THE OBSERVER’S EYE

A roundup of recent public meeting reports

March 2026  |  ISSUE #7
view in separate window 

Welcome to The Observer’s Eye, our monthly roundup of reports from public meetings across Licking County. Every edition delivers highlights, insights and summaries from recent observer reports to keep you informed and connected with our local community. 

FEATURED OBSERVER REPORTS

In the month of February, we noticed several themes across county government meetings. For that reason we have grouped this section by topic rather than by date so it is easier to see how these topics are interconnected across the county. It is possible that these topics were discussed in additional government meetings; however, we do not have observers at every municipal meeting across Licking County.

Water Alliances

St. Albans Township Enters 10-Year Agreement with Licking Regional Water District

Licking Regional Water District  •  February 26, 2026

Licking Regional Water District approved a 10-year intergovernmental cooperation agreement with St. Albans Township for water and sewer services. 

Licking Regional Water District Announcement 

Read Observer Report & Read The Reporting Project Article

Granville Village Manager Meets with Johnstown About Departure from Municipal Utility Coalition of Licking County

Granville Village Council Meeting  •  February 4, 2026

Village Manager Herb Koehler met with Johnstown City Council members on 02-07-2026, and he reported that it was a good meeting to help people understand the water coalition process, even though Johnstown has dropped out of the Coalition with Granville and Alexandria.

Read Observer Report & Read The Reporting Project Article

Data Centers

Overflow Crowd Speaks Out Against Data Centers at Pataskala Planning & Zoning Meeting

Pataskala Planning & Zoning Meeting •  February 4, 2026  

Twenty-six members of the public spoke at the Pataskala Planning and Zoning Commission hearing, which drew an overflow crowd to hear discussions about data centers planned for the intersection of Mink and Broad Streets. A representative from Aligned Data Centers attended the meeting to answer questions from Commission members and the public. Common concerns were water and the integrity of wells, light pollution, wetlands, storm water runoff, long term issues with the future of data center buildings, electric usage and rates, tax abatements, employment opportunities, the capacity of the Pataskala fire department to respond to emergencies, and the effect on quality of life. The Planning Commission voted unanimously to table the application.

Read Observer Report 

Licking County Planning Commission Approves St. Albans Township Exclusion of Data Centers

Licking County Planning Commission  •  February 2, 2026  

The Licking County Planning Commission approved St. Albans Township’s resolution to exclude data centers as part of its comprehensive zoning plan. St. Albans Township is the first in Licking County to ban data centers.

Read Observer Report & Read The Reporting Project Article

School Funding Uncertainty

Southwest Licking Board of Education Approves Five-Year Budget Forecast but Noted Uncertainty Due to Upcoming State Bills

Southwest Licking Schools Board of Education  •  February 19, 2026  

The Southwest Licking Schools Board of Education approved the financial forecast for 2026-2030 for submission to the Ohio Department of Education. However, it was noted that Ohio House Bills 129, 186, and 335, if passed, will negatively impact Southwest Licking school finances, requiring the district to consider budget cuts.

SWL Financial Budget Forecast 2026-30 & Presentation - The Effect of Ohio  Property Tax Legislation on the Budget Forecast

Read Observer Report

Newark City Schools Treasurer Recommends Delaying Approval of Five-Year Forecast Due to Funding Uncertainties

Newark City Schools Board of Education  •  February 9, 2026  

Newark City Schools District Treasurer recommended delaying finalizing the five-year financial forecast due to funding uncertainties. The Ohio General Assembly is currently debating state budget proposals that would reduce funding for public schools.

Read Observer Report

Electric Utility Aggregation

Granville Village Council Considers SOPEC for Electricity Aggregation

Granville Village Council  •  February 4, 2026  

The Environmental Sustainability Committee recommended the Village adopt an electric aggregation plan offered by the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC). The current aggregator is Aspen Energy, whose contract ends in June 2026. SOPEC's rates should be lower than Aspen. Rates are expected to be higher in June due to increased regional demand. The SOPEC rate includes all fees and charges and is an opt-out program.

Read Observer Report

Granville Township Trustees Consider Electric Aggregation Provider

Granville Township Trustees  •  February 25, 2026  

Representatives from electric aggregator Aspen Energy presented information to the Township Trustees. The Township Trustees plan to receive three proposals and decide among them. Aspen is the current provider for the Village of Granville and Granville Township. Constituents should expect a rate increase starting in June of 2026 and the Trustees will need to make a decision by April 7 to have a new agreement in place by June, when the current contract expires. 

Read Observer Report

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS 

Licking County Planning Commission 02-02-2026: The Planning Commission approved a resolution to start comprehensive planning at the county level for the first time. Since many townships already have plans, the process will involve compiling these as a starting point.

Buckeye Lake Village Council 02-09-2026: A public hearing will be held on March 23, 2026 at 6:30 pm for the proposed new zoning code. Proposed Buckeye Lake Building and Zoning Code

THE OBSERVER’S EYE

A roundup of recent public meeting reports

February 2026  |  ISSUE #6
view in separate window 

Welcome to The Observer’s Eye, our monthly roundup of reports from public meetings across Licking County. Every edition delivers highlights, insights and summaries from recent observer reports to keep you informed and connected with our local community. 

New Elected Officials Across Licking County

Licking County officials elected in November were sworn in to begin their terms of office. Councils, boards and trustees voted for new leadership and committee members, as required. The following reports include record of the newly elected officials as well as leadership and committee changes.

Buckeye Lake Village Council 01-12-2026

Etna Township Trustees 01-06-2026

Granville Township Trustees 01-07-2026

Granville Village Council 01-07-2026

Johnstown City Council 01-06-2026

Newark City Council 01-05-2026

Newark City Schools Board of Education 01-08-2026

Pataskala City Council 01-05-2026

FEATURED OBSERVER REPORTS

Newark City Council Approved Income Tax Ordinance For May Ballot

Newark City Council  •  January  5, 2026

Newark City Council unanimously approved an ordinance on the May ballot for an additional income tax of ½ percent for the purpose of raising general operating revenue dedicated to police and fire protection. 

Read Observer Report

Johnstown City Council Votes to Leave Utility Coalition

Johnstown City Council  •  January 6, 2026  

Johnstown City Council voted to leave the Water & Sewer Coalition formed with Alexandria and Granville in late 2024. 

Read Observer Report & Read The Reporting Project Article

Granville Schools Superintendent Presents Impacts of Heath Development

Granville Village Council  •  January 7, 2026  

Granville Schools Superintendent Jeff Brown presented information to the council about a proposed M/I Homes development in Heath that falls within the Granville school district and would have a significant impact on the school system and community, if approved. The proposed development would include 540 homes built over 6-10 years, and would potentially add 900 children to the school system. 

Read Observer Report

What’s Next: Superintendent Brown requested support of the council and reported that Heath Village Council meeting dates have not been set to discuss the matter. Information will be forwarded to the Granville Village Council and community as it is made available. 

Granville SR 16/River Road Intersection Potential Closure

Granville Township Trustees  •  January 7, 2026  

ODOT would like to close the River Road intersection when SR 16 is widened to three lanes next year. Closure of the intersection would mean longer response times for emergency vehicles to residents, however the turn out onto SR16 from River Road is a safety issue. One suggested compromise is to make the intersection an exit only. 

Read Observer Report

Reynoldsburg Mayor Questioned by Etna Residents About Summit Road Widening Project

Etna Township Trustees  •  January 20, 2026  

Reynoldsburg Mayor Joe Begeny attended the Etna Township Trustees meeting and answered questions from residents regarding the widening of Summit Road. Forty-five members of the public attended the meeting and many residents expressed concerns about how much the road would be widened, the amount their front yards would be decreased, and the amount of greenery expected to be removed. Etna Township Trustees have not taken an official stance on the project.

Read Observer Report

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS 

Newark City Schools Board of Education 1-08-2026: The Newark City Schools treasurer presented the $26M Capital Improvement Plan for 2026-2030.

Licking County Board of Health 01-20-2026: The Board of Health is running a survey about tobacco and nicotine use and needs additional respondents. The survey is open to Licking County residents 18 years and older. The link is in the observer report. 

Licking County Commissioners 01-22-2026: Jennifer Ellis-Brunn of Job and Family Services reported that 214 children are currently in care, and that 35 children are in need of families. In 2025, 35 adoptions were finalized. 

Granville Township Trustees 01-28-2026: Granville Township’s new brinemaker is up and running; over 2000 gallons of clean brine (avoiding the use of toxic wellfield brine) has been made so far. Read here: The Reporting Project article about the Granville Township Brinemaker.

THE OBSERVER’S EYE

A roundup of recent public meeting reports

January 2026  |  ISSUE #5
view in separate window 

Welcome to The Observer’s Eye, our monthly roundup of reports from public meetings across Licking County. Every edition delivers highlights, insights and summaries from recent observer reports to keep you informed and connected with our local community. 

FEATURED OBSERVER REPORTS

Pataskala Citizens Concerned About Proposed Data Centers

Pataskala Planning & Zoning Commission   •  December 3, 2025

Aligned Data Centers requested approval for the construction of four data centers at the intersection of Broad Street SW and Mink Street SW on what is currently agricultural and woodland property. Several members of the public spoke at the meeting, voicing concerns about the location of the buildings and whether the data centers aligned with Patakala’s planning goals. The Zoning Commission voted unanimously to table the application. 

Read Observer Report

Commissioners Authorize $10M in Bonds for Housing Project Near Airport

Licking County Commissioners Meeting  •  December 11, 2025  

The Licking County Commissioners authorized the Columbus-Franklin County Finance Authority to issue over $10M in bonds for a project to build affordable housing near the airport, on land owned by the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority. Plans for the housing project include 424 apartment units with senior living as well as market grade apartments. 

Read Observer Report

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS 

Newark City Schools Board of Education 12-08-2025: The Board approved a new cut-off date for kindergarten enrollment, changing it from September 30 to August 1. This change reflects Ohio House Bill 114 that requires kindergarten students to be five years old by the first day of school starting with the 2026-2027 school year. 

Granville Village Council 12-03-2025 & 12-17-2025: Misuse of e-bikes in the Village continues to be a concern for citizens. Village Council members and staff agree that e-bikes are an on-going issue and they are investigating options. A presentation on potential solutions will be made at a future meeting.

Licking County Commissioners 12-18-2025: Licking County transit added nine new buses in December. The Main Street and 21st Street routes had record ridership numbers in 2025. 

Licking County Commissioners 12-18-2025: Leeward Renewable Energy took over the Harvey Solar Project in Hartford. The 350-megawatt project is the largest solar project to-date in Licking County. 

Licking Regional Water District 12-18-2025: There will be a public hearing held on February 12 to receive input on the Draft NPDES Permit (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System) that has been issued by the Ohio EPA for the Raccoon Creek Wastewater Plant. 

THE OBSERVER’S EYE

A roundup of recent public meeting reports

DECEMBER 2025  |  ISSUE #4
view in separate window 

Welcome to The Observer’s Eye, our monthly roundup of reports from public meetings across Licking County. Every edition delivers highlights, insights and summaries from recent observer reports to keep you informed and connected with our local community. 

FEATURED OBSERVER REPORTS

Patakala Rejects Maronda Homes Plans for Townhome Development

Pataskala City Council • November 3, 2025

Pataskala City Council denied plans for the Maronda Homes development at 7164 Hazelton-Etna road. The council provided feedback to Maronda homes that the design of this 4.35 +/- 1 acre single-family townhome complex was deemed inappropriate because it did not meet Pataskala’s residential appearance standards. The developer was asked to make improvements to better align with Pataskala’s standards and resubmit for approval. 

Read Observer Report

Licking County Board of Health Provides Updates

Licking County Board of Health • November 18, 2025  

• 2026 fee increases announced for sewage, water and food service. Increases are being made due to costs and inflation.

• The Patakala Health Department location at 621 West Broad Street is now open 5 days-a-week, with a full staff and increased services.

• The Health Department is seeking an additional warming center location for when temperatures dip below 10 degrees. The current location at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Newark averages 25 occupants per night. 

Read Observer Report

Licking County Planning Commission Approves Request to Omit FEMA Floodplain Requirement 

Licking County Planning Commission • November 24, 2025 

After a 75-minute discussion, the Licking County Planning Commission approved, with conditions, a request to omit the requirement to obtain approval from FEMA for a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (LOMR) prior to issuing a floodplain permit for the Nelson Tract on Outville Road in Kirkersville. This development area of approximately 250 acres includes commercial and industrial development and a new roadway. The approval would allow for up to one foot of rise of the base flood elevation instead of the County’s currently required 0.01-foot rise. The county’s current flood plain regulations are under revision. 

Read Observer Report

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS 

Granville Village Council 11-5-2025: The council discussed safety issues around e-bikes in the Village. The representative from the Granville Police Department (GPD) stated that most violators are children and the GPD is exploring additional models for enforcement of safety rules for e-bikes. 

Johnstown City Council 11-05-2025: Construction has begun on the new water plant, and a resolution has been drafted for development of an outdoor designated refreshment area downtown. 

Buckeye Lake Village Council 11-10-2025: The council voted to move the historic Holtsberry Log Cabin to prevent its demolition. It will be relocated to a site off Mill Dam Road. 

Licking Regional Water District 11-13-2025: A rate increase of 6.5% was recommended for sewer and water for 2026.

Northridge Board of Education 11-18-2025: The board approved a no-notice vote for a 5% pay increase for retiring treasurer Lewis amid confusion and  controversy. Three new board members will start their terms in 2026.

Granville Village Council 11-19-2025: The council finalized budget details for FY2026, including 3% pay raises for Village staff and updates to data systems for payroll and tax withholding. 

Licking County Planning Commission 11-24-2025: Significant efforts will be made in 2026 to use internal resources instead of consultants to save money. A public meeting will be held January 26, 2026 for public comment. 

THE OBSERVER’S EYE

A roundup of recent public meeting reports

NOVEMBER 2025  |  ISSUE #3
view in separate window 

Welcome to The Observer’s Eye, our new, monthly roundup of reports from public meetings across Licking County. Every edition delivers highlights, insights and summaries from recent observer reports to keep you informed and connected with our local community. 

FEATURED OBSERVER REPORTS

Operating Budget a Concern Due to Potential State and Federal Funding Changes

Newark City Schools Board of Education • October 13, 2025

The Newark City School Board discussed the district’s Five Year Financial Forecast: 2026-2030. The forecast is an estimate at this time due to pending decisions by the Ohio legislature that could reduce school funding, such as a decrease in property taxes. There is also potential for federal grant eliminations. These state and federal changes could make it challenging for the District to provide programs and services that students need. 

Read Observer Report

Operating Budget a Concern Due to Potential State Funding Changes

Licking County Board of Health • October 14, 2025  

The Licking County Board of Health discussed its 2026 Operating Budget and  raised concerns about the potential impact of pending state legislation that would decrease property taxes, and therefore decrease funds to public entities like the Board of Health.

Read Observer Report

Pataskala Utilizes Interconnect Agreement with Licking Regional Water District 

Pataskala City Council Meeting • October 6, 2025 

The Pataskala City Council discussed the success of using the Interconnect Agreement it has with the Licking Regional Water District. On October 3, a water main break in the city resulted in a boil water alert, but within 15 minutes of the break, the Interconnect Agreement allowed the city to receive 150K gallons of water and prevent further disruption to the water supply while the break was repaired. It is the first municipality to utilize the Interconnect Agreement.

Read Observer Report

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS 

Licking County Commissioners 10-09-2025: The Commissioners swore in two new members of Etna’s New Community Authority (NCA). The NCA will collect fees from new commercial development in the township to be used for community improvements.

Granville Village Council 10-15-2025: The Village Manager reported that SR37 will likely continue to be closed for repairs through December. 

Johnstown City Council 10-21-2025: The Granville Milling Company location in Johnstown plans to build a two-lane carryout drive-through building. One lane will be for beer and wine, and the other for feed, just like the Pataskala location.

Buckeye Lake Village Council 10-23-2025: The Buckeye Lake Village Council members and Mayor fielded many questions about the 1.5% municipal income tax, which was on the November ballot. It did not pass.

Licking County Planning Commission 10-27-2025: A proposed small industrial development off Tollgate Road in Etna drew a public audience and several speakers at the meeting over concerns about surface water runoff and concrete versus asphalt roadways.

THE OBSERVER’S EYE

A roundup of recent public meeting reports

OCTOBER 2025  |  ISSUE #2
view in separate window 

Welcome to The Observer’s Eye, our new, monthly roundup of reports from public meetings across Licking County. Every edition delivers highlights, insights and summaries from recent observer reports to keep you informed and connected with our local community. 

FEATURED OBSERVER REPORTS

Licking County Board of Health Reports Suicide Rate Increase

Licking County Board of Health Meeting • September 16, 2025

An epidemiologist reported that the suicide rate in Licking County has increased over the past five years.  Read Observer Report

McPeek Lodge Lead Abatement is Complete

Granville Township Trustees Meeting • September 10, 2025

Lead contamination at the McPeek Lodge property has been mitigated and the recreation department can now use the facility. Read Observer Report

What’s next: A wooded area where mitigation was not possible will be fenced. The trustees approved funds for improvements to the driveway and parking lot. The Granville Recreation District will address some maintenance issues on the property.

County Commissioners Pursue Legal Action Against Jersey 1820 Development

Licking County Commissioners Meeting • September 25, 2025

The County Commissioners passed a motion that the Jersey 1820 development site in Jersey Township committed a violation. They will request that the Licking County Prosecutor’s Office pursue an injunction in the Court of Common Pleas to abate erosion and sedimentation and secure compliance with the rules and orders in the Ohio Revised Code Section 307.79 (F). Read Observer Report

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS 

Pataskala City Council 09-15-2025: Police officer presence requested at future meetings to ensure protection of city officials.

Licking County Board of Elections 09-29-2025: About 25 poll workers are still needed.

Buckeye Lake Village Council 09-22-2025: Village of Buckeye Lake is considering a noise ordinance after recent complaints. 

Newark City School Board 09-08-2025: Little Learners Preschool opened this fall at its new location, in the former State Farm building on Granville Street, with 191 students.

Licking Regional Water District 09-25-2025: A ribbon cutting ceremony for the State Route 161 Elevated Water Tower will be held on November 6.

THE OBSERVER’S EYE

A roundup of recent public meeting reports

SEPTEMBER 2025  |  ISSUE #1
view in separate window 

Welcome to The Observer’s Eye, our new, monthly roundup of reports from public meetings across Licking County. Every edition delivers highlights, insights and summaries from recent observer reports to keep you informed and connected. 

FEATURED OBSERVER REPORTS

City of Johnstown Added Six Parcels to the Johnstown Gateway Planned District 

Johnstown City Council • August 5 & August 19, 2025

The City of Johnstown added six parcels (approximately 28 acres) to the Johnstown Gateway Planned District.   

What this means: The parcels will be rezoned and there will be a land swap with Licking Rural Electrification to allow the substation to be moved.

Read Observer Report Aug. 5 & Read Observer Report Aug. 19

Pataskala City Council Working to Close Loopholes on Converting Extended Stay Hotels to Apartments 

Pataskala City Council • August 18, 2025

The Pataskala City Council is working to close the loopholes that allow extended stay hotels to be converted to apartments without going through a rezoning process.

Read Observer Report

Granville Village Parking Permit Ordinance To Be Modified

Granville Village Council • August 20, 2025

The Granville Police Department conducted a parking study in the Village and recommended changes to the parking permit ordinance. The Council discussed proposed changes to the ordinance with new restricted parking zones, permits and clearer definitions for residential parking areas.  Read Observer Report

What's next: The parking permit ordinance will be modified and returned to a vote at the September 3rd meeting. 

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS 

Newark City Schools: There is no charge for student breakfasts and lunches this year.  

Licking Regional Water District: Union Township Phase 1 Waterline Extension is ready for service. 

Buckeye Lake Village Council: Town Hall Meeting held Sept 8 on the proposed income tax.