Holiday gas prices cheaper anywhere but here. And how many residential projects are in the pipeline in 43040?
Give us a few moments and we'll serve up what matters in Marysville on Monday, June 30, 2025
In this edition, sponsored by Weeks Plumbing:
Holiday gas prices seem to be cheaper anywhere but here
How many residential projects are in the pipeline in 43040? A new city resource provides the answer
The state of the rental market in Marysville
How might the state budget impact the MEVSD finances and future school board elections?
Project Lifesaver training is slated at the Union County fairgrounds
But first, a word from our sponsor
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The peak of summer in Union County
It's the peak of summer vacation in Union County.
Some key reminders about local events this week to keep in mind:
The Marysville Independence Day Parade is scheduled for Friday, July 4, at 10 a.m. The parade will proceed from the American Legion Park, east on Fifth Street, south on Plum, east on 6th, and end at the courthouse.
The Marysville fireworks display is scheduled for Saturday, July 5, at dusk at the Union County Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds gates will open at 4 p.m. on Saturday.
The forecast looks great for both days at this point.
Gas price update as we move into the holiday week
AAA projects a record 77.2 million Americans will travel for the July 4th holiday, which spans through July 6. The holiday falls on Friday, making it a popular time for both long weekend and week-long trips.
If you are hitting the road, you may want to wait until you leave town to find cheaper gas prices.
For example, a drive down SR 4 on Sunday afternoon reveals gas prices much higher in Marysville than elsewhere. We tracked the following prices for a gallon of regular gas:
Marysville Marathon on W 5th $3.19
Milford Center: $3.15
Mechanicsburg $2.89
Springfield $2.69
If you want the best price to fill up heading into the week, Walmart had the lowest price at $3.02. All other prices in town were $3.14 or above on Sunday afternoon.
The lowest price for gas in the state was along I-75 in western Ohio. In Toledo, it was selling for $2.33 per gallon. In Sidney, it was $2.39. In southwest Ohio, it was $2.42. In Cleveland, it was around $2.50 per gallon.
The theme again this week? Gas is cheaper anywhere than in Marysville.
New website tracks development projects
Last week, the City of Marysville took a great step in transparency, launching a website that allows residents a view of residential and commercial development.
According to the site, there are currently 16 residential projects that are pending, approved, or under construction in the city.
Altogether, the projects currently in the pipeline will create roughly 3,890 new residential units in the city. That’s an “all in” number, including single-family units, townhomes and multi-family (apartments) units.
11 of the 16 projects will create 2,467 new multi-unit apartments in the city.
It’s a lot. But the market is bearing the price.
The economics of the rental market in Marysville
Real estate experts I talk with frequently note that the multi-family apartments are filling a much-needed market in Marysville. And they also point out that for rental prices to come down, demand has to be balanced out by a new supply of rental inventory.
The state of the rental market in Marysville
The average price for a rental in Marysville was $1521 in May. That’s according to the latest data available from Rentcafe.com.
It’s up from $1,400 a year ago, but below the national average of $1,610 per month. The cost of rent varies depending on several factors, including location, size, and quality.
The average size for an apartment in Maryville is 955 square feet.
31% of households in Marysville are renter-occupied, compared to 69% that are owner-occupied.
The average rate for rent in nearby markets includes:
Columbus: $1,340
Delaware: $1,459
Dublin: $1,583
Hilliard: $1,445
Many renters also need a storage unit. Rentcafe.com reports that a local 10X10 unit runs for about $105 per month.
Keep in mind, market experts note that rates are set by market demand and amenities offered by different properties.
20-mill floor changes will negatively impact MEVSD finances
The state budget on Governor Mike DeWine’s desk has the potential to essentially offset the 5.5 mill emergency operating levy passed by voters in the Marysville school district back in May.
One provision modifies the state guarantee for unvoted, inside millage, known as the 20-mill floor.
According to Marysville school treasurer Todd Johnson, while complex, the impact on the financial status of the district will be noteworthy.
The 20-mill floor change will certainly have a significant impact, reducing projected revenues in the 5-year forecast by millions of dollars and putting us on the ballot again sooner than we would have been,” he told me late last week.
“It basically has the impact of at least partially muting the benefit of the levy that the community just passed.”
Another provision in the new, two-year budget will require school districts to give back any cash carryover that exceeds the prior year’s balance by 40%. The House had proposed a 30% trigger. The Ohio Senate countered with 50%. They compromised on the 40% figure, which should not impact the district.
Governor DeWine has the power to veto portions of the budget. He must sign it into law by July 1.
Future school board races will be partisan
Future local elections for school board members will now be partisan.
That means candidates will have to identify their affiliated party on the ballot.
It's a change made in the new two-year state budget that is heading to the desk of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.
In the past, local board of education candidates have run in non-partisan races, making the races more about local issues and education, rather than party platforms and ideology.
Three board seats are up for a vote by Marysville residents in the upcoming November election. Candidates must file petitions to run with the Board of Elections by August 6.
The change in state law gives an advantage to local Republicans.
City revenues continue to trend slightly behind last year
The City of Marysville collected $15.728 million in general fund revenue through the end of May. That is according to the latest monthly finance report released by the city.
While property tax revenues have exceeded 2024 figures by 8%, income taxes—which make up the bulk of revenues for the general fund—lagged by about $105,422.
City Finance Director Brad Lutz writes in the report that a large payment from a lottery winner in 2024 continues to impact income tax collection trends.
“If that were to be removed from last year’s receipts, the total in 2025 would exceed 2024 receipts,” Lutz wrote.
Revenues from lodging taxes are up, while earnings on investments are lower due to interest rate changes.
While the city collected $15.728 million in revenues, expenditures were nearly $2 million lower than last year through the end of May, at $13.082 million for the general fund. In 2024, expenditures were at $15.696 million.
Meanwhile, spending on the Security of Persons and Property (which includes police, fire, and the Municipal Court) was up year-over-year to $7.531 million in the first five months of 2025. That compares to $7.319 million in 2024 during the same period.
Revenues from fines, fees and transfers were $5.302 million through May 31, down significantly from $8.6 million in the first five months of 2024. The city typically transfers revenues from the general fund to support these services.
Project Lifesaver training at the fairgrounds today
Don't be surprised if you see a number of first responders in action at the Union County Fairgrounds today.
Union County Sheriff Mike Justice and the Project Lifesaver board are expanding training for the program to first responders across the county.
Project Lifesaver is yet one more way first responders are increasing service capabilities for residents with cognitive disabilities.
The program is administered by the Sheriff's office. It has helped provide thousands of families across the USA peace of mind every day, knowing that their loved one has a layer of protection and safety in case they wander from home.
Participating departments will include representatives from Marysville, Jerome, Northwestern Fire District, and Plain City, among others.
"Instead of just our office, this is a team effort in our community," Sheriff Justice told me late last week.
He said that the session today will involve training responders how to locate a participant in the program at a variety of levels of difficulty.
Response time is critical when a person with a cognitive disability is reported missing.
"Every second counts," he said.
Not only is the plan to expand the training, Sheriff Justice and the local Project Lifesaver board are looking for local partners who are willing to help purchase additional receiver units to place around the county to effect quicker responses.
For eligible households that would like to participate in the program, you can call Shawn Dyer at the Union County Sheriff's Office. There is no charge for the service.
Thanks for reading Marysville Matters!
It's hard to believe we're halfway through 2025 already. Later this week, we will be reviewing the top stories in Union County so far and looking back at how accurate our predictions were on January 1. We'll also be dusting off the crystal ball and projecting the major news trends that will make headlines in the next six months.
Timely. Fact-based. Locally curated. Sometimes with a seasoning of sass, but as little bias as possible!
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Have a great Monday!
-Joe C.