Reynoldsburg · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Reynoldsburg public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Brice Main Corridor TIF payment to schools
The auditor found a 2025 TIF distribution to Reynoldsburg City Schools that was never paid. Council moved quickly, with emergency status, to get the money to the district.
Elected officials' compensation ordinance
A proposal would set salaries for the mayor, city auditor and city attorney ahead of 2027 elections, with the auditor's pay rising about 30 percent by 2030. Council held it for one more work session.
Council Chamber Renovation and Meeting Relocation
Starting November 19, board meetings move to the police station multipurpose room while council chambers are renovated for at least six months. No live streaming during that time, but recordings will still be posted.
Nonprofit funding advocacy
With federal and state funding cuts squeezing local food pantries and charities, the city is designing a grant program for nonprofits based in Reynoldsburg ahead of the 2027 budget. Council wants a hard cap, fixed award limits around $15,000, and a review committee with scoring criteria.
2027 Property Tax Rate Certifications
The Auditor's office is still untangling incomplete 2025 books left by the prior administration, needs a temp accountant, and had to add debt service funding the 2026 budget accidentally omitted.
Proposed 501(c)(3) nonprofit grant program
With federal and state funding cuts squeezing local food pantries and charities, the city is designing a grant program for nonprofits based in Reynoldsburg ahead of the 2027 budget. Council wants a hard cap, fixed award limits around $15,000, and a review committee with scoring criteria.
Tax Incentive Review Council Recommendations
Council approved three 15-year property tax abatements under the Community Reinvestment Area program — VTRE Development and two TCC Reynoldsburg entities — each 6-1. Councilmember Baker argued 15 years exceeds what the city should give away, even for development.
Strong Second-Quarter Revenue
JEDD #1 brought in $829,873.44 in second-quarter revenue, boosted by timing and a new large facility replacing Ashley Furniture, plus $200,000 in funds recovered from Pataskala. That money funds the district's economic development work.
2024 State Audit Findings and Auditor Office Rebuild
The district's audit is done, with one dispute over a records request the board felt wasn't really a request. Insurance renewed with just a $110 premium bump.
Eastwood TIF Fund Budget Correction
The budget passed in December accidentally still included big vehicle purchases that were supposed to be cut. Council redid the vote with the correct, lower numbers.
2027 Tax Budget Adoption
The Auditor's office is still untangling incomplete 2025 books left by the prior administration, needs a temp accountant, and had to add debt service funding the 2026 budget accidentally omitted.
2026 Franklin County property value update
The Franklin County Auditor's triennial update is underway: tentative values go out in June, and owners can contest them for free at informal sessions from late July through September. Values could affect property taxes, though most tax burden is set by voted levies.
Bond-anticipation notes for infrastructure
Council is issuing $1.55M in notes for the Summit Road waterline and $13.91M for Waggoner Phase 2 and the parks/service building road — chosen over traditional bonds for better rates and security.
NOPEC Grant for Code Enforcement Vehicles
A $70,000 NOPEC grant will pay for two Ford Mavericks for code enforcement plus a third vehicle, keeping those costs out of the general budget.
TIF consulting services with Baker Tilly
The city has several TIF districts whose finances are complicated, so it's hiring Baker Tilly for up to $40,000 to do state reporting and revenue forecasting. The goal is an annual TIF 'book' to inform budget decisions.
2026 City Budget
The city's 2026 budget is $37.5 million, funded mostly by local income tax revenue plus state funds and limited property tax. Spending is approved by the auditor and council.
2026 State Capital Budget funding opportunity
Senator Reynolds told council the state's 2026 Capital Budget has $15-20 million for all of Franklin County, with applications due March 12. Projects under $1 million get the best shot, and the state wants to be the 'last money in' covering no more than half a project. A splash pad and park upgrades were floated as candidates.
Board rules amendments
Proposed changes would make January and July first meetings optional, standardize fonts, and extend the application filing deadline to 21 days. Adoption is expected at the next meeting.