-

·
South siders decry proposed affordable housing project
Property owners near the proposed project on Pomeroy Road cited concerns over lack of input, potential flooding and lowered property values.
-

·
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.
-

·
Athens council continues proposed income tax hike discussion
A former state rep says the increase would be a large burden on wage-earners; a councilman questioned the city’s plans for additional revenue.
-

·
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.
-

·
Mayor’s office proposes Athens income tax increase
The administration says the city needs to raise the income tax to 2.25% to offset lower income tax withholding from Ohio University.
-

·
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.
-

·
Commissioners split on outdoor rec council; city likely to renew support
A reduction in Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia membership fees has revived the question of 2024 support – but the county seems unlikely to pay amid budgetary and “personality” issues.
-

·
Mayor’s zoning board reappointee resigns amid controversy (Updated)
Weeks of controversy have surrounded the mayor’s attempted reappointment of an Athens landlord to the Board of Zoning appeals.
-

·
Business owner raises questions about Uptown street closures
Cool Digs owner Sara Quoia said that Uptown streets have been closed multiple times this year without council’s approval.
-

·
Athens City Council OKs amended cannabis and tobacco zoning ordinance
Mayor Steve Patterson’s ‘sense of urgency’ spurred the council to amend and pass the ordinance in one sitting, rather than send the ordinance back to first reading.
