City News
Charting a Sustainable Future



As a result of the income tax ballot losses in 2013, Gahanna City leadership made the commitment to citizens that we would come up with a sustainable operating plan that would allow us to do the very best we could with the valuable tax dollars that citizens have entrusted us with. Over the past year, my administration and I have worked diligently with members of Council and citizens to do just that.  The proposed budget plan focuses on funding essential services, taking into consideration our limited revenue resources.  This year's annual budget request document is the product of an unprecedented level of collaboration between Council, citizen stakeholders and represents the highest levels of transparency and accountability.

The 2015 Budget, as presented to Council is a five-year plan that sets the financial course for the City of Gahanna.  The plan outlines our priorities as it relates to our current operating expenses and guides us in making future capital expenditures.  In undertaking this yearlong process, we took into account our current economic environment, re-examined our priorities and looked at what we consider to be our City's core services.

Click here to read the full blog post by Mayor Stinchcomb.

City of Gahanna Awarded Certificate of Achievement of Excellence in Financial Reporting

 

The City of Gahanna has been awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States (GFOA) for its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2013. 

 

The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

 

"The CAFR has given the City of Gahanna an opportunity to provide meaningful financial information in a way that our citizens and stakeholders can easily access.  The CAFR and this nationally recognized award are elements of our commitment to transparency and accountability," said Jennifer Teal, Director of Finance, City of Gahanna.

 

The CAFR was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program including demonstrating a constructive "spirit of disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate users and user groups to read the CAFR.

 

Previously the City of Gahanna was presented the Auditor of State Award with Distinction for its CAFR.  The City also won the Auditor of State Award in 2012 and 2013 for its basic financial statements.

 

The City of Gahanna's Finance Department oversees all of the City's financial operations, which include the municipal income tax, city budget, annual appropriations, accounts payable, debt and investment management and payroll.

 

The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association serving approximately 17,800 government finance professionals throughout North America. Click here to learn more about GFOA.

 

The City of Gahanna provides all of its financial reports, including annual budgets, quarterly updates and performance measurement data on the website.

Snow Plow Murals to Be Unveiled During Holiday Lights Parade
This weekend Gahanna residents will be able to enjoy beautiful works of art from area students on five of the City's Snow Plows thanks to a partnership between the City and Gahanna-Jefferson schools.

Over the past month, elementary and middle school students worked alongside their classmates to paint murals inspired by the winter on the City's plows.  The murals will be unveiled during the upcoming Holiday Lights Parade & Celebration on Sunday, November 23, 2014.

The Snow-plow project is a creative approach to encourage student teamwork and provides an opportunity to promote community pride.
 
Click here for more information about 2014 Holiday Lights Parade & Celebration.
Community Shares Ideas, Brainstorms for Parks & Recreation Opportunities

 

A big "thank you" from the Department of Parks & Recreation and the Parks & Recreation Board to all community members who attended the community dialogue, "Planning our Future: Gahanna Pools, Parks and other Recreation Opportunities" on Wednesday, November 5, 2014.  

 

More than 100 people participated in six different round table discussions led by Parks Board members to provide input and brainstorm on a series of parks, recreation and pool related questions.

 

Click here to view a summary of the meeting.  Additional information including A Comprehensive Look at Aquatics and a Comparison of Local Pools are also available on the website.  

 

Further input and dialogue is encouraged. Questions and comments may be emailed to parkandrec@gahanna.gov

Registration for Winter Camp is Now Open!

 

Campers ages 5-12 will explore, create and perform with the energetic Camp Friendship staff during winter break at the Gahanna Parks & Recreation Winter Camp.

 

Participants may choose any number of days during the winter break. Each day will offer different activities that will be sure to peak your child's interest at The Center, 480 Rocky Fork Blvd. Camp cost includes a t-shirt, snacks and daily field trip or activity.  

 

Space is limited, so click here to register now!

Community News & Events
 
For more information, contact the Council Clerk's office at
614.342.4090. To view notes from previous meetings, click here
Holiday Lights Parade & Celebration

Presented by The Gahanna Convention & Visitors Bureau

November 23, 2014


Get into the holiday spirit by enjoying one of the largest evening illuminated holiday events in Ohio! The Holiday Lights Parade and Celebration is complete with floats, marching bands and, of course, Santa Claus. 


Families can enjoy free activities and programming beginning at 5 pm Sunday, November 23. The parade steps off at 6 pm (heading West on Granville/SR 62--then marches north on Mill St.). Santa will arrive at Creekside Plaza at approximately 6:30 pm for the Tree Lighting. Enjoy live music, food vendors, fun and much more!  

 

Columbus Crew and Gahanna's own Wil Trapp will serve as the 2014 Holiday Lights Celebrity Marshal!   


This year, the parade will be taking a new route through the city. View the map below for more details.   

  



Also, don't forget to enter the Gahanna Convention & Visitors Bureau's (GCVB) second annual Gingerbread House Competition, open to families, groups, businesses and individuals. Prizes are awarded in multiple categories. Entries may be dropped off at the Gahanna CVB (167 Mill St. Gahanna OH 43230) in between December 1-19, 2014. 

 

Click here to learn more about all the holiday festivities. You may also contact the Gahanna Convention & Visitors Bureau at  614.418.9114. 

 Gahanna VFW Post 4719 Honors Korean War Veterans  

On Sunday, November 9, 2014 the Gahanna VFW Post #4719 hosted a Korean War Veterans Memorial Ceremony dinner.  Nearly twenty-five  Gahanna veterans were honored among family and friends during the event.  The VFW and City of Gahanna presented certificates of appreciation to these courageous individuals for their service in the Korean War.  

 

Often known as the "Forgotten War," nearly 55,000 individuals lost their lives in combat during the war. The Korean War was the first war in which the United Nations played a role.  It was also the first war with battles between jet aircraft.  Attendees had the opportunity to hear personal reflections from Korean War Veterans.  

 

Senior Vice-Commander Ernest Massie served as this year's emcee. The Honor Guard of VFW Post #4719 and American Legion Post 797, led by Jack Steinhauser provided an escort and welcomed the Korean War Veterans.  

 

Mayor Becky Stinchcomb, the daughter of a Korean War Veteran delivered remarks and thanked the veterans on behalf of the City of Gahanna.  Major General James Williams, Director of Emergency Preparedness for the City of Gahanna shared his reflections on the war. 

 

The dinner was made possible through the generosity of Brio Tuscan Grille. Other sponsors included Coughlin Automotive, Mr. Rogers Marshall and Kroger.

 

American Legion Post #797 is located in Gahanna, Ohio and meets monthly at VFW Post #4719 the third Thursday of every month.  The VFW Hall is located at 75 W. Johnstown Rd, behind the Veterans Memorial. The Legion consists of the main Legion Post, the Sons of the American Legion Squadron 767, The Ladies Auxiliary 797, and the Venture Crew Scouts 797. Click here for more information on American Legion Post #797.  

Nov. 20, 2014
Upcoming Events

November 22, 2014
9:00 a.m.

November 23, 2014
5:00 p.m.

November 24, 2014
Council Committees
7:00 p.m.

November 27, 2014
Thanksgiving Holiday

City Hall will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday on Thursday, November 27 & Friday, November 28, 2014.  Normal business hours will resume on Monday, December 1, 2014.
 
December 1, 2014
7:00 p.m.

December 6, 2014
9:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

   
 
 
Fall 2014 Gateway Program Guide 

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City of Gahanna 
200 South Hamilton 
Gahanna, OH 43230

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