Reynoldsburg · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Reynoldsburg public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Reynoldsburg Week at COSI
Reynoldsburg becomes the first community to partner with COSI on this model: STEM activities at the Tomato and Diwali festivals, plus discounted admission for all residents July 20-26.
Speed bump policy explained
A resident's email detailed another crash from cut-through speeding, and the city is studying traffic lights at Rosehill/Renton and near Slate Ridge Elementary as the school district shifts to neighborhood schools.
Backyard chicken ownership ordinance
A resident asked council to revisit allowing backyard poultry, saying last year's research was silently dropped. She wants answers or a permit-based exception.
FEMA flood recovery and Blacklick Creek mitigation
The city is still waiting on federal disaster designation for recent flooding and has applied for a watershed restoration grant with up to a 65-day review. Pickleball courts are nearly finished and new playground equipment at Huber and McPherson parks is on track for December.
City cybersecurity program
Following state law passed after the Columbus cyberattack, the city adopted a formal cybersecurity program. Any ransom payment would now have to come before council.
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.
Group Home Regulations and Fair Housing Compliance
The city attorney explained that Fair Housing Act rules force Reynoldsburg to treat certain group homes as a permitted use in residential districts, reviewed by staff instead of public hearings. The board wants added distance limits from schools and parks, and staff will draft that language before the vote.
Tree Commission recruitment
The Tree Commission needs members. One person is interested, and the commission is asking residents to help spread the word.
Parks Master Plan
Consultants shared survey findings: a community recreation center scored as the community's top facility priority, followed by trails and pools. A final plan with a capital improvement strategy comes to Council in June 2026; the online survey stays open through March.
Five-Year Trash Contract: Local Waste vs. Rumpke
The city is choosing between Local Waste Services (current hauler, bid $24.79) and Rumpke (low bidder at $24.15, saving $366,000 over five years). Rumpke pitched its case during public comment while a resident described oil and glass spills from Local Waste trucks. The Local Waste contract moves to a second reading with more data requested.
Playground and court improvements at McPherson, Huber and JFK parks
DLZ was hired to inspect the conversion of courts at JFK Park to pickleball — a parks upgrade moving forward.
Hotel tax overhaul and Old Reynoldsburg revitalization fund
A restaurant on E. Main Street can now add a glass door and a fenced patio for outdoor dining, sprucing up the Old Reynoldsburg Commercial corridor.
East Main Street sidewalk connectivity
An ER nurse reported a recent pedestrian death near Main and Briarcliff and asked for a high-visibility crossing like Livingston's, plus full-time traffic signals — Main Street lights switch to blinking yellow overnight while people walk to the Emergency Room.
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.
Summit Road construction and traffic signal
The city is buying land and easements to widen Summit Road with Etna Township; most affected owners have been contacted and talks are described as collaborative, including burying gas lines and adjusting driveways.
Domestic violence awareness and resources
President Pyakurel shared that Reynoldsburg lost three people to suicide in the last 20 days and said the community needs to do more to raise awareness and respond.
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.
Homelessness services — Reynoldsburg Hope Center
Pastor Aaron DeLong invited council to the Hope Center's October 19 open house; the center serves about 75 homeless residents three days a week with showers, laundry, meals, and clothing.