22-04-2025
Lima council hears police report, shares electric aggregation information
Apr. 21—LIMA — Lima Police Lieutenant Matt Douglass reported that officers in the city responded to 82,000 calls in 2024 and shared information on what contributed to their effectiveness at Monday night's Lima City Council meeting.
Council members praised the department for the report and asked questions about recruitment and usage of technology.
"Downtown cameras have been a great improvement," Douglass said. "They've been instrumental in solving crimes, and we also have drones in the air now."
Councilwoman Jeanine Jordan asked Douglass how the department avoids violating privacy with the technology.
"We have a policy to make sure we are not violating the Fourth Amendment, and we are documenting when we use those drones," Douglass said.
Councilman Derry Glenn asked for an update on the department's recruiting efforts after Douglass touted new officers for bringing a fresh perspective to the force.
"We put a lot of work into the recruitment team," Douglass added. "And they spend a lot of time out in the community."
The city also shared new details on the continuation of the electric aggregation program after residents were made aware the city's contract with Dynegy would be ending May 1.
A letter available through the Ohio Public Utilities Commission on Friday, April 18 showed that the city agreed to a new contract with Archer Energy, something the city announced after the meeting.
"Beginning with June billing, the program will be under the new contract," Lima finance director Meri Foster said. "And it stays the same. You won't see a difference except for the changing rate for supply."
The new fixed rate for the program will amount to $0.0945 per kWh, which marks a 20 percent increase.
A consultant from Trebel Energy told council at its previous meeting how rates for all customers would be increasing due to demand outpacing supply as soon as June of this year.
In a statement, the city said it chose to lock in base energy rates now due to the uncertainty of future capacity rates.
Foster said the rate would remain lower than AEP rates.
"I think it's important to understand that electricity is going up overall," she said. "In total, the aggregation is still going to save money."
The letter notifies residents that enrollment is automatic, and if they choose to opt-out of the program, they can send an attached form back to the city.
Reach Jacob Espinosa at 567-242-0399.
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