Rossford highlights economic growth, approves fireworks appropriation and advances school demolition plan

Rossford City Council on April 28 heard a state-of-the-city presentation from City Administrator Allison Murray detailing rapid growth in general-fund revenue and large planned capital projects, approved an emergency appropriation to fund a community balloon and fireworks festival, and held a first reading to award the contract to demolish the former Indian Hills School.

Murray told the council that Rossford’s general fund revenue nearly doubled from about $7 million in 2020 to $13.5 million in 2024 and credited economic development for the increase. “For 2025, the city of Rossford is doing amazing,” Murray said, adding that more than $250 million in new business investment and an increase in jobs from roughly 4,500 to more than 13,000 workers have helped fund public safety and street work.

The appropriation measure council adopted by suspending the usual second and third readings (Ordinance 2025-30) provides the city’s CDBG contribution for the balloon and fireworks festival previously approved by council. Councilmembers recorded voice votes in favor (Councilmember Echol: aye; Councilmember Rachel Tinney: aye; Councilmember Zach Owen: aye; Councilmember Bob Toth: aye). No opposing votes were recorded in the transcript. The ordinance was adopted the same evening as an emergency appropriation.

Why it matters: Murray and staff framed economic development as the main revenue source for the city’s general fund—money that pays for police, fire and residential streets—and reviewed a slate of infrastructure and safety projects the city plans to advance in 2025–2026.

What council and staff reported

Economic development and city finances -…