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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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Athens admin abandons proposed changes to Shade Tree Commission
City Service-Safety Director Andy Stone said he didn’t think the city had the votes to eliminate the commission’s regulatory authority.
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Costly net frustrates Athens officials after OU closes driving range
The city spent $273k on netting to protect soccer players from errant golf balls from Ohio University’s now-defunct driving range.
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First street mural in Athens, ‘The Migration,’ likely the first of many
The city’s first street mural features salmon swimming in a river and represents the culmination of a creative process that involved 3,000 city voters.
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City approves $600k for Joneswood repairs
The city also moved to pursue a lawsuit against a Woodward Avenue property owner who sought a retroactive permit for work in the city’s right-of-way.
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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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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.
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Athens may approve recreation council membership, but lacks funds to pay
The council saw an ordinance to authorize the mayor to pay the $90,000 membership fee — when the money is available.
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Nothing vicious or defamatory in emails to Athens officials
Instead of scolding writers for less-than-charitable thoughts, officials should consider what led to those thoughts in the first place.

