Lima's Smith shares updates to Rotary

LIMA — Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith told Monday’s Lima Rotary Club meeting the city is still observing a decrease in crime, but an increase in homicides has spurred her into action with other mayors in the state of Ohio.

Smith also provided updates on everything else the city has been accomplishing throughout the year including new developments concerning the Lima Aquatic Center, the wayfinding initiative, solar panels at a local reservoir, the Brownfield program and other housing projects.

“We’ve experienced a 10 percent decrease in overall crime throughout last year from 2022 to 2023 and the same decrease through the first six months of this year,” she said after the presentation. “While crime is down, homicides are up from two in 2023 and 2022 to five so far this year. We will continue to provide resources to keep our neighborhoods safe, meaning more police officers, better technology, beat policing and advocating for safe gun laws.”

The mayor recently signed a letter to Gov. Mike DeWine with 11 other mayors asking for assistance in keeping guns off the streets and will meet with the bipartisan group and the governor to further discuss the matter.

Smith shared a video featuring accomplishments the city has made since the start of the year and some of the things that are on the horizon, including signage to direct travelers around the city and a new sign for photo opportunities near the amphitheater.

“Tourism is an economic driver, and you cannot capitalize on it if people don’t know where to go,” she said. “We have a wayfinding program and are working with a consultant, and we’ll be selecting a contractor to build those signs throughout the city directing you to our attractions.”

The city has also seen tax revenue increase thanks to a growing economy. Lima also received a $1.6 million Ohio BUILDS Grant for critical water infrastructure upgrades. It also received a grant from the Department of Energy to put solar panels at the Twin Lakes Reservoir that could save the city $1 million in electrical costs per year.

Smith reported the city also completed 39 home repairs, registered 2,000 rental units and ordered 126 demolitions for new houses to be constructed.

“We are experiencing a housing shortage, not just in Lima, but all across the country, and we have to build more housing faster,” Smith said. “The Lima Community Improvement Corporation has purchased its first home on the north end of town, and they’re going to start a rebuild on that. We need all hands on deck to address the housing crisis here in our city with affordable and market-rate housing with as many partners as we can find.”

Smith announced the city has gathered all funding for the Lima Aquatic Center but is still raising money to go toward an evergreen endowment campaign for operation costs. Private donors have contributed $2.9 million of the $5 million goal.

“I am grateful to live in a community that sees the importance of building something and sustain it for future generations to enjoy,” Smith said.

Reach Jacob Espinosa at 567-242-0399.