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Athens mayor resigns from outdoor rec council
Mayor Steve Patterson resigned immediately; the city will withdraw from the council of governments in late June.
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New Baileys trailhead under construction
The Buchtel trailhead and a new connector trail are expected to open this year.
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ORCA dues, shared-use path questioned following income tax failure
Athens City Council member Alan Swank brought up the failure in discussions of the city’s support for ORCA and a project on Columbus Road.
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New trail construction projects kick off for Baileys
The new trails near Buchtel will bring the trail system to “near completion.”
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Forum promotes the creation of an Athens County Park District
Athens County residents listened to presentations from Ohio park district officials and local organizations promoting the creation of a county park district.
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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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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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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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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.
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Athens City Council authorizes mayor to join council of governments for solid waste
At Monday’s meeting, city council also revisited discussions on tobacco and cannabis rezoning and renewing the city’s membership in the Outdoor Recreation Council of Appalachia.
