OTTAWA — The interlocal agreement between the city of Ottawa and Franklin County that allows the city to handle planning and zoning matters in an urban growth area about a mile outside of the city limits may get a going-over. About 50 people turned out for a public hearing hosted by the county commission about the urban growth area agreement Monday night. And most speakers, who lived outside the city but in the urban growth area expressed strong opposition, including some calling the agreement “Communism.” Among those speaking during the forum, urban growth area residents Ron Rumford and Leonard Cheasbro said it costs more to build a house in the urban growth area because of higher city building and permit fees. They said those living in the urban growth area are getting no benefit and they have no representation on the city commission. “All I got is money taken out of my pocket and goes into the city’s pocket for nothing,” Rumford said. Following the public comment session, most of the county commissioners said they would support a change to the interlocal agreement. Commission chair David Hood said he wants to repeal the whole thing and start over.
Tuesday, Jan. 24, 8 a.m.
