Chillicothe — Council passed ordinances to focus on the need to fund street work, and to add “speed controls” to more city streets, in their delayed Wednesday regular session on December 10th, 2025.
In a November 18th request for legislation that he sent to council, Mayor Luke Feeney explained the issue:
“In 2015, Chillicothe voters approved a 0.2% income tax increase dedicated to paving and street repair. The levy was limited to ten years and collections will end December 31 of this year.
“City Council did vote to put the levy back on the ballot for renewal this year, and while it was approved by City Council, it did not make it to the ballot. I am requesting that this matter be assigned to the appropriate committee again for legislation authorizing a resolution to place this initiative on the May 5, 2026 ballot.
“Please consider this an urgent matter to meet the Ross County Board of Elections’ deadline of February 4, 2026…I would like to get this to the Board of Elections in early January in order to avoid any potential complications…”
Council member Jeff Creed held a committee meeting on this topic before Wednesday’s council session.
Clint Boggs, Chief of Staff for the mayor, brought a map of city streets that was color-coded for when each was repaved and their current condition – and the mayor had offered other data:
“I will also note that we have new street rating software that has enhanced our ability to monitor paving conditions and make paving and maintenance decisions. I would be happy to share a demonstration of that software at a committee or council meeting.”
Read the mayor’s entire letter below.
On August 26th, council funded “speed humps” for South Watt Street north of the railroad crossing, and for Pawnee Road beyond the movie theater entrance.
Sponsor Julie Preston said the residents there were so pleased with the results, that other residents requested speed controls.
(These are not short speed bumps, but low plastic platforms of raised pavement that are less harsh…but are still meant to compel drivers to slow down.)
So, Preston saw an appropriation of almost $60K passed on third reading, for speed humps and signage on parts of East 7th Street, far East Water Street, Pohlman Road, Piatt Avenue, Yaples Orchard Drive, and Applewood Drive.
From the ordinance:
“Pawnee Road between Taunton Road and Midland Road, and Loganview Drive/Midland Road adjacent to 321 Midland Road, shall be completed immediately upon passage of this ordinance, with funding provided as appropriated herein.
“Installation of the remaining locations, including Seventh Street between Bridge Street and Maple Street, Piatt Avenue between Arch Street and Allen Avenue, Yaples Orchard Drive between Sunset Drive and Avalon Drive, Water Street between Watt Street and Cutright Street, Pohlman Road between West Fifth Street and Belleview Avenue, and Applewood Drive between Timberlane Drive and Oakwood Drive, shall occur as funding is appropriated for these streets as determined by the City Auditor to be available.”
Council’s session was delayed from Monday to Wednesday because of a lack of quorum. Council also heard a brief update on the homeless issue.
Chillicothe Mayor Luke Feeney’s November 18th request for legislation on the street levy renewal:
