In 2023, the city of Ontario had a paving analysis conducted by a private company to rate and grade each street from 0-100 based on existing distress. This ensures that the process of selection each year is based solely on condition and not influenced by any other factors. By removing subjectivity from the decision-making process, we ensure that our road maintenance program is fair, effective, and addresses the most critical needs first. It is recommended that this analysis is performed every 2-3 years, and I intend to continue this program to update our list while ensuring that our annual road program continues to progress efficiently and equitably.
Another area of focus is pedestrian connectivity and walkability improvements. A recommendation from our comprehensive plan that has already been set in motion is the Safer Routes to School grant, which provides funding and resources to make it safer for students to walk or bike to school. These investments not only improve safety but also encourage a healthier lifestyle and reduce congestion around schools. We must continue seeking alternative funding sources to address these needs while being mindful of taxpayer dollars.
The Ohio Department of Transportation’s high-crash mapping report (2021-2023) identified key safety concerns at:
• West Fourth Street, State Route 30, State Route 314, and Shelby-Ontario Road to the Lewis Road intersection
• Lexington-Springmill Road from Walker Lake Road to Park Avenue West
• West Fourth Street from Stumbo Road to Home Road
• Park Avenue West from Chambers Road to Home Road
These locations were identified based on accident severity, prioritizing areas with the highest number of serious and fatal incidents. Reducing traffic accidents requires a proactive approach, including improved signage, road reconfigurations, and traffic-calming measures. We must collaborate with ODOT and conduct further traffic studies to enhance community safety and ensure that our residents and visitors can travel with confidence.
Our city's street maintenance is entirely funded by tax dollars from the general fund, costing between $200,000 and $1.5 million annually. Unlike many other municipalities, Ontario operates without street levies, making it even more crucial to allocate resources efficiently. Additionally, our county’s sales tax stands at 7%, with the majority of revenues, going to the state of Ohio at 5.75% and 1.25% to Richland County as a permissive tax. Meanwhile, the city of Ontario received only $100,123.91 in total sales tax revenue in 2024, despite the thousands of visitors who drive on our roads daily for shopping, dining, and entertainment. This heavy usage accelerates wear and tear on our streets, increasing maintenance costs.
To address this imbalance, I will bring this issue to county commissioners to explore shared funding solutions. My goal is to ease the financial burden on Ontario residents while ensuring our infrastructure remains well-maintained for both locals and visitors alike.
