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Gahanna backs World Water Day resolution and officials oppose Senate Bill 104 at state hearing
Summary
A representative from the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund urged support for the city’s World Water Day resolution; several Gahanna officials testified in opposition to Ohio Senate Bill 104, arguing it would undercut local regulation of short‑term rentals and local revenue for safety inspections.
A representative of the Ohio Environmental Council Action Fund urged Gahanna City Council Monday to adopt a resolution recognizing March 22 as World Water Day and to continue city-focused watershed protections; council later noted the resolution’s adoption. "World Water Day underscores the importance of sustainable water management and access to safe and affordable drinking water," said Riley Dean, political affairs manager at the OEC Action Fund.
Dean highlighted regional water infrastructure needs and climate threats, noting testimony points about an estimated $27 billion statewide price tag to update failing water infrastructure over the next 20 years and the need to replace lead service lines. She urged federal, state and local investment to protect the Big Walnut, Rocky Fork and Sycamore creeks that run through and near Gahanna.
Separately, councilmembers reported they traveled to Columbus last week to testify against Senate Bill 104, legislation that would limit local regulation of short‑term rentals. Mayor and council representatives told colleagues at the March 17 meeting they joined Ohio Municipal League (OML) members at a Senate Local Government Committee hearing to oppose the measure. Council said their testimony focused on housing‑affordability concerns, neighborhood impacts and public‑safety and zoning authority.
Council members said the bill would cap short‑term rental registration fees at $20, a limit they argued would prevent municipalities from recouping code‑enforcement costs tied to rental inspections. “By capping that fee, you're essentially hamstringing communities from being able to provide basic safety services,” the council summary of testimony said. Several council members and the mayor noted a wide range of Ohio jurisdictions joined the hearing in opposition.
Council encouraged residents who want to comment to contact State Senator Beth Liston (email provided during the meeting) and to follow committee hearings posted on the Ohio Senate website.
Ending — Next steps
Council members said they will continue to monitor state legislation and coordinate with OML and neighboring communities on potential responses to SB 104 and companion House bills; they also asked staff to track water‑infrastructure and watershed projects relevant to the World Water Day resolution.
