Hilliard · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hilliard public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 Community Grants Program distribution
Council decides each year how to split $200,000 among local nonprofits. This year it gave out $166,000, favoring long-standing Hilliard institutions and food security, and declined requests that would pay individual salaries or fund service clubs, churches, and media.
Circle K gas station at Roberts and Alton Darby
Council had to decide whether to fold a corner parcel into the Alton Place C-7 sub-area, effectively moving the planned Circle K from the southwest corner of Roberts/Alton Darby to the northeast corner — closer to apartments and townhomes but farther from the Hamilton Ditch stream restoration and better for right-in/right-out traffic. Text changes staff opposed were denied.
Road, culvert, and intersection projects
The city has never systematically inspected culverts smaller than 10 feet, and some could pose real risks. A new $150,000 contract will inventory, map, and assess them so problems get fixed before roads fail.
Hampton Reserve Ditch Maintenance
Routine stormwater inspection found the city responsible for downstream ditch work near Hampton Reserve; the Franklin County Engineer will do it for up to $101,833.
Pedestrian/bicycle mobility and safety program
The city landed $1.2 million in ODOT construction funding to replace a narrow four-foot sidewalk over I-270 with a real shared-use path, with construction targeted for spring 2028.
Heritage Trail Extension land acquisition
The city is chasing state grants to help fund a roughly $600,000 trail connector between Municipal Park and the Hilliard Wellness Campus.
2027 Capital Improvement Budget
Council got its first look at a roughly $33.9 million 2027 capital budget. About $5 million should come back in grants. Full department presentations were pushed to the next committee-of-the-whole meeting, with a second reading November 9.
Residential deck and porch variances in older Hilliard neighborhoods
Two homeowners in older Hilliard neighborhoods needed variances because their lots are shallower than modern zoning standards allow. Both got unanimous approval, showing the board treats older-plat lots with flexibility when additions don't change neighborhood character.
Engineering second deputy city engineer
Engineering wants a second deputy city engineer to oversee transportation and mobility, bringing the department to twelve staff. The gas tax holiday may eventually trim the street fund revenue the department relies on.
2027 Operating Budget
The proposed 2027 operating budget is balanced, with modest department increases and investments in staffing and service levels. Council will take final action later in October after a public hearing.
Police staffing increase and dispatch costs
Police are asking for two more officers (finishing a four-officer staffing study recommendation) and a third lieutenant. Dispatch costs drop slightly, but a $250,000 regional CAD system upgrade is being split among NREC member cities.
Yetsi property rezoning and Tarleton Meadows traffic
A 69-lot conservation subdivision next to the Heritage Trail won unanimous support, but neighbors say the single-entrance pattern in their area breeds speeding and cut-through traffic.
Cemetery Road corridor growth
Negotiations with the Wendy's and Mill Run owners have stalled, so Council approved the formal step that allows eminent domain if deals aren't signed by June 1.