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Athens City Council tables 2025 budget ordinance; income tax hike moves forward
Questions about projected revenue halted progress on the budget, while administration absences prevented a possible amendment to the proposed income tax hike.
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Trump won county’s highest share of GOP presidential votes of the century
President-elect Donald Trump received 44% of Athens County’s vote in the 2024 election, according to official election night results.
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Athens City Council members spar over ORCA membership ordinance
Jessica Thomas and Alan Swank traded barbs after Thomas proposed amending the ordinance to reduce the required budget reserve threshold.
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Local governments maintain status quo for state tax revenue
Athens County’s formula for distributing its share of the Local Government Fund will remain unchanged for the next five years.
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County commissioners decline to pay lowered outdoor rec council dues
One of the commissioners plans to negotiate with the council over this year’s dues payment to maintain a seat at the table, but it’s unlikely the commissioners would pay next year’s dues either.
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Re-elected county commissioner pushes back against ‘unfair’ media coverage
At a press conference, Charlie Adkins responded to allegations about the county’s management of its emergency medical service — and said he “couldn’t afford” to protest his opponent’s candidacy.
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Nelsonville City Council moves to adopt Issue 23, hire administrative assistant
Officials met on Veterans Day to discuss the administrative role and expanding code enforcement.
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Athens City Council moves to pay ORCA dues
At its Nov. 4 meeting, council heard first reading of an ordinance that sets the city’s dues at a fraction of previous payments. Also discussed: the 2025 budget.
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Brief investigation finds EMS employee did not violate Hatch Act
The employee was suspended after criticizing county EMS work conditions at a press conference held by a former county commissioner candidate.
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Nelsonville loses appeal in ballot initiative case
The Fourth District Court of Appeals largely upheld a local judge’s ruling that Nelsonville City Council had to act on a citizen initiative to repeal the city charter.