Hello Worthington! Here's your recap of what happened at May 18's City Council meeting. Below are brief summaries of the most significant discussions. For those interested in the full details, we've included links to longer articles where appropriate.
A bond plan for the pool, water, and sewer projects
Council authorized the city to borrow money for three capital projects through a single 20-year bond issuance: finishing the new outdoor pool and replacing aging water and sewer lines. The city's municipal advisor expects the bonds to carry a true interest cost of about 4 percent and average annual debt service of roughly $355,000. The city's strong AAA credit standing should help keep that rate low. From here the schedule moves quickly: S&P is expected to assign a rating on this issuance within a week or two, the disclosure document is finalized June 1, pricing is set for June 11, and funding lands around June 24.
In Other News
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Around the City
- Council cleared a liquor permit transfer for Fired Up Pizza, which has opened in the former Natalie's space above The Nine on North High Street. The business began as a food truck in 2016 and now operates its first brick-and-mortar location, with about $250,000 invested and eight employees.
- Council also cleared a liquor permit transfer for The Birdie House, a boutique golf-simulator venue planned for a former thrift store space next to Over the Counter. The permit transfers from Rodos Greek Taverna, the Linworth restaurant destroyed by a three-alarm fire in March 2025.
- Council held a public hearing on adding three parcels to the city's joint economic development district with Orange Township — a 7 Brew coffee location, a Taco Bell, and a self-storage facility — under an arrangement that lets the city collect income tax revenue from those sites. Staff framed the additions as a long-term play: the JEDD agreement runs 50 years, and the bigger payoff comes if those parcels redevelop over time. The authorizing legislation returns June 15. A similar hearing on the city's older Sharon Township JEDD is expected this summer.
- Council members recapped the May 13 Worthington Together open house, which drew roughly 176 attendees, and pointed residents to the remaining ways to weigh in on the comprehensive plan: a virtual webinar and an online survey (see Upcoming Dates).
- Council members praised the first fundraiser held by the Worthington Parks and Recreation Foundation, with proceeds supporting park improvements, including planned upgrades at Moses Wright Park.
Recognitions & Appointments
- Council recognized Gene Oliver, who has served as Worthington's IT director since 2017 and retires at the end of May. City leadership credited him with modernizing the city's technology, building its cybersecurity program, and reworking technology contracts to cut costs.
- Council reappointed Mike Bates and Brian Meilton to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board.
- Council appointed Sarah Sweeney to fill a vacancy on the Community Relations Commission.
Upcoming Dates
- Monday, May 25 — Memorial Day. City offices are closed. The Memorial Day Parade is followed by a ceremony at Walnut Grove Cemetery.
- Tuesday, May 26, 6 p.m. — Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board meeting, rescheduled from May 25. The meeting starts at The Flats, the lower parking lot of Thomas Worthington School.
- Thursday, May 28, 7 p.m. — Architectural Review Board and Municipal Planning Commission meeting. The agenda is expected to include the rezoning of the Boundless property.
- Saturday, May 30 — Worthington Farmers Market opens its summer season in downtown Worthington.
- Through June 3 — The Worthington Together online survey remains open for residents to review the draft comprehensive plan and submit feedback.
- Monday, June 15, 7 p.m. — City Council meeting. Expected items include the Orange Township economic development district legislation, the American Legion rezoning, and the Mrs. Goodman's Bakery subdivision plat.
Thanks for reading this summary of the City Council meeting, you can watch the original full video here