Step into the dynamic world of Sunbury, Ohio as City Administrator Daryl Hennessey reveals how this small town is managing its dramatic evolution from village to city status. Four years after crossing the 5,000-resident threshold, Sunbury faces unique challenges balancing explosive growth with preserving its cherished small-town character. Topics covered include the following.

• The city adopted a charter giving it more local control over decision-making processes
• Assuming responsibility for state routes through the city created new maintenance obligations
• Sunbury spans about seven square miles with a disproportionately large geographic footprint relative to its population
• The city is actively diversifying its tax base away from 75% residential property valuation
• Amazon Web Services is making a $2 billion investment in a data center on the east side of Sunbury
• Approximately 2,200 new housing units are in various stages of development, with almost half being multi-family or non-traditional single-family homes
• Council has committed more than $3 million to develop JR Smith Park with active recreational amenities
• Major summer events include the Farmer's Market, Memorial Day Marketplace, 4th of July celebration, and Sunbury Sizzle and Sounds in August
• Delaware County Transit is helping with workforce access by offering flexible $2 rides from Sunbury to nearby destinations in Delaware.

For more information about development projects and upcoming events, visit www.sunburyohio.org or contact City Administrator Daryl Hennessey at dhennessey@sunburyohio.org.

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Could Ohio become the first state to completely abolish property taxes? With skyrocketing home valuations forcing seniors out of their long-paid homes and creating financial strain for countless homeowners, a group of determined citizens is fighting to fundamentally change how public services are funded.

Beth Blackmar from Citizens for Property Tax Reform joins us to share her personal story - a shocking 51.9% increase in her century-old bungalow's valuation that mirrors the experience of homeowners across the state. We dive deep into the frustrating appeals process that often provides little relief, even when professional appraisals contradict county assessments. Beth explains how only 30% of Ohio residents shoulder the entire property tax burden, with many seniors now paying monthly tax bills exceeding their original mortgage payments.

The conversation extends beyond tax policy to explore broader housing challenges facing Ohio. With Central Ohio projected to reach 3 million residents by 2050, outdated zoning codes from 70 years ago are hampering development. Business growth depends on housing availability, infrastructure investment, and thoughtful regional planning - all interconnected issues that demand proactive solutions rather than reactive policies.

What makes this movement particularly fascinating is that advocates for abolishing property taxes aren't seeking to defund schools or public services. Instead, they're challenging legislators to develop more equitable funding mechanisms that distribute costs across all Ohioans rather than concentrating them on property owners. Their petition has cleared initial hurdles, and with 500,000 signatures, Ohio voters could face this transformative question on November's ballot.

Visit reformpropertytax.com to learn more about this initiative or to get involved in reshaping Ohio's approach to funding essential services while preserving affordable homeownership.

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What happens when a school district grows from 2,000 to 24,000 students in just three decades? Superintendent Todd Meyers joins us to reveal how Olentangy Local Schools manages explosive growth while maintaining educational excellence. Topics covered include:

• 1,600 vs 16,000 per student, why making a case at the statehouse for school funding matters. "For every additional dollar we get from the state," Meyers emphasizes, "that's one less dollar we have to ask from our local taxpayers."
• District faces potential $90-100 million "clawback" of reserves needed for continued growth in the proposed budget
• Need for 5 new school buildings in the coming years to accommodate 2,000+ new students annually
• Security measures include vestibules at all entrances and school resource officers at secondary schools
• Community partnerships providing additional facilities for student activities help us achieve our educational excellence goal.

Olentangy Local Schools continues breaking records with seven state championships in just two years. From Liberty High School's football and lacrosse titles to Orange High School's back-to-back girls wrestling championships and recent boys basketball state victory, athletic excellence mirrors academic achievement. The district's robotics team just made their third appearance at the world competition, while journalism, speech and debate, and marketing programs consistently earn national recognition.

Listen to hear how the staff at Olentangy Schools is working to ensure the students' educational excellence in the future.

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Affordable housing in Delaware County has reached a crisis point, with average home prices exceeding $400,000 and rental rates skyrocketing beyond what working families can afford. In this eye-opening conversation with Brandon Feller, President of the United Way of Delaware County, we explore how this critical issue impacts community sustainability and what is being done to address it.

Brandon reveals the harsh reality many families face—spending 60-70% of their income on housing leaves them vulnerable to financial disaster when unexpected expenses arise. "We're at a tipping point," he explains. "We're negatively impacting the community by not having a diverse housing stock."

The discussion covers the partnerships driving affordable housing development, the persistent challenge of NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) attitudes, and United Way's advocacy at township, state, and federal levels to create policy change. From advocating for zoning reforms that enable accessory dwelling units to fighting for the release of $70,000 in federal funding for food and shelter, United Way tackles systemic barriers while providing direct support.

We also explore United Way's broader impact through programs like their after-school initiative, which provides safe spaces for children from challenging home environments. And their Backpacks for Scholars program, which provides school supplies for more than 2,400 students of all ages.

Curious how you can help? Visit liveuniteddelawarecounty.org to learn about volunteer opportunities, sponsorship options, or to donate directly to programs making a tangible difference in Delaware County residents' lives.

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Every day, millions of Ohioans travel across thousands of miles of roadway without giving much thought to the complex systems keeping them safe. That changes the moment we see those dreaded orange barrels or "Road Work Ahead" signs. What happens behind those barriers? How are decisions made about which roads get fixed and when?

Matt Bruning, Press Secretary for the Ohio Department of Transportation, pulls back the curtain on the state's transportation infrastructure in this revealing conversation. From the strategic redesign of Columbus's notorious I-70/71 split (home to several of Ohio's most dangerous crash locations) to the science behind winter road treatments, Bruning offers fascinating insights into how ODOT works to keep traffic flowing safely across the Buckeye State.

Topics Include:

• The Downtown Columbus I-70/71 split project aims to reduce crashes by eliminating dangerous lane crossings
• Worker safety remains critical, with 58 ODOT crews hit so far this year compared to 84 in all of last year. The Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching vehicles with flashing lights. Bruning reminds us - "When you see road workers, remember they're real people with families waiting for them at home. Move over, slow down, and give them room to work safely."
• Infrastructure funding faces long-term challenges as fuel-efficient vehicles reduce gas tax revenue despite increased traffic. The federal gas tax hasn't increased since 1993, creating funding challenges as costs rise.
• Roundabouts significantly improve intersection safety despite public resistance. Center landscaping in roundabouts strategically forces drivers to look left at yielding traffic.
• Projects across Ohio include US 33 upgrades in Athens County and studying a potential Route 23 bypass in Delaware County.

Whether you're curious about major projects transforming Ohio's transportation landscape or simply want to understand why that pothole on your commute hasn't been fixed yet, this episode delivers valuable insights about the roads connecting our communities. Follow ODOT at transportationohio.gov for project updates, construction guides, and to report road issues in your area.

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Commodity specialists from Posival & Company discuss the far-reaching impacts of recent tariff policies on global supply chains, Central Ohio businesses, and consumer prices.

• Uncertainty is the biggest challenge, as businesses struggle to predict costs and maintain international partnerships
• Consumer goods retailers like Dollar Tree face existential challenges with tariffs up to 145% on imported products
• Reshoring manufacturing to the US isn't simple—it requires years of development, substantial investment, and higher labor costs
• Southeast Asia presents alternative market opportunities as businesses pivot away from China
• Even with tariff barriers, business continues because "people still need to eat"
• Historical context shows trade conflicts have shaped American policy since the country's founding
• The maritime shipping imbalance is stark—China built 353 ships last year while the US built only 3

For supply chain consulting or to learn more about grain commodities trading, visit https://www.pnco-international.com/.

Whether you're a business owner managing global supply chains or a consumer wondering why prices are rising, this episode offers valuable insights into the complex world of international trade during turbulent times. Connect with Max Posival and Brian Thomas at https://www.pnco-international.com/ or find them on LinkedIn.

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The global marketplace affects everyone—especially our farmers. As international trade tensions rise and tariff talks dominate headlines, Ohio's agricultural community finds itself at the center of the storm.

Wendy Osborn, Director of Market Development at Ohio Corn and Wheat, joins us to unpack what these developments mean for Ohio's vital grain industries. As the seventh-largest corn producer in America, Ohio plays a critical role in both domestic and global food systems. The United States leads the world in corn production, with Mexico standing as our largest buyer and Canada purchasing 40% of our corn ethanol exports.

Our conversation reveals how today's farmers face a double challenge: navigating potential trade disruptions while simultaneously managing historically high production costs. Modern farming operations require significant investment in advanced technology, equipment, and land—costs that continue to climb with inflation. When trade barriers arise, the impact on farmers' bottom lines can be devastating.

The episode also highlights exciting innovations in corn usage, including bioplastics development and other petroleum-product replacements. Despite current challenges, Ohio's strong transportation infrastructure and domestic livestock markets provide some stability for grain producers.

Listen now to gain a deeper understanding of how global politics affect your food supply and the farmers who grow it. Subscribe to Central Ohio Matters for more insights into the issues shaping our region's future.

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What makes your bank more than just a place to store money? For Richwood Bank CEO and President Chad Hoffman, it's about being deeply woven into the fabric of community life.

Banking doesn't usually make headlines unless something goes wrong. Yet community banks like Richwood are quietly revolutionizing how local financial institutions serve their communities while competing against national giants. Their guiding vision—"to inspire, protect, and celebrate anything that helps our communities thrive"—shapes everything from their innovative in-branch coffee shops to their emphasis on cybersecurity and stopping fraud.

Founded in 1867 and community-owned by farmers and local residents rather than institutional investors, Richwood Bank embraces technology without losing human connection. While customers can now check accounts instantly from their phones and make contactless payments, the bank has simultaneously made its physical spaces more inviting. Their unique donation-based coffee shop concept has generated nearly $1 million for local charities while increasing branch traffic.

The true value of community banking shines during difficult times. When hotels struggled during the pandemic, Richwood offered flexible payment options rather than selling their loans. During agricultural droughts and trucking industry downturns, they partnered with customers instead of pressuring them. Hoffman emphasizes, "Where you bank matters."

Beyond traditional banking, Richwood now offers marketing, payroll, financial planning, and HR consulting services to help local businesses thrive. This community-focused approach has made them the ninth fastest-growing financial institution in Ohio for seven consecutive years.

Join Host Michelle Gatchell and Richwood Bank CEO and President Chad Hoffman for this episode of Central Ohio Matters.

View the Richwood Bank website here.

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