The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Mayor lists staff, pavilion among 2020 highlights
Pandemic response, CRA success also seen as wins in past year
The past year was tough on many fronts, but city staff serving Mentor-onthe-Lake proved tougher, according to its mayor. “The dedication and professionalism of our city employees would be the biggest story in Mentor-on-the-Lake in 2020,” said Mayor David Eva, when asked to sum up the year. “We are grateful to have a great group of full-time and part-time employees who remain focused on taking care of our residents during this pandemic year.”
Other highlights included construction of a pavilion behind City Hall. Ashtabula-based JCI Contractors, Inc. built the 35foot by 45-foot structure on part of the old tennis courts at the park at 5860 Andrews Road.
JCI’s bid of $107,800 was well below the $150,000 estimate. The city received $141,500 in Community Development Block Grant funding toward the project. “This was completed without using taxpayer funds,” Eva said. “The project came in under budget, allowing us to add playground equipment next to the pavilion in 2021. … This will give our residents another option for family activities in the city.” With funds from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, additional equipment was purchased to help with social distancing at City Hall and give staff remote working capabilities.
Several residents were able to take advantage of the city’s Community Reinvestment Area program, established in 2016. The legislation created a CRA encompassing the entire city.
The program provides 100 percent real property tax exemptions for property owners who renovate existing buildings or construct new ones. The exemption is on the increased value resulting from improvements to residential, commercial and industrial properties.
There also was a considerable upswing in building permits issued last year.
“This is encouraging since these types of projects add value to the entire community,” he said. “We hope this trend continues into 2021.”
Road levy funds and an ongoing cooperative agreement with Mentor has enabled the city to continue with asphalt and concrete improvements throughout the city at a reduced rate.
Looking ahead
The budget for 2021 will look similar to 2020’s, the mayor said. With no major industries in the city, revenues remain fairly steady.
Like other communities, plans for activities in the new year remain in limbo.
“The coronavirus vaccine gives us hope for a better 2021, but the timing of ‘return to normal’ will be an open question for some time,” he said.