Mayor delivers midyear update outlining public-safety staffing, housing and downtown projects

The mayor delivered a midyear update to the Lima City Council, outlining progress on public safety, housing, utilities and downtown projects and noting the city is managing a $148,000,000 budget.

"This mid year report can in no way encapsulate all of the work," the mayor said, adding the report was intended to provide a snapshot of work across departments.

The report focused on public safety and staffing. The mayor said the Lima Police Department had 82 sworn officers after hiring 11 officers in 2024 and four more so far in 2025. Fire and EMS demand has risen, with EMS calls up 6% and fire calls up 23% year to date; the administration has commissioned an Ohio Fire Chiefs Association feasibility study and issued a request for qualifications for a modern fire station. The mayor said the city has begun setting aside funds through an EMS Reserve Fund expected to generate more than $800,000 annually to help pay for a new station.

On housing and building stock, the mayor reported utilities work and housing rehabilitation efforts. The utilities department has replaced 992 service lines since 2024. In partnership with West Ohio Community Action Partnership and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the city has abated lead in 13 homes. The city’s rapid rental repair program has returned 13 vacant units to the market; the administration also reported six emergency repairs completed, five Better Together home loans issued, and three families who became first‑time homeowners so far in 2025.

The administration described an "in‑field development" program developed with the Ohio Realtors Association to create preapproved development plans for available parcels, with tax abatements and permitting incentives intended to speed development.

Downtown and parks work highlighted included the Central Avenue streetscape project, on track for year‑end completion; a $2,000,000 transformation of the Miss Paul Cheryl Allen Center into a community learning hub; MLK Park receiving 22 new lights; South Jackson Community Gardens construction slated to begin in August with shelter, restrooms, sidewalks and ADA access; upgrades to Simmons Fields including turf and ADA seating; and a Veterans Memorial Grove with groundbreaking scheduled for Aug. 4. The mayor also noted a hiring fair by Sports Facilities Company at 1005 East Elm Street for pool positions and said a multipurpose pool aerial rendering was shown to council.

Economic and budget context included a 3% drop in income tax revenue and potential impacts from looming Medicaid funding changes. The mayor said health care employment contributes about $4,900,000 in local income tax revenue and that the administration is preparing 2026 budget guidance prioritizing people‑focused services such as public safety, housing and infrastructure. Departments received budget instructions on July 15.

Other items mentioned in the report included the Mercy Tots Childcare Center, scheduled to open this fall with capacity for 118 children; the Better Blocks for Business storefront upgrade program (five storefronts completed so far); and planned public engagement on neighborhood traffic calming and fire station planning later in the year.

Councilors offered brief remarks after the presentation praising specific elements of the mayor’s update, including the city’s new wayfinding signs and neighborhood outreach. The mayor closed by urging continued community partnership as the city moves into the second half of 2025.

The council did not take substantive policy votes on the mayor’s specific proposals during this meeting; the administration signaled further public engagement and budget work to come.