Watch: Mayor Grubbs shares updates from Nov. 18 City Council meeting

Harrison City Council Advances Dry Fork Road Project, Approves Year-End Budget Adjustments, and Looks Ahead to the Holidays.

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Roadway & Infrastructure Actions

City Council approved a professional services agreement with TEC Engineering, Inc. for the next phase of improvements at the Dry Fork Road / I-74 eastbound ramp intersection, and authorized Mayor Ryan Grubbs to apply for Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) funding for eligible road and infrastructure projects.

Finance Updates

Council approved appropriation amendments, including JEDD- and TIF-related payments, setting aside water utility dollars in a reserve for future infrastructure needs, and funding ongoing work for the Campbell Road sewer project and Harrison Avenue corridor engineering

The Finance Committee also reported that the City’s annual audit is complete and that work on the 2026 budget is underway, with a final draft expected to come before Council at the first meeting in December.

Mayor’s Report: Gratitude, Giving, and Community

Mayor Grubbs used his report to reflect on service, community and the upcoming holidays.

• Honoring Veterans: He thanked all veterans and their families and praised the Southwest Local School District for meaningful Veterans Day ceremonies at the high school, junior high and Harrison Elementary.

• Celebrating Community Service: The Mayor highlighted the Greater Harrison Chamber of Commerce awards dinner, where local businesses and leaders were recognized for their contributions to the community. A special thank-you to Sara Cullin, Executive Director for the Chamber, for all her efforts to make the evening so special.

• Mayor’s Fund Christmas Toy Drive: Donation boxes are now out at roughly 40 locations across the community. Residents can drop off a new, unwrapped toy or scan the QR code on the front of the box to purchase gifts directly from Amazon and ship them to the Mayor’s Fund. The QR link is also available via the City’s Facebook page.

• Caring for One Another: Acknowledging that the holidays can be a lonely time for some, the Mayor encouraged residents to check on neighbors, invite someone to dinner, or simply share a cup of coffee as a reminder that they are thought of.

Holiday Events & Community Celebrations

The City will host a dedication ceremony at Willow Park at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, in honor of longtime councilmember Ray Acra. A dedication stone and new signage will be unveiled recognizing his many years of service to the Harrison community. Residents, current council members and newly elected officials are invited to attend and celebrate his legacy of public service.

Harrison will kick off the holiday season that evening with the annual Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting on Saturday, Dec. 6. The parade will line up at 4:00 p.m. and step off at 5:00 p.m. in the downtown district. Following the parade, families can enjoy pictures with Santa at the firehouse, a festive train display and the official community tree lighting. Everyone is encouraged to come downtown, enjoy the holiday activities and support Harrison’s local businesses.