Perrysburg · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Perrysburg public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2026 Zoning Code Update
City staff floated moving detailed technical specs out of the zoning code into a separate Design Spec Book, which would be far easier to update as Ohio Revised Code standards change. It's early-stage — just an FYI for now.
I-75 Corridor Amendment to Perrysburg Tomorrow Land Use Plan
Perrysburg wants to redesignate roughly 1,225 acres along I-75 for employment-focused development instead of conservation/residential uses. It's a guide, not a rezone — but residents worry it's groundwork for a data center and for pushing into township land.
Roachton Road Rezone to Community Shopping
The owner wants the back parcel rezoned to match the C3 front parcels so an indoor pickleball facility can be built there. Neighbors say they accepted duplex zoning and worry about what business could follow if the pickleball plan fails. The Planning Commission has already recommended denial 5-1.
2027 City Budget Appropriations
The committee reviewed the 2027 budget, which shows a modest 3.69% increase overall. The Assistant Law Director position is the only major new spending item.
Sanitary Sewer Credits
A homeowner was told by city technicians that a leak on his water service line needed repair, spent about $1,968 on excavation, and no leak was ever found. The city declined reimbursement, saying the leak would have been on the homeowner's side of the curb stop, but committee members acknowledged communication could have been better.
Rivercrest sand volleyball court improvement
The sand volleyball court was installed with the wrong sand. Replacing it properly costs about $17,000, and PRAC is proposing to cover $5,000 now and $5,000 next year, with the rest from other city funds.
Appointment of Director of Public Service
Restrooms are being winterized, leaf collection is underway, and new Public Service Director Joe Holland plans winter 'housekeeping' fixes like replacing worn mile markers at Woodlands.
E-bike and golf cart regulation
E-bikes have caused problems in parks this summer. The city has started an e-bike registration program, and a few bad actors have prompted complaints — including about overly bright new pickleball court lights at night.
SR 25 and Eckel Junction intersection improvement
The city will pay $6,900 extra to have Mannik & Smith evaluate an idea to improve the rough SR 25/Eckel Junction intersection as part of the corridor study update.
Southern corridor industrial land use plan
A one-page addition to the land use plan would designate land between Route 25 and I-75 for industrial development, helping landowners seeking to annex and market property to businesses without a rezoning delay.
Institutional Rezoning of City-Owned Roachton Road Parcels
An out-of-state owner wants 0.88 acres behind the Horseshoe Bend subdivision rezoned from two-family residential to commercial, reportedly for a private pickleball facility. Neighbors testified about privacy, lighting, safety, traffic, and property values, and the commission recommended denial 5-0. Council holds the final vote October 6.
2027 Public Service budget: staffing and smart-fleet technology
Public Service wants a new laborer, two parks positions, AI-equipped truck cameras that spot potholes and track leaf pickup in real time, new mowers, and a dock replacement — plus higher refuse costs from the wage study and truck repairs.
SSO Elimination Plan and Ohio EPA DFFO Compliance
The city will submit its sewer overflow elimination plan to the Ohio EPA, with eight projects over 20 years starting in 2028. Meanwhile, Arcadis was picked from nine bidders for the $411,400 construction engineering contract to replace old four-inch cast iron water mains on Front, Second, Third Streets and Indiana Avenue.
Municipal buildings project locked in under budget
The Rudolph Libbe guaranteed maximum price for renovating the Municipal Building, police building, and River Road building came in $2 million under budget. Construction starts in December, and meetings move to the Schaller Building next year.
Front Street speed limit fix
Front Street has shown 35 mph signs for years, but the limit was never filed with the state — legally it's 45 or 50. A resolution will make 35 official, and a corridor study may push it lower.
Refuse and recycling funding direction
The city must decide how to fund trash service long term — levy or user fee. Both committee members back the levy, but a sixth route, new driver and truck, and a likely modest rate increase are coming as the city grows.
2027 Fire Department Budget and Staffing
The fire budget is up 6.2% and focuses on replacing aging breathing equipment, ballistic vests and thermal cameras. The chief says the division is not properly staffed and requested three more firefighters — but those aren't in the 2027 numbers.
2027 Police Department Budget
The police department's proposed 2027 budget is about $8.8 million, up just 2.3%, with no new positions. Capital items include three marked cruisers, Taser 10 replacements, dispatch workstations and portable radios.
Fort Meigs Road drainage ditch clearing
Thirty-one homes back onto the city ditch along Fort Meigs Road, and clearing for a multi-use path has exposed backyards. The board denied one six-foot privacy fence, fearing a patchwork 'wall' along the road, but left the door open for reapplication after landscaping is complete.
ODOT grants for Louisiana Avenue resurfacing and shared-use paths
Council applied for a federal grant to resurface East Indiana Avenue and accepted two ODOT grants covering 80-90% of costs for SR-199 resurfacing and new shared-use paths and crossings on West Indiana, Fort Meigs and Hull Prairie roads. Construction bids are expected late 2026 into 2027.
Front, Second and Third Street watermain improvements
Council reauthorized the state revolving loan agreement for the watermain replacement so the project can proceed.
Water and Sewer Rate Increases
A rate study recommends 2% annual increases for five years, taking effect January 1, 2027 — first readings were introduced, with votes to come.
Watermain replacement on Front, Second, Third and Indiana
A $3.3 million project will replace water mains using directional drilling — boring under yards instead of open-trenching — to spare trees, driveways and sidewalks. The low bidder complained the award costs $862,082 more than his bid; council weighed the trade-off and approved it anyway.
Short-term rental regulation and hotel tax
Airbnb-style hosts in Perrysburg now owe the same 6% hotel tax as hotels and must follow new citywide short-term rental rules. A rental manager raised concerns about Airbnb's 15% host fee, but council members who spoke said the tax is collected from guests, not hosts.
Electric bike regulation on multi-use paths
City Council passed a law requiring e-bikes to be registered — free of charge — so the city can educate riders on where they're allowed. Members complained about kids doing wheelies on paths and fields, and signage plus possible path striping is coming.
Stormwater Fee Start-Up
The new stormwater fee begins January 1, 2027, alongside the water and sewer rate increases.
Everbridge emergency notification system
The city joined Wood County's Everbridge mass notification system as an emergency measure so officials can send alerts right away — Perrysburg currently has no system since the county dropped Code Red.
Golf cart and low-speed vehicle rules
The long-awaited ordinance allows golf carts, mini-trucks and similar low-speed vehicles on city streets — something residents have been asking about for a while.
Visit Perrysburg bylaws and board vacancy
Council members publicly called the tourism board dysfunctional after its annual report — the board shrank from about 12 members to four, is spending hotel-tax money on litigation, and its former executive director was, in Corrigan's view, scapegoated. They want new leadership.
Marijuana dispensary regulations
City Council will vote April 7 on whether to prohibit marijuana dispensaries within Perrysburg, with a moratorium in place meanwhile. If prohibition fails, the debate shifts to rules for allowing them — including 500-foot buffers around schools, parks, and churches.
East Indiana Avenue resurfacing grant application
Council authorized applying for competitive state OPWC grant money to resurface Finley Street from Mulberry Road to Indiana Avenue.
New storm sewer fee starting 2027
Residential utility bills will include a $6-per-month storm sewer fee beginning with January 2027 bills.
New two-family residences on former 500 Sandusky Street parcels
A developer's two duplexes will share a single driveway off the rear alley, right on the property line. Several East Sixth Street neighbors say the alley already handles heavy pedestrian, bike, and vehicle traffic and worry new driveway loads will make it worse.
Front Street corridor roundabouts
Residents packed citizens' comments to oppose proposed roundabouts on Front Street and East Boundary, calling them unnecessary, costly and a threat to the historic district's character. The mayor stressed it's only a safety study so far — no decision has been made — and public input is still open online.
Downtown construction update
Downtown work flips to the west side soon, but corners at Front Street, Second Street and the railroad tracks wait on late-arriving anchor bolts and Toledo Edison de-energizing old traffic cabinets.
Krise Property Group annexation zoning
Council permanently zoned the land brought in by the Krise Property Group annexation, via an emergency ordinance so it took effect immediately. This settles what can be built on that land.
Police Division water-damage repair
A burst water pipe damaged the police station, and the city got two bids for the fix. The cheapest qualifying bid was $57,778.59, and insurance should cover all of it.
Lincoln Properties annexation
Three parcels along Lincoln Boulevard and Route 25 (the old social restaurant site) are now part of the city, and the Krise Property Group annexation area got permanent light industrial zoning. This shapes what can be built along the Fort Meigs Road corridor.
Perrysburg Senior Lofts site plan changes
Pivotal Development LLC brought a final site plan for a senior housing project on West Sixth Street before the commission. The outcome shapes what housing options will be available to Perrysburg seniors near downtown.
Data center concerns raised by resident
Resident Lauren Berlekamp warned council about multiple hyperscale data center proposals around Perrysburg, confusing tax abatement advertising by the New Albany Company, and state legislation (House Bill 126) that could limit the city's power to sue over public nuisances.
Reservoir pressure valve replacement
Two 60-plus-year-old valves that keep water pressure right at the city's reservoirs are failing — one is already dead. Council will decide on replacements to protect the water distribution system.
EMS Heart Monitor/Defibrillator Replacement
Current monitors are so old the manufacturer no longer makes parts. Replacements will come from Stryker using money already set aside in the 2026 Capital Budget.
2026 Street Resurfacing and Road Program
Council awarded the year's biggest construction contract — nearly $1.8 million to resurface various city streets — plus striping and sidewalk work. Expect orange barrels and smoother roads this construction season.
2026-2027 Infrastructure Projects
A slate of road, watermain, signal, and multi-use path projects is coming, including resurfacing 12 streets, Indiana Avenue reconstruction, and downtown streetscape Phase Two.
Michels Corporation equipment yard buffering at 26933 Eckel Road
Michels Corporation's preliminary and final site plan and special approval use request for 26933 Eckel Road was postponed, delaying any decision on the property's use.
Municipal Pool Management Contract
The city received four bids to run the municipal pool; two were rejected as unresponsive, and USA Management, LLC came out as the lowest and best of the remaining two. The three-year contract can be canceled and rebid if the company misses city standards. Residents likely won't notice big changes in how the pool is run.
Ft. Meigs Ditch Repair and Multi-Use Path
A $2.6 million project to repair the Ft. Meigs Ditch and build a multi-use path. The city's General Fund covers about $754,000, with Sewer Funds picking up the rest. It needs a budget adjustment since bids opened later than planned.
Mayoral Election
Perrysburg’s mayoral race is starting to take shape, with candidates beginning to enter the contest for the city’s top job. The election will decide who sets priorities for city services, growth, and spending—so it’s worth knowing who’s running.
Car Wash Moratorium
Perrysburg council voted 5-1 to end the pause on new car washes, so more car wash proposals could move forward in town. The change doesn’t approve any specific project—it just removes the temporary block on new ones.
State Audit Investigation
The state auditor looked into Perrysburg city government and decided not to file criminal charges. That means no prosecution is coming, which is good news for city hall.