Council's Summer Break Begins

Council Chair Michael Heyeck adjusts his glasses during a hearing on an ordinance to modify rules for boards and commissions at Monday’s City Council meeting

Westerville City Council began its summer break after approving several measures affecting city finances, zoning rules, and administrative procedures.

The Tax Budget

Council passed Resolution No. 2025-08, adopting the tax budget for the fiscal year starting January 1, 2026. The resolution authorizes Finance Director Matt Yoder to submit the budget to both Franklin and Delaware County auditors.

The ordinance adopts the tax budget for the 2026 fiscal year. This step is required by state law to meet the July 21 filing deadline with the budget commissions in Franklin and Delaware counties. The tax budget primarily serves to document the city’s ongoing need for existing property tax rates and includes preliminary estimates of revenues and expenditures for the upcoming year. City Finance Director Matt Yoder noted that these figures are subject to revision during the more detailed budget and five-year financial planning process scheduled for the fall. Adoption of the tax budget does not authorize any spending or commit the city to specific capital improvement projects. Instead, it serves as a reporting tool to ensure compliance with state regulations and maintain property tax rates.

Accessory Structures and Dwelling Units Get Zoning Changes

The council also approved Ordinance No. 2025-14, which amends certain sections of the zoning code to facilitate the establishment of accessory structures, such as sheds or detached garages, in residential areas. The city planning staff stated in a report that approving the ordinance aims to streamline the permitting process and clarify guidelines for homeowners.

The ordinance updates sections of the zoning code to ease restrictions on accessory structures, including detached garages, workshops, sheds, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Planning staff began developing these changes in late 2024 as part of a broader effort to modernize zoning rules and help homeowners make improvements without unnecessary delays or variances. Among the revisions are the removal of outdated state requirements that previously mandated a 10-foot separation between accessory structures and the main house, as well as more explicit rules for locating structures on corner lots, which have often resulted in limited buildable space and frequent appeals to the Board of Zoning Appeals. The amendments also reduce rear yard setback requirements by five feet across all single-family districts and increase the maximum allowable height for most accessory structures from 15 to 20 feet. These changes are designed to provide property owners with more flexibility while maintaining standards for neighborhood compatibility. Planning officials noted the updates will not alter the recently adopted provisions for detached ADUs above garages, which can reach up to 25 feet in height.

Appoval To Conform With Ohio Code

Ordinance No. 2025-15, which updates city code to align with state traffic, criminal, and general laws, was adopted on its third reading. The changes ensure local ordinances remain consistent with recent state legislation.

The city works with American Legal Publishing, its official publisher, to regularly prepare supplements that incorporate ordinances passed by the Council and amendments to the Ohio Revised Code. This ordinance adopts a range of revisions, including updates reflecting Council actions from 2024, such as changes to procurement procedures, utility rates, protections against discrimination based on military status, and the removal of gender-specific language in city regulations. The measure also brings the city’s traffic and criminal codes in line with state law by adding, clarifying, or revising provisions summarized in the staff report’s appendix. The council included an emergency clause so that the updates could take effect immediately and avoid conflicts between city and state codes.

Boards and Commission Rules Now Match Council Procedures

Finally, Ordinance No. 2025-16 was approved to modify rules for board and commission meetings, as well as resignation and attendance policies, which make a series of technical updates to the city’s rules governing boards and commissions. These groups are responsible for reviewing specialized issues, gathering public input, and advising or deciding on applications.

The ordinance builds on broader changes first enacted in 2022 to bring more consistency to the organization and operation of boards and commissions. Among the updates, the measure requires boards and commissions that don’t meet regularly to hold at least one biennial meeting to handle organizational matters, such as appointing officers, reviewing their roles under city and state law, and updating procedural guidelines. The ordinance also standardizes the process for members to resign, allowing them to submit a written notice to the chair or secretary that takes effect immediately or on a specified future date, mirroring the procedures recently adopted for City Council resignations. Additionally, the legislation aligns attendance and absenteeism policies for board and commission members with those applicable to council members.

City Hall’s New Furniture

Assistant City Manager Jason Becktold, in requesting that the city approve the purchase of furniture for the renovation of City Hall, informed the council that the project is approximately halfway complete, on schedule, and that the city plans to begin moving into the building in May 2026.

The Council approved the award of a contract to provide new furniture, seating, and filing systems. The purchase is part of the city’s 2025 capital budget. The new furniture package will equip City Hall with systems furniture, free-standing pieces, seating, and high-density storage, supporting the city’s goals of modernizing public services and centralizing customer support.

Council’s Closing Comments

Council member Jeff Washburn closed the meeting by reflecting on his first year and a half on the council, saying he finds the experience rewarding and enjoyable. He praised city staff and recent improvements, including the refurbished path near the ballpark. Washburn shared lighthearted stories about attending community events and sampling spicy cheese at the farmers market. He also promoted two upcoming fundraisers: the Diabetes Dash on July 20 to support diabetes research and scholarships, and the Stars and Stripes event for the Westerville Symphony on August 24.

Council member Aaron Glasgow used his comments to commend the city’s response to recent large gatherings and protests. He said he was proud of the high level of community engagement, the peaceful nature of the events, and the professionalism of the police, who maintained a calm presence without escalating tensions. Glasgow also thanked city staff, especially those in planning and zoning, for their work over the past year and wished everyone a good summer.

Vice-Mayor Coutyana Coombs shared a heartfelt message about her commitment to Westerville, describing the city as a place where neighbors support each other and families plan for the future. She announced her decision to run for reelection, pledging to continue working on issues such as affordable and safe housing, as well as maintaining a welcoming environment for working-class families. Coombs encouraged residents to enjoy the city’s amenities, stay alert to protect the community, and reflect on what motivates civic involvement. She closed by expressing gratitude to those who came before her and to the residents who helped shape Westerville’s future.

Mayor Kenneth Wright delivered an emotional statement reflecting on the challenges of the past year, describing it as one filled with setbacks and disappointments at the national level that have made it challenging to stay positive and engaged. He spoke about the frustration of seeing hard-won progress undone and feeling that too few seem to care. Acknowledging the toll of public service, Wright said he plans to use the upcoming break to recharge, emphasizing that the work remains too essential and that the people of Westerville deserve continued commitment despite the difficult times.

Vice-Chair Megan Reamsnyder acknowledged the emotional strain of serving on the council, expressing empathy for colleagues feeling pressure and fatigue. She said the challenges at the state and federal levels can feel overwhelming, but pointed to the strength of Westerville’s community as a source of hope. Reamsbyder emphasized the importance of events like 4th Fridays and the farmers market in bringing people together and lifting spirits. She encouraged everyone to take time over the summer to enjoy these gatherings and the sense of connection they provide.

Council Chair Michael Heyeck closed with an optimistic message, saying he preferred to focus on positive perspectives despite ongoing challenges. He recalled the turbulence of the 1960s, noting that today’s circumstances are not as dire by comparison. Heyeck praised community events, such as 4th Fridays and the July 4th parade, as well as the work of city staff. He highlighted the city’s efforts to prepare for winter and maintain low utility rates. He reminded everyone that the next council meeting is set for September 2 and wished all a good summer.

The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication by Gary Gardiner, a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westerville—its local news, influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.

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