Hazel sees progress in state of the city

CELINA - The city government in 2024 demonstrated strong financial health, provided reliable utility services, upgraded streets and infrastructure and oversaw solid business growth, Celina Mayor Jeff Hazel asserted in his annual state of the city address on Monday night.

"It's been one of growth, progress and community, driven by the dedication of our residents, businesses, and city employees," Hazel said about last year. "Collectively, we have worked together to improve our infrastructure, enhance the quality of life and build a brighter future for generations to come."

Hazel highlighted government milestones and progress in 2024, starting with financial health. The city began the year with another balanced budget and saw final combined expenses of $61.15 million, including $8.75 million in capital projects.

Major projects included the reconstruction of Mill Street and the construction of a new public works department building on North Street.

Debt reduction remained a priority as city officials whittled the government's overall financial obligations down by $2.3 million to $4.14 million, Hazel said.

On the investment side, Meeder Investment Management helped the city earn $93,612 in interest that was allocated back into various funds.

Hazel also pointed out the following:

• The utility department continue to provide essential everyday services for residents and businesses. Although operating in the background, the city's municipal utilities account for nearly 68% of the city's total initial budget of $46.8 million.

• The wastewater treatment plant treated a total of 709.89 million gallons of wastewater. Also, 984 wet tons of biosolids were applied across 145 acres as approved by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

• The water treatment department incurred total expenses of $4.03 million. In collaboration with Celina City Schools, 1,000 feet of 6-inch water main was installed under Pond Street at a cost of $42,453.46 and 840 feet of 12-inch water main was installed under Meyer Road at a cost of $64,462.26. The department land-applied 975,498 gallons of wet sludge at a cost of $93,890.

• The electric department completed six major projects, replacing 102 poles and overhead primary lines, with a total investment of $101,731.45.

• The spring trash collection completed in April 2024 by Maharg's Trash Service netted 587.67 tons of trash at a cost of $34,419, funded by a 10-cents per bag surcharge. A total of 347,250 trash bags, 42,750 recycle bags and 16,150 yard bags were sold.

• The Celina Fire Department had 359 calls for service, a 9.1% increase; there were 1,965 EMS calls, a 4.4% uptick.  

• The engineering department issued permits for 13 single-family dwellings, one duplex, 13 residential additions or accessory structures, two non-residential buildings and one addition.

•The Shelly Company resurfaced over 2 1/2 miles of pavement at a cost of $833,777 that was funded through the 0.5% additional income tax. Wagner Paving completed the parking lot areas in the Bryson Park District at a cost of $674,298.

• On the business side, Daylight Donuts is under construction on West Logan Street. Several businesses opened, including La Carreta IV Mexican Grill, Winans Coffee & Chocolate, Light House Studio, Morrow BJJ Brazilian Martial Arts, PJ Beauty for Ashes Salon & Spa Limited, Celina Manufacturing, Smash City Burgers, Jen's Collectibles and Aura Align Pilates Studio.

• In Celina Municipal Court, 2,297 traffic cases and 422 criminal cases were filed.