Whitehall City Council considers Heartland Bank resolution amidst local police scrutiny

The City Council of Whitehall, Ohio, convened on March 24, 2025, to address several key issues impacting the community. The meeting began with a focus on economic development, particularly the proposed resolution for Heartland Bank. Mayor's remarks highlighted the bank's commitment to the city and its residents, emphasizing the importance of passing Ordinance 106-2024 to ensure Heartland Bank remains in Whitehall. The mayor noted the bank's positive contributions to the local economy, especially in light of the city's poverty rate hovering around 19%.

The discussion then shifted to a contentious resolution regarding the investigation of the Whitehall work environment. The mayor urged council members to vote against this resolution, defending his administration's handling of internal disputes and asserting that he had conducted a thorough review of the police department's operations. He expressed confidence in Chief Crispin and the department's performance, stating that he had found no need for an independent investigation. The mayor criticized Council Member Dixon for his role in bringing the resolution forward, suggesting it lacked a foundation in direct communication with police officers.

Following the mayor's address, City Attorney Nick Ademus provided updates on various ordinances, including the gear management ordinance, and noted the need for timely feedback from council members due to the upcoming holiday schedule. Auditor Quentzel echoed the request for favorable consideration of budget ordinances, acknowledging the hard work of the finance team in preparing the budget for 2025.

Public service updates were also shared, with Director Rollins announcing a temporary halt to construction on Main and Broad Streets for the holiday season, set to resume on January 6. The meeting concluded with various officials expressing holiday greetings and a reminder of the ongoing commitment of public safety services during the festive period.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's focus on economic stability, internal governance, and community safety, with significant discussions surrounding the future of local banking and police department oversight. The next steps include further deliberation on the proposed ordinances and continued engagement with community stakeholders.