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Residents urge Hilliard to act on rat infestations and vehicle vandalism; calls for more inspections and police resources
Summary
Multiple residents told council of worsening rat activity in neighborhoods and recent vehicle vandalism, asking for another city mailing, targeted baiting and increased overnight patrols; council acknowledged concerns but did not adopt immediate measures.
HILLIARD — Several residents used the public comment period to press the city for action on two separate but urgent neighborhood concerns: an apparent rat infestation in parts of Edie Drive/Hayden Run Village and a wave of vehicle vandalism affecting the Hilliard Rome Road corridor.
Michelle Prince, who said she lives at 5417 Edie Drive, described dead rats in yards, daytime and nighttime sightings, and ongoing rodent burrows. She told council she first contacted the city in late March and that zoning staff had visited and sent a neighborhood letter in April, but that rat activity has continued. “Dead rats have been found in residents’ backyards … Rats are vectors for serious illnesses,” Prince said, asking the city to send another mailing, expand proactive inspections and provide targeted baiting and community education. She said some neighbors are paying about $1,000 per year for private pest control.
Kathy Thomas, a neighbor, confirmed wider concern in Hayden Run Village and said an earlier notice did not reach all residents; she also raised separate worries about increased apartment density and nearby data centers.
Carol Marsh, a Hilliard resident who described her family as victims of recent vehicle vandalism, asked council to consider shifting more budget to the police department to increase overnight patrols along the Rome Road corridor. Marsh said police have collected fingerprint evidence but lack staffing and investigative capacity to fully pursue some cases; she warned of property‑value and insurance impacts and asked for resources to reduce crime and help prosecution.
Council members and staff acknowledged the public safety and public‑health concerns. Staff did not present a specific timeline or immediate funding commitment during the meeting; several members thanked residents and indicated staff would follow up.
What happened next: Council proceeded to the ordinance and resolutions portion of the agenda; no formal vote on pest control or policing changes was taken tonight.
