About ninety people gathered at Via Roma Event Center on Thursday, October 8 for the North Royalton State of the City Address, sponsored by the North Royalton Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Paul Marnecheck began his address by noting that, “my goal is to leave North Royalton in a better position than I found it. That was my approach on Council, and it remains my approach as Mayor. And, I believe this is the same approach taken by the others who work daily on behalf of our community.”
Marnecheck asked for a moment of silence to remember Dave Smerek, the North Royalton Building Commissioner who lost his life at the city’s Service Center in July. He explained that with the restoration of the position of Safety Director, and the hiring of Jim Chura, he tasked Chura with a safety plan for city buildings. Chura has worked with various city officials to review safeguards. Chura has also consulted with Homeland Security and Security Risk Management Consultants LLC. The result does include some changes that make visiting city buildings less convenient to the public, but ensures the employees are safe and protected.
Marnecheck noted that North Royalton Police officers, under Police Chief Keith Tarase, are providing security at the Building and Service Department, while added safety measures are completed. “Police Training remains a priority,” said Marnecheck. “Our officers completed their required state training and additional instruction in crisis intervention, emergency response, impaired-driving enforcement, crash investigation, first aid and NARCAN, investigative techniques and school safety. Fifteen officers also completed First Line Supervision training, and 20 of our 33 officers are trained as Field Training Officers. That prepares experienced officers to help train the next generation.”
In 2025, the North Royalton Fire Department, under Fire Chief Bob Chegan, “responded to 4,416 calls, an 8.1 percent increase over the previous year. Emergency Medical Services accounted for approximately 75 to 80 percent of the total calls,” stated Marnecheck. He talked about the EMS Levy issue on the November ballot, stating that “If approved, the additional revenue would fund three additional firefighter-paramedics to increase daily staffing. For a home with a market value of $200,000, the additional cost would be $1.67 a month. The levy would generate $407,544 in additional annual revenue. The purpose is to provide the staffing needed to respond to our community’s emergency medical needs.”
Marnecheck spoke about the city’s taking the responsibility of Home Days, starting this year, after the Chamber approached him less than a week after he became Mayor. That gave his office, specifically Jaime Anton, seven weeks to put the event together. He thanked Anton and his staff, who “took on a tremendous amount of work in a short time, on top of their regular responsibilities and the nine other events we organize. Our sponsors stepped forward with the financial support that made it possible.” Marnecheck said that the planning for the 2027 event is providing an opportunity to build upon what worked and to make improvements. In January, sponsorships will be sought and hopes that businesses and organizations will again join in making the event happen.
Some of the projects and goals that his office is prioritizing include an independent Road Rating Program, to evaluate the city’s streets; Intersections, such as the four way stop at Ridge and Akins Roads and the turn signal changes at York and Albion Roads have already been addressed, and intersections at Julia Drive/Ridge Road/Royalwood, Bennett and Akins Roads and Valley Parkway at York and at Bennett are being studied; work on securing funding is taking place to rebuild the lower pavilion at Memorial Park and for the repaving of State Road from Royalton Road to the city’s southern border.
The city’s financial health, through North Royalton Finance Director Jenny Esarey, is predicated on careful spending and maintaining adequate reserves. Marnecheck shared figures from 2025. “The City’s total revenue was $62.7 million. One point that often surprises residents is how their property taxes are distributed. The City’s inside-millage share is only about 9 percent, or $3.3 million. The City’s portion is smaller than many people realize, but it is an important source of support for our operations.
Total expenditures were $52 million. Nearly $18 million, or 34 percent, supported our safety forces and related expenses. General City government operations accounted for $12.4 million, or 24 percent, and Wastewater accounted for $12 million, or 23 percent. Service, snow removal and road projects totaled nearly $5 million, or 10 percent. Utilities, including rubbish and recycling, accounted for $2 million, or 4 percent. Parks and recreation activities totaled nearly $1 million, or 2 percent.
Community Development accounted for $1 million, or 2 percent, and Senior and Adult Services and the Cemetery Department accounted for $305,000, or approximately 1 percent. These percentages are rounded. The General Fund began 2025 with an unencumbered cash balance of $12.64 million and ended the year with nearly $16.20 million. That was an increase of approximately $3.56 million.”
Regarding the city’s economic development, through Community Development Director Tom Jordan, Marnecheck stated that “a stable, growing tax base helps us maintain the services our residents and businesses expect. Our first responsibility is to support the companies already here. We are also working to attract new investment.” He spoke of 118 acres of property on Abbey Road, one of the largest tracts of undeveloped industrial property in Northeast Ohio. It lacked sanitary sewers until recently, the Abbey Road Sewer Project improved the property to make it more attractive for development.
Two sites in the York Road Industrial park is also currently being marketed. Dunkin’ Donuts and Jimmy John’s are currently under construction in the area of Rt. 82 and Bennett Road. Also noted, was the $54 million congressional appropriation for Phase II of the Rt. 82 Widening Program, from York Road. On the residential side, construction of new homes have totaled 35 so far this year.
Newly appointed Service Director, Kevin Nekl, has been working on the second salt barn project. The project is currently in the final stages of design, with possible construction by the end of the year. Marnecheck gave an overview of the progress of the annual in-house road maintenance program and talked about the proposed program for next year.
Wastewater Superintendent, Ed Haller, and his department operate the city’s two treatment plants. Flow meters and rain gauges are being installed throughout the city to identify where stormwater may be entering sanitary lines in order to prioritize repairs and guide future improvements. Both plants need improvement and the city has contracted to assess the plants and design improvements. Options are being reviewed and will direct a Capital Improvement Plan to help provide long term, reliable service.
Marnecheck highlighted several projects that the city’s Engineering Department has been working on: Edgerton Road Sanitary Sewer Improvement; Thornhurst Drive and Big Creek project; Royalton Road Stream Restoration Project; Ohio Turnpike mitigation/drainage improvement at York and Bennett; Cedar Estates Baldwin Creek improvements, State Road sidewalks.
The city’s Senior Center has just celebrated its first year at the former Royal View Elementary School on Ridge Road. “The larger, dedicated space has helped increase participation and made it possible to offer more services and opportunities to spend time with others,” noted Marnecheck. A newsletter with Senior Center activities can be found on the city’s website, or copies can be found at the North Royalton Library, Drug Mart, City Hall or the Senior Center.
Marnecheck closed in saying “These first months as Mayor have reinforced how much we depend on one another. I am grateful to our employees, City Council and the residents who have stepped forward to help. There is important work ahead, and I intend to keep you informed as we do it. My goal is to leave our City in a better position than I found it, with reliable services, careful financial management and thoughtful improvements that serve our community. I am honored to serve as your Mayor.”
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Reporter
