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Mayor Van Kirk touts tight finances, public‑safety response and 2025 capital projects
Summary
Mayor Van Kirk reported a fund balance near $38 million, credited federal assistance for some police vehicles, cited nearly 3,600 fire/EMS calls last year and outlined 2025 projects including a natatorium overhaul, Veterans Memorial Park pavilion, a dog park and about 60 new townhomes.
Mayor Van Kirk used the joint State of the City and State of the Schools to outline the city's fiscal position, public‑safety performance and a slate of 2025 capital projects.
"As of the beginning of this year, we had just under $38 million in all of our funding," Mayor Van Kirk said, noting the city holds little long‑term debt and has used limited borrowing to fund projects at favorable rates (the mayor cited a recent borrowing at 1.75% interest).
On public safety, the mayor said firefighters and paramedics responded to almost 3,600 requests for service last year and that emergency response personnel often reach 911 calls in about two minutes. He noted the fire department currently has an ISO rating of 2 and that labor‑management work is underway to pursue ISO 1.
The mayor said some new police vehicles were obtained with federal support routed through Congressman Max Miller's office and that additional federal grant processes had been pursued through Sen. Sherid Brown's office; he thanked the offices rather than providing final award details.
Looking at capital and parks, the mayor described a two‑phase overhaul of the natatorium (interior work and facade this year, exterior work subject to funding), a multi‑phase upgrade to Veterans Memorial Park including a heated three‑season pavilion already under construction, and a new dog park adjacent to the service garage. He said there will be right‑of‑way work along Brook Park Road, a refresh of Brock Memorial Park and traffic‑calming measures citywide under a new policy.
On housing, the mayor said the city will proceed with development of roughly 60 new townhomes at three locations (two city‑owned parcels and one private project), stating construction will begin this summer.
The mayor also noted community highlights—library ribbon cutting, growing youth recreational programs and several recent business openings—and promoted a city podcast (Brooklyn, Ohio Today) intended to brief residents on issues, including an episode scheduled with the school board president before the May 6 levy vote.
He closed by thanking city staff, council, business leaders and residents and reiterated a theme of collaboration with the schools.
