Mills delivers state of the city for Coshocton
Coshocton Mayor Mark Mills delivered his State of the City Address 2024 during the city council meeting held Feb. 18.
Good evening, President Hilgenberg, city council members, and all those in attendance, including residents following along through local media. Thank you for your commitment to our city and for the opportunity to address you tonight. It is an honor to lead this great community and to provide an update on the progress we have made over the past year, as well as a glimpse into the exciting developments ahead in 2025.
2024: Progress You Can See, Commitment You Can Trust
I want to begin by expressing my deep appreciation for my administrative team – Max Crown, Bob Beaumont, and Shanna Stanton – for their dedication to addressing daily challenges while also planning for our city’s future. My gratitude also extends to our directors, supervisors, and employees who work tirelessly to serve our residents and ensure the highest level of service. A special thank you to my parents, Ginger, and my sons for their unwavering support. A heartfelt thanks to my father for his commitment to keeping our streetlights maintained.
I am pleased to report that our general fund ended the year with a $2.7 million surplus, an increase from $1.5 million in 2023. This achievement reflects the responsible fiscal management of our auditors, my administration, and department heads, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are utilized effectively. I would also like to extend my appreciation to SPP for their advocacy in securing more than $20 million in state and federal funding, supporting initiatives ranging from water regionalization to outdoor recreation.
Public and private projects in 2024 totaled more than $100 million, including the opening of a new jail and EMS station, both primarily funded through state resources. The nearly completed Coshocton Collaborative downtown is a testament to our continued investment in revitalization. Additionally, McWane Poles invested $50 million in expansion, and Columbia Gas completed a significant facility investment on Clow Lane.
Looking ahead, 2025 will bring numerous infrastructure projects, with water regionalization as a top priority. This initiative will extend water service to the Village of Warsaw, with nearly full funding from our state and federal partners. The Chestnut Street waterline replacement is on track for completion by late spring. Preliminary engineering has begun to extend water and sewer infrastructure to the former AEP site in Conesville, and we look forward to working alongside our partners at the Frontier Group to develop this 500-acre site and attract new jobs to the area. Additionally, new developments in the north corridor includes Crossroads Baptist Church and The HomeStead of Coshocton
Exciting changes are also coming to the heart of our city. The Courthouse Square will soon feature a Veterans Memorial Park, which will transform into an ice-skating rink during the winter months. This initiative, made possible through state funding and the dedicated efforts of the commissioners’ office, will provide a year-round space for community gathering and recreation.
Hall Park is set to receive $100,000 in improvements, funded in partnership with the Coshocton County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Infrastructure improvements will continue with traffic signal upgrades on Second Street, funded by ODOT. Additional state funding through House Bill 2 will support cemetery paving, new pickleball courts, and upgrades to our water and wastewater facilities, as well as a fire training facility. This $2 million allocation marks the largest single grant award our city has received from the State of Ohio.
We remain committed to downtown revitalization and securing funding for the completion of the historic Pastime Theater. Our administration will continue efforts to beautify Coshocton, and I want to personally commend Property Code Deputy Mark Sharrock for his work in addressing blighted properties, ensuring yards are maintained, and removing hundreds of abandoned vehicles. I also want to recognize and thank 98% of the residents who take pride in their homes and neighborhoods without being asked.
Coshocton’s real estate market is thriving, with new homes being built on vacant lots and both local and out-of-town investors breathing new life into properties. A highlight of this momentum is the redevelopment of the former Washington School into 12 apartments by Ed Myers. Additionally, the land bank is leveraging funding through the port authority to remediate brownfield sites, transforming longstanding eyesores into valuable community assets. While progress takes time, we now have a strong team working diligently to make Coshocton shine once again.
I remain dedicated to addressing critical social issues, including homelessness, mental health, and addiction. I want to extend my gratitude to Ray at Kno-Ho-Co and Rachelle at Allwell for their partnership and support in tackling these complex challenges.
Outdoor recreation continues to expand, with both public and private investments enhancing our waterways. Jeffrey Peters’ purchase of the Boathouse Tavern will complement the new Roscoe Village Canoe Livery, finally bringing canoe, kayaking, and tube rentals to our community for residents and tourists alike. Additionally, the Walhonding River will soon be designated an official water trail, and Skip’s Landing has secured $6.7 million in Appalachian Community Grant funding to develop our natural resources into a premier destination.
A Call to Action
In closing, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every organization and individual who contributes to the betterment of our community. Our continued success relies on the collective efforts of all residents. I encourage each of you to invest your energy locally and understand that reversing decades of decline is a process that requires time, dedication, and perseverance. I remain fully committed to working tirelessly to make Coshocton the best it can be.
Mayor Ron Davis once told me, “I am not a politician; I work for the people.” I have carried these words with me, and they continue to guide my leadership. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to serve. May God bless our great city.
Category: Government
