Twinsburg City Council covered a wide range of topics during its Oct. 28 meeting, including municipal investment strategy, a major wastewater treatment plant project, legal expense questions and ballot issues.
Council also recognized Eagle Scout Alex Miller for his achievements. Read the full story
Investment Portfolio Performance
Finance committee chair Karen Labbe reported that the committee met before the regular council meeting to receive the annual treasury investment presentation from Meeder Investment Management.
The city currently has approximately $2 million in its Star Ohio account and just over $14.5 million invested in securities. The weighted average maturity of investments is approximately 2.5 years, with more than 50% of the portfolio locked in at rates above 4%.
City officials discussed potentially moving $10 million from an interest-bearing checking account into longer-term securities to maximize returns before rates decline further. The checking account currently earns between 2% and 3% annually, while Star Ohio yields approximately 4.25%.
The investment strategy is projected to generate stable interest income for the city in coming years despite falling rates. For 2025, securities income is expected to exceed 2024 levels, with 2026 projected even higher based on current holdings.
Federal Reserve Rate Cuts
Interest rates are expected to decline as the Fed continues rate cuts through 2026, with two additional quarter-point reductions anticipated before the end of 2025. The Fed is scheduled to meet this week, with another quarter-point cut expected.
The presentation noted that inflation has moderated to approximately 3%, down from a peak of 5.6%, though still above the Fed’s 2% target. Job growth has slowed, with significant revisions to prior employment data providing justification for continued rate reductions.
Wastewater Treatment Project Update
Service Director Nate Raber provided a detailed update on the wastewater treatment plant improvement project.
The city received its permit to install from Ohio EPA in what Raber called “record time” with minimal questions, validating the technical work completed to date.
Summit County has agreed to contribute approximately $1.7 million toward the estimated $17 million project, which covers their cost-sharing responsibility.
The project will be advertised for bids on Nov. 3 and Nov. 11, with a pre-bid meeting scheduled. Bids are expected to open in December, with the contract award targeted for late January. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2030.
Council will consider a resolution at an upcoming meeting to apply for Ohio EPA Water Pollution Control Loan Fund financing for the project.
Legal Expenses Addressed
A resident raised questions about legal expenses related to three terminated police officers. Law Director Matthew Vazzana and Finance Director Christina Conway responded, clarifying that all legal services contracts and settlement agreements were properly authorized by council.
Vazzana noted that Resolution 67-2024 authorized legal services with the Weston Herd law firm, while Resolution 39-2025 authorized one officer settlement. All expenditures were approved through the annual budget appropriations process and subsequent amendments.
Conway emphasized that the finance department operates with proper authority from the Summit County Budget Commission and that all appropriation amendments were approved by council. She noted the city undergoes annual audits with no compliance issues.
Council President David Post noted that claims of impropriety are often made on social media, but fact-checking consistently shows the city follows proper procedures.
Issue 44 Discussed
Doyle Stutzman, president of Compass Computer Group, spoke regarding Issue 44, a ballot measure that would rezone the former Blue Top Motel property from C2 commercial to I1 industrial. Stutzman said he plans to build a self-storage facility on the site, not a data center as some residents feared. Read the full story
School Board Candidate Speaks
Merkisha Rush, a candidate for the Twinsburg school board, addressed council members, emphasizing the importance of partnership between the school district and city government.
Rush, who works as a bank examiner for the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland and serves as a University of Toledo board trustee, stressed the need for transparency, accountability and collaboration. She asked voters to support her candidacy in the Nov. 4 election, which has three open seats.
State Senate Candidate Introduces Himself
Mike Roberto, who is running for the 2026 Ohio State Senate seat in District 27, introduced himself to council and residents. District 27 includes all of Portage County as well as portions of Summit and Geauga counties, including Twinsburg.
Roberto recently retired after 34 years as a teacher, coach and school administrator, serving his last five years as superintendent of Aurora City Schools. He said he is running to continue public service and expressed concerns about education funding, affordable housing, property taxes and healthcare access.
Roberto said he plans to attend additional council meetings to better understand local issues and maintain open communication with officials.
Other Business
Council approved a conditional use permit for Northstar Church to operate in office condos at Ravenna Road. The church will use the space for youth ministry and parish activities.
The planning commission also approved final site plans for a clubhouse facility at Deer Run Apartments.
The next regular council meeting is scheduled for Nov. 12, moved from Veterans Day.
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