbon at the city's granular activated carbon treatment facility.

Another $36,000 is designated for water distribution equipment, including new cellular meter-reading technology, system integration, annual fees and training.

City officials explained that existing radio-based meter-reading equipment is becoming obsolete as manufacturers discontinue parts and maintenance support.

The city is moving toward cellular technology, which will allow meters to transmit information through a communications network.

Officials said obtaining the equipment now is important because of the upcoming Sugar Street project and concerns about potential delays as other communities transition to newer meter-reading systems.

Residential Tax Abatements Generate Discussion

The possibility of offering property tax abatements for new residential construction was another major topic.

Resident Kent Shaner asked whether the city had made progress on the proposal, which has been discussed previously as a way to encourage new housing development.

City officials said they have not received a formal request from the Celina City Schools Board of Education supporting the proposal.

The school district receives the largest share of property tax revenues and would be most directly affected by any abatement program.

Councilman Eric Clausen questioned whether the city should continue waiting for the school district before moving forward.

Law Director George Moore explained that City Council has the authority to adopt an abatement ordinance without school board approval, although the financial impact on the district remains an important consideration.

Council also discussed residential infrastructure development programs that could help developers pay for roads and other improvements.

Officials explained that while tax abatements would primarily benefit homeowners, infrastructure incentives would help developers reduce construction costs. However, there would be no guarantee those savings would result in lower lot prices.

Council members agreed that additional discussion is needed to determine whether the city's goal should be helping developers construct subdivisions, helping homebuyers afford new houses, or both.

A committee meeting to examine the issue more thoroughly was suggested, potentially after the first of the year.

Resident Questions Council Leadership Following OVI Arrest

During public participation, resident Brian Anderson addressed council regarding the conduct of an elected council member during a recent OVI arrest.

Anderson emphasized that he was not attempting to interfere with the ongoing criminal proceedings but was concerned about statements allegedly made to the arresting Celina police officer.

Anderson referenced publicly available video of the arrest and questioned whether statements mentioning the council member's elected position and community connections could be perceived as an attempt to influence the officer.

He called for accountability and transparency from city leadership.

Council President Jason King interrupted Anderson initially, explaining that the criminal matter was being handled through the legal system and that council had limited authority regarding the proceedings.

Anderson was subsequently allowed to complete his remarks.

King later disputed the suggestion that city leadership had ignored the matter, saying conversations had occurred but declining to elaborate because of the ongoing legal proceedings.

No formal action was taken regarding the matter.

New Housing and Commercial Development

Mayor Jeff Hazel provided several updates on residential and commercial development throughout Celina.

Hazel reported that construction is underway on the fourth apartment building at the Fairway Apartments development. He said each building contains approximately 24 units and that apartments have been filling quickly as construction is completed.

The mayor also expressed support for continued development at Wheatland Acres, noting the city's ongoing need for additional residential building lots.

On the commercial side, Hazel announced that Cooper Foods plans to demolish the former commissary building on Havemann Road and construct a new facility.

He explained that the company had explored renovating the existing building but determined it would not meet its needs.

Hazel emphasized that the demolition does not mean the company is leaving Celina.

The mayor also reported that the former M&R Outfitters building downtown has been sold, although no immediate plans for the property have been announced.

Hazel said downtown businesses continue to generate activity and that the city is working with parties interested in several vacant commercial properties.

Westview Park Playground Installation Delayed

Hazel also announced that the installation of new playground equipment at Westview Park has been delayed until December.

The city already has the necessary equipment, but the installation contractor has been unable to complete the work as originally scheduled because of other commitments.

The new playground will use engineered wood-fiber material for fall protection rather than poured-in-place rubber.

Hazel said the change should allow installation to proceed during the winter months, with the playground expected to be ready for children by spring.

Other Council Business

Council approved several additional measures, including the city's 2027 agreement with Mercer County for indigent defense services in Celina Municipal Court.

Council also approved annual property tax rate certifications and accepted approximately $303,489 in local government funding for 2027 as determined by the Mercer County Budget Commission.

The approved property tax estimates include $474,300 for the general fund and $83,700 each for police and fire pension funds.

Council also discussed the continuation of the city's EMS partnership with Mercer County, which has helped support additional paramedic staffing at the fire department.

A Personnel and Finance Committee meeting was scheduled for November 23 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss capital expenditures and budget matters.

The city's next December council meeting is currently scheduled for December 21, although an additional meeting could be called if needed.

Council adjourned at approximately 8:26 p.m.