Hebron council authorizes preliminary talks on Canal Park trail, limits village cost‑share to 20%

The Hebron Council on Jan. 8 authorized Economic & Community Development Director Brittany Misner to begin preliminary discussions with the Licking County Area Transportation Study (LCATS) about a Canal Park to Canal Greenway Trail project and directed that any village cost share not exceed 20% of overall design and construction costs.

Mrs. Misner said LCATS is considering funding the project in 2026–27 and that the project total is estimated at $750,000; a 20% village share would amount to roughly $150,000 overall and about $18,000 of that for design. Mrs. Stoner moved to authorize preliminary discussions and to cap the village's share at 20%; the motion was seconded by Council President Randy Wolf and passed on a roll call vote with all members present voting in favor except Councilmember Jerry Carpenter, who voted against.

Council discussion referenced flooding in the area where the trail would cross the canal; Mrs. Misner said the canal is not part of this particular project but that staff will pursue other funding opportunities for canal improvement in the future. Finance officer Deborah Morgan said village funds for the village portion would come from the Public Works/Streets/Sidewalks fund but cautioned that availability in 2026 cannot be guaranteed.

The authorization is preliminary: it allows staff to discuss design and funding with LCATS but does not appropriate funds or commit the village to construction.