STRONG RESIDENT GUIDE
2017 ANNUAL REPORT | FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
westerville city council
BACK ROW: Alex Heckman; Valerie Cumming; Tim Davey; Kathy Cocuzzi, Vice Mayor. FRONT ROW: Craig Treneff, Mayor; Mike Heyeck, Chair; Diane Fosselman, Vice Chair.
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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville
MESSAGE
FROM THE
CITY MANAGER
It was after 9 p.m. on Saturday, February 10, 2018 when #WestervilleStrong was born. In a conference room with two staff members from the City’s Community Affairs team, we were about eight hours into one of the worst moments in Westerville’s history. It was our fourth post to social media that day, introducing the tag that predicted what the community would become: Westerville Strong. We still feel the profound loss of Officers Tony Morelli and Eric Joering each day, but we also feel Westerville’s enduring support. When the eyes of the nation were upon us, Westerville showed strength and grace. The Westerville Division of Police carries Tony and Eric’s legacy forward, continuing in the service, safety and protection of residents, businesses and visitors. I am proud of WPD. I am proud of City staff. And, I’m proud of our community.
CONTACT US
@
SEND A MESSAGE. You may reach all members of Westerville City Council via email at CityCouncil@westerville. org. Please also visit the website at www.westerville.org/council. You may also contact the City Manager at David.Collinsworth@westerville.org. LEAVE A MESSAGE. Please contact Mary Johnston, Westerville Clerk of Council, to leave your contact information, as well as questions, comments or feedback: (614) 9016410. WRITE TO US. Mail may be sent to any individual Councilmember or all seven members of Council. Address correspondence to the recipient(s) at Westerville City Hall, 21 S. State St., Westerville, OH 43081.
Thank you to everyone who adopted Westerville Strong as a way of life since February 10. As we move forward in reporting our accomplishments of the prior year, previewing new initiatives and programs and introducing Westerville to new residents, always remember this is a special place. www.westerville.org | City of Westerville
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Forever
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Officer Anthony P. Morelli
Officer Eric J. Joering
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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville
Westerville Strong became a reality for many in the community who started programs or initiatives to support kindness, generosity and helping others. From t-shirt fundraisers to events to social media campaigns, people found a way to take action. To continue the momentum, check into these existing programs to spread kindness. NEIGHBORHOOD BRIDGES
Directly pairs people with needs in the community: www.neighborhoodbridges.com
Officer Eric Joering and K9 Sam, now retired and living with the Joering family. The Westerville Division of Police continues its K9 program, with Officer Bryan Schwartz and K9 Fiji on duty.
Officer Anthony Morelli worked as a School Resource Officer (SRO) as part of his 29-year tenure with WPD. Students remember him as a trusted mentor. Today, WPD partners with Westerville City Schools to have a SRO in each of middle and high school in the district.
Find out about ongoing programs and fundraisers for the Morelli and Joering families at www.westerville.org/westervillestrong. The state of Ohio pledged $500,000 in 2018 for the
construction of a Police memorial. Planning is underway now for a permanent memorial at First Responders Park on Main Street.
Thank
you!
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NEIGHBOR2NEIGHBOR
Promotes resources and programs to help at the neighborhood level: www.n2nwesterville.org
OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY’S KINDNESS MATTERS
An entire University community to cultivate and inspire kindness throughout the region: www.otterbeinkindnessmatters.org
There is simply no way to list all the partners and vendors that supported the City last February. We will forever be grateful for the outpouring of assistance and donation of goods and services. For the purposes of this publication, the City of Westerville would like to thank its graphic design partner, Davis Walker Creative, for donating design and production services in the month of February 2018. www.westerville.org | City of Westerville
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The City of Westerville and its community partners annually deliver the State of the Community address in February (available on-demand on Westerville TV at www.westerville.org). New this year, the partners met to film the address at the beautiful new Aloft Hotel, now open on Heatherdown Drive. The City, Westerville City Schools, the Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce, Westerville Public Library and Otterbein University showed how they were Westerville Strong in 2017.
PARTNERS WESTERVILLE CITY SCHOOLS The Westerville City Schools District last year launched a program to examine its future needs, developing a 10-year facility plan based on a study of aging infrastructures, student enrollment forecasts, current and anticipated curriculum and building safety and security. Through extensive community engagement efforts, the District continues its work to communicate with parents, guardians, students and community stakeholders. Additionally, the District has worked to strengthen its financial status, which shows ongoing stability. Because forecasts are projected five years ahead, the projected cash balance through Fiscal Year 2022 is nearly $71 million. Lastly, the District updated its Learning and Teaching Roadmap; the first roadmap resulted in one device for every two students. The updated plan moves to a oneto-one ratio in grades 6 - 12. Find out about these programs and more at www.wcsoh.org.
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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville
WESTERVILLE AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce took on a new role in 2017, becoming the managing association for Leadership Westerville. The program, founded by the Chamber and community partners, has more than 275 graduates ready to lead and serve in Westerville. Businessoriented programming included the Chamber’s Legislative Forum (connecting WACC members with local and state representatives and senators), the Election Academy (designed to assist potential and future candidates who wish to run for office) and Government Relations Committee meetings (focused on a number of probusiness policies and programs). Networking and special events, including the annual Music and Arts Festival, kept members and volunteers working together to build productive and meaningful relationships. For more information on how to get involved, visit www.westervillechamber.org.
WESTERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY The Westerville Public Library welcomed more than a half-million visitors last year, circulating over two million books and materials. Again recognized by Library Journal as a five-star library, WPL retains its place in the top 1% of public libraries in the nation. WPL also launched a fines-free policy to increase access to materials, create a positive customer experience and allow customers to avoid financial burdens while saving staff time and costs. And, well-known authors traveled to Westerville to meet readers as part of the “Meet the Authors” series. WPL hosted Jay Asher (13 Reasons Why), Erik Larson (Dead Wake, The Devil in the White City,) and Jeannette Walls (The Glass Castle) among others. The line-up for 2018 includes Ernest Cline (Ready Player One), Angie Thomas (The Hate You Give) and Alexander McCall Smith (The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency). Finally, in 2017 WPL celebrated a historical marker honoring Agnes Myer Driscoll. Driscoll, known as Madame X during World War I and II, was an important code breaker for military and intelligence operatives. Read more at www.westervillelibrary.org.
OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY The Point continues to build momentum, last year hosting the WELD Conference for 164 middle and high school girls from 58 schools throughout the state. Tenants are creating one-of-akind professional experiences for students while developing emerging products ready for the marketplace. OU recently welcomed the first class of more than 20% students of color: the most diverse in the University’s storied history. OU made significant gains in academic preparedness, with more than 40% of the class with a 3.8 or higher GPA. Retention is up 8% in the last five years (at 83%), including significantly more students from under-performing districts. Otterbein continues to bring thought leaders, experts and artists to campus to challenge and grow understanding and appreciation of the world. Not only has the effort received three National Endowment for the Arts ARTWORKS grants and two Ohio Arts Council grants, the program has hosted more than 20 visiting scholars and artists and 40-plus international artists, poets and musicians. Find out more at www.otterbein.edu.
top 10 employers JP MORGAN CHASE BANK NA FINANCE 4,200 MOUNT CARMEL ST. ANN’S HEALTHCARE 1,800 WESTERVILLE CITY SCHOOLS EDUCATION 1,100 (est.) ALLIANCE DATA SYSTEMS PROFESSIONAL 925 DHL SUPPLY CHAIN LOGISTICS 680 OTTERBEIN UNIVERSITY HIGHER ED 655 INVENTIV / GSW ADVERTISING 480 AFFINION GROUP PROFESSIONAL 465
Westerville Strong:
JOBS AND OPPORTUNITIES Westerville is strong in part because people invest in this community. With their time. With their talent. And importantly, by creating jobs. The Westerville Economic Development team knows that jobs matter for the longterm success of a community. In 2017 and moving into 2018, economic development efforts focused on business recruitment, retention and expansion. Last year alone, these programs helped generate about $1.48 million in additional income tax revenue. EMPLOYMENT SNAPSHOT
806
Attracted jobs
251
Retained jobs
$70k+
Average annual salary
IT’S HAPPENING AT WESTAR PLACE The Marriott Renaissance and Central Ohio Primary Care Physicians headquarters are open now in the Cleveland Ave. at Polaris space known as Westar Place. And much more is coming! The site is primed for business expansion, as well as exciting new retail and dining offerings. The City acquired the 62 acres in 2012 to add public infrastructure and help attract the hotel and conference space, as well as new corporate neighbors. Watch for announcements of new amenities at www.westerville.org.
NATIONWIDE INSURANCE PROFESSIONAL 435 CITY OF WESTERVILLE GOVERNMENT 430 www.westerville.org | City of Westerville
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EIGHT CONSECUTIVE YEARS: Aaa CREDIT RATING City Maintains Best (Aaa) Credit Ratings from Moody’s Investor Services, S&P Global Last October, the City of Westerville again earned the Aaa bond rating from Moody’s Investors Services and S&P Global Ratings for the eighth consecutive year. Aaa represents the highest achievable bond rating, reserved for organizations that meet highest quality, lowest credit risk criteria for investors. Bonds with Aaa ratings are judged to be the best quality by all standards and comprise what are generally known as high investment-grade bonds. The amount of interest paid by the City is dependent on its credit rating, as well as the current prevailing interest rate. The Aaa rating designation provides access to the best interest rates available for debt issues.
Illustration
The local economy is strong, and businesses are making significant investments to call Westerville home. Recently, DHL Supply Chain purchased a 10.1-acre parcel in Westar Place to build its new headquarters. This location will attract new jobs and return an investment of $250,000 per year for the Westerville school system, in addition to income taxes paid to the City. Watch for more exciting updates in Westar Place soon: business.westerville.org.
AUDITOR OF STATE PRESENTS Office’s Most Prestigious Award
The City of Westerville also received the Auditor of State’s Award with Distinction. This is the Auditor of State’s most prestigious award, given to select cities that meet quality and accuracy factors in financial record-keeping. According to the Yost’s office, less than five percent of municipalities and public agencies in the state qualify for this award. For more information, visit https://ohioauditor.gov/
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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville
STATE AND SCHROCK IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
BEFORE
AFTER ALOFT HOTEL
MARRIOTT RENAISSANCE HOTEL
Because Westerville’s finances are strong, capital improvement projects like the South State Street Improvement Project, are supported by low-interest loans and reinvestment on private properties. Specifically, the $30 million invested in the project with public dollars (combining Phase I and Phase II) has yielded more than $60 million reinvestment in private dollars by property owners and investors. The Aloft hotel, which opened in March, and the Marriott Renaissance, which opened in May, are more examples of how public and private investment (along with strong leadership in economic development) attract jobs, visitors and more. www.westerville.org | City of Westerville
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WESTERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY $0.0209
FRANKLIN COUNTY
FINANCES
MAJOR REVENUE SOURCES 2017 General Fund
Municipal income tax is the largest source of income for cities. Westerville collects at a rate of 2%, which equals or is less than other cities in Central Ohio.
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SOURCE
AMOUNT
PERCENT OF TOTAL
MUNICIPAL INCOME TAX
$32,693,919
75.6%
PROPERTY TAXES
$3,411,841
7.9%
INTERGOVERNMENTAL REVENUES
$4,427,106
10.2%
CHARGES for SERVICES
$35,790
.1%
FEES, LICENSES and PERMITS
$1,139,512
2.6%
FINES and FORFEITURES
$522,919
1.2%
INTEREST
$745,407
1.7%
MISCELLANEOUS
$289,083
.7%
GRAND TOTAL
$43,265,577
www.westerville.org | City of Westerville
WESTERVILLE CITY SCHOOLS $0.6200
DELAWARE COUNTY
WESTERVILLE CITY SCHOOLS $0.7314
FRANKLIN COUNTY $0.1910
CITY OF WESTERVILLE $0.1681
WESTERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY $0.0236
CITY OF WESTERVILLE $0.1900
DELAWARE MENTAL HEALTH $0.0112
DELAWARE COUNTY $0.0676 DELAWARE COUNTY PARK PRESERVATION $0.0068
Most of your property tax dollar goes to the schools, but also the library or the County. The City uses property tax primarily to fund fire protection and emergency medical service (EMS). Remaining portions are deposited into the General Fund for infrastructure initiatives.
CITY SPENDING BY FUNCTION General Government City Council Law Administration Buildings & Grounds Maintenance Department of Public Service Mayor’s Court Administrative Services Emergency Communications Management Information Systems City Manager’s Office Finance-Admin/ Utilities/Tax Street Maintenance & Repair Planning & Development
$275 $659 $794 $818 $919 $1,127 $1,936 $2,444 $2,600 $2,841 $3,096 $4,405 $10,136
Parks & Recreation
$13,605
Police
$14,036
Fire
$41,472
Electric Water Sewage Refuse Data Center
in 000s
$7,662 $3,029 $2,240
General Government Enterprise Funds
$1,250
www.westerville.org | City of Westerville
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SAVING PUBLIC DOLLARS COMPETITIVE BIDDING
$3.1 million+
saved through formal and informal competitive procurement efforts. Nearly $1 million in additional savings achieved through the use of cooperative purchasing opportunities with other government entities.
REIMBURSEMENTS
GRANTS AND DONATIONS
$500,000
$8,600
from the Ohio Public Works Commission for the second phase of the Spring Road Improvements Project.
reimbursed for the rental and utilization of cruisers for Westerville Division of Police (WPD) to close roads, direct traffic or otherwise cover a private special event.
$27,500
reimbursed for their work with other public safety agencies on a variety of specialized, tactical task forces.
INSURANCE
$2.8 million+
in employee self-insurance plan (to date).
WIFI IN WESTERVILLE Free, public wifi in Uptown? Yes, you can. Thanks to the City of Westerville’s Information Systems (IS) Department, Uptown is “wired” so that you can browse, text and stay connected while shopping, dining or taking part in special events. The IS team keeps the City innovative and forward-thinking when it comes to technology, and wifi is just one more amenity to enjoy your Uptown experience. Simply login to the “WeConnect” network when in Uptown to connect.
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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville
Learn more: www.weconnectdatacenter.com.
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PARKS & RECREATION EVERY YEAR IS A BIG YEAR At Westerville Parks & Recreation
In 2017, we launched the Westerville Community Center Expansion project, part of the Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Master Plan. The Department will break ground on the project—adding nearly 50,000 sq. ft. to the existing building—this fall. The expanded facility will have more space for fitness programming, a larger equipment area and improved pool features (an interactive water slide!). The expansion will also move and integrate the older adult space, so activities and programming will be under one roof.
PUBLIC SERVICE New! FOLLOW WESTERVILLE ROAD WARRIORS Fast, thorough and efficient snow and ice removal and leaf collection are widely considered two of the best seasonal programs Westerville has to offer. The Westerville Public Service Department, the team behind these services, is now offering a way to track the progress of those who clear and collect. The Westerville Road Warrior online portal shows residents what streets were treated in the last two, six, 12 and 24hour time frames, in addition to selecting specific roads for data during leaf collection and snow events. Check it out online at www.westerville.org/roadwarriors.
BEAUTY THROUGH SERVICE The Westerville Public Service is focused on keeping Westerville beautiful, managing efficient yard and solid waste removal services, road and utility repairs when needed and sustainable community practices to protect our resources. A variety of programs are in place to aid these efforts, including two Hazardous Household Waste Collections each year. These special events collect tons (in weight) of materials for safe and environmentally conscious disposal. Find out more: www.westerville.org/service
www.westerville.org | City of Westerville
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MAJOR PROJECTS
The City produces a five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) annually to offer a comprehensive look by year and by fund of key investments. This plan, separate from the budgeting process from the five-year financial plan, looks at investments like facility upgrades, park and paths enhancements and infrastructure improvements. Read the CIP at www.westerville.org/finance.
Major projects underway and on the horizon include:
Cleveland and Schrock The City is partnering with the City of Columbus to improve congestion and safety along Cleveland Avenue (between I-270 and the JPMorgan Chase & Co. Signal) and Schrock Road (between Schrock Hill Court and Cleveland Avenue) with lane additions and utility improvements. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of the year (2018).
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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville
McCorkle Boulevard Reconstruction This project involves the reconstruction of McCorkle Boulevard from County Line Road to Wyndham Park, including minor widening (approx. four feet), signal pole relocation and radius improvements at the northeast corner of County Line Road to improve turning movement. Planning is underway; construction begins in 2019.
Uptown Improvements Historic Uptown is the heart of the Westerville community. To keep Uptown vibrant and accessible, the City will resurface pavement and replace sidewalks along State Street, between Walnut and Home Streets. These improvements will result in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the net loss of only two parking spaces. Planning is underway; resurfacing begins in 2019.
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT Westerville’s Planning & Development Department has taken all its infrastructure and construction projects and put them in one convenient, accessible place for residents and visitors. Check out GoWesterville, an online, interactive tool to pin, plot and find details construction, neighborhood and other projects. GoWesterville presents information about the progress of improvement projects, showing timeline, funding and all other details that help you best plan ahead. Visit www.westerville.org/construction to use the site.
U P TOW N I M P R OV E M E N T P R O J E C T
The City’s engineering team (Planning & Development) is preparing for a future project in Uptown to improve and renovate sidewalks to meet ADA requirements, replace damaged curbs, upgrade traffic signals and more. Along with resurfacing S. State St. in the District, this project will continues public efforts to maintain Uptown’s vibrancy and momemtum. Find out about the entire project here: www.westerville.org/construction. www.westerville.org | City of Westerville
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New in! 2018
Westerville now offers an online service to help customers manage their utility accounts. The utility customer care portal enables residents to pay bills online, view e-bills, usage data, payment history and more. Visit www.westerville.org/billpay.
Westerville water customers enjoy some of the lowest rates in Central Ohio.
Westerville maintaining its own electric utility helps control costs and focus on quality service delivery.
2017 RESIDENTIAL AVG WATER BILL (PER MONTH) Huber Ridge Hilliard Upper Arlington Grove City Dublin Reynoldsburg Gahanna Worthington Delaware County New Albany Delaware Columbus Westerville Pickerington
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$68.52 $41.12 $39.98 $39.49 $39.43 $39.32 $38.69 $37.82 $37.56 $37.29 $30.76 $28.68 $28.50 $26.28
www.westerville.org | City of Westerville
2017 MONTHLY AVERAGE WESTERVILLE ELECTRIC BILL (GAS HEATED HOME) Avg. Residential Rate $133.50 AEP Average Bill $135.78
PUBLIC SAFETY The Westerville Divisions of Police and Fire serve the community as our public safety officials, advocates and experts. WPD and WFD have some of the most innovative and engaging community programs that aim to reach residents at the neighborhood level. Protecting your property, personal safety and health is our mission each and every day. Find out more, including how to take either WPD or WFD citizen academy experience, online at www.westerville.org. If you or someone you know is interested in career opportunities with WPD or WFD, check out www.westerville.org/jobs.
CALL FOR SERVICE The Westerville Division of Police responded to 37,262 calls for service in 2017.
EMS Responses
5,464
Fire Responses
2,064
Fire Investigations
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17,194
Calls for Service
1,483
Response time
Burglary Alarm
# of free smoke detectors provided and installed
Property Damage (accident)
5:52 * 103
*Numbers represent first year (2017) of joint dispatch call times with the Westerville Division of Police. Response times remain consistent with national standards.
1,117
20,068
Officer Initiated
966
546
Auto Accident (injury)
583
Disturbance
Lockout
761
1,295
Suspicious Person
Theft
1,412
Traffic Complaint
www.westerville.org | City of Westerville
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NEW RESIDENT to e om c l We sterville.
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DATES TO KNOW Yard Waste Collection: Mondays Refuse and Recycling Collection: Tuesdays Please place yard waste, refuse and recycling containers at the curb no earlier than 6 p.m. the night before collection. If collections fall on holidays, pick-up is delayed one day. Questions? Call the Public Service Department at (614) 901-6740. INITIATE UTILITY SERVICE To establish a utility billing account with the City of Westerville, call Utility Billing at (614) 901-6430 or visit the 64 E. Walnut St. A deposit will be required for residential or commercial consumers who rent or lease the premises in which electric service is provided. MANAGE, PAY UTILITY ACCOUNTS ONLINE The City has launched a new online utility portal to help registered customers manage and pay their accounts. Westerville utility users can now make a debit or credit payment by phone too; registration is not required for this service. Other utility payment options include by mail or in-person 64 E. Walnut St., bank draft and 24/7 at designated drop-box locations at City Hall, 21 S. State St. and 64 E. Walnut St. Get details online at www.westerville.org/utilitybilling or call our friendly team at (614) 901-6430. INCOME TAX The Westerville Income Tax Division handles the collection, audit and enforcement of the two (2.00) percent municipal income tax pursuant to the Westerville City Code. The Division holds extended hours closer to the income tax deadline. For assistance, call (614) 901-6430. NON-EMERGENCY NUMBER To report an accident for non-emergency situations, call (614) 882-7444. File a report Report suspicious persons, vehicles, or activity Report a crime (not in progress) Report non-injury accidents
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www.westerville.org | City of Westerville
GET CONNECTED, STAY CONNECTED Never miss a public event or meeting with the City’s event calendar. Find the information you need and add it to your personal Outlook/iCalendar, Google or Yahoo calendar. Check it out at www.westerville.org/calendar. DOWNLOAD THE “MY WESTERVILLE” APP You’ll have the City in the palm of your hand with the “My Westerville” mobile app. Available 24-hours a day, seven days a week, the app allows residents to submit service requests with a simple touch of a button. It’s a great way to stay up-to-date on City news and events. Download the app today on Android devices and the iPhone through Google Play and the Apple App Store, respectively.
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STAY INFORMED! Sign up online to get a weekly e-newsletter and have the latest news, information and special events delivered directly to your email inbox. GET SOCIAL Join our online communities and networks. You’ll get quick information and can interact with the City and your neighbors. Facebook: www.facebook.com/cityofwesterville Instagram: @cityofwesterville Keep up with our other City accounts as well: @WvilleElectric, @WestervillePD, @WestervilleFire and @WestervillePark.
Twitter: @tellwesterville
MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS, KNOW YOUR CITY Want a behind-the-scenes tour of the City? Join the Westerville Citizen’s Academy. Held every year in the spring, this free eight-week class is focused on interactive features, such as exploring equipment, facility tours, demonstrations and hands-on activities. Learn more and apply at www.westerville.org/wca. GET INVOLVED Each year, City volunteers give tens of thousands of hours helping their neighbors stay safe, experience City programs and keeping our natural resources healthy. Find the right volunteering opportunities for you at www.westerville.org/volunteer.
COMING SOON!
T RESPONDERS FIRS
PARK
FIRST RESPONDERS PARK
Following the events of February 10, 2018 and in memory of our fallen officers, the City accelerated plans to update and expand First Responders Park. In March, the state of Ohio pledged its support with a $500,000 grant for the park’s expansion to include a permanent memorial site. Plans are now in development, and ground is expected to move yet this year. To see more, or to donate to the memorial, visit www.westerville.org/parks.
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21 S. State St Westerville, Ohio 43081 www.we ster v i l l e.org
MISSION The City of Westerville is dedicated to providing exemplary municipal services to our community and fostering prosperity while embracing our unique heritage and character.
VISION
Westerville will be a safe, friendly, vibrant, attractive and diverse community, where people and families live, learn, work and play, and where a small-town feel and quality of life is valued.
VALUES The City’s core values are clearly defined to guide and inspire organizational performance. For City officials and personnel, these values are the principles of organizational life that constitute the foundation of our future forward path. INNOVATION STEWARDSHIP EXCELLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY INTEGRITY AND TRUST
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT EMPLOYEE ENRICHMENT