THE OBSERVER’S EYE

A roundup of recent public meeting reports

NOVEMBER 2025  |  ISSUE #3
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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.

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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.

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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.