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Athens adopts hiring freeze, gets more pushback on proposed utility fee
Athens City Council adopted a resolution asking the administration to freeze hiring to keep the city’s cash reserves stable.
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Crowd weighs in on Pledge of Allegiance at Athens City Council
Athens City Council on Tuesday saw a demonstration prior to the meeting organized by former state rep. Jay Edwards, of Nelsonville, who is currently running for state treasurer.
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Streetlight utility proposal meets resistance
Athens City Council tabled a proposal for an additional utility cost to city utility users for streetlight services.
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Athens City Council organizes for new year with new faces
At its first meeting of 2026, council welcomed new members, made committee assignments, heard the law director’s report and discussed water line breaks.
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Council passes 2026 budget; also approves temporary shelter ordinance
Athens City Council voted 6-1 on both its 2026 budget and an ordinance that allows the conditional permitted use of temporary shelters in businesses and residential zones.
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Temporary shelter ordinance moves closer to final passage
An ordinance that would allow conditional permits for temporary shelters in R-3 and B-3 zones is inching towards a vote.
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Athens’ 2026 budget takes ‘unexpected’ $750K hit due to state law
The state requires municipalities to refund up to five years’ worth of income taxes to businesses with net operating losses.
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Council unanimously approves Conestoga Huts project
The first of the three huts will soon be occupied, The Gathering Place Executive Director Ginger Schmalenberg said.
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City proposes income tax increase for May 2026 ballot
Mayor Steve Patterson and Treasurer Josh Thomas proposed placing a proposed 0.2% income tax increase before voters in May 2026.
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Discussion continues around huts, proposed zoning recommendation
Athens City Council again heard residents’ arguments for and against the Gathering Place’s proposed Conestoga Huts temporary housing pilot project.
