Whitehall Council Debates Future of Department of Neighborhoods

Proposed legislation could eliminate funding for the fledgling city department.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Whitehall City Council members debated the future of the city's Department of Neighborhoods during a recent committee meeting, with one council member introducing legislation to completely eliminate funding for the department. The department, which has a budget of around $165,500, was established in September 2025 to handle issues like landlord-tenant disputes, coordinate community events, and increase resident engagement. However, some council members view the department as a waste of money with redundant responsibilities.

Why it matters

The debate over the Department of Neighborhoods highlights the ongoing tensions within Whitehall's local government about how best to address the city's high rates of eviction, poverty, and infant mortality. The department was created to provide specialized services to residents, but some council members believe those needs can be met through other city departments.

The details

Council member Larry Morrison introduced legislation in January to completely eliminate funding for the Department of Neighborhoods. Morrison, as well as council member Gerald Dixon, have argued that the department's responsibilities are redundant and a waste of money. However, Jackie Russell, the city's director of economic development, advocated for the department, stating that her staff and the public service department lack the expertise to handle legal matters between landlords and renters. Mayor Michael Bivens also reiterated the need for the department, citing Whitehall's high rates of eviction, poverty, and infant mortality.

  • The Department of Neighborhoods was established in September 2025.
  • The department's $44.9 million operating budget was approved by the council on Dec. 16, 2025.
  • Council member Larry Morrison introduced legislation to eliminate the department's funding in January 2026.
  • Whitehall City Council will hold a vote on funding for the department on March 3, 2026.

The players

Larry Morrison

Whitehall City Council President Pro-Tempore who introduced legislation to eliminate funding for the Department of Neighborhoods.

Gerald Dixon

Whitehall City Council member who has repeatedly said the Department of Neighborhoods is a waste of money.

Michael Bivens

Whitehall Mayor who advocated for the need for the Department of Neighborhoods to address the city's high rates of eviction, poverty, and infant mortality.

Jackie Russell

Whitehall's director of economic development who advocated for the Department of Neighborhoods, stating that other city departments lack the expertise to handle legal matters between landlords and renters.

Casey Rowlands

Whitehall's director of public service who discussed the city's plans to seek grant funding for a school travel plan to improve walking and biking routes for students.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We don't have the training, time, or expertise to handle legal matters of landlords, renter rights, things that we just don't have that expertise.”

— Jackie Russell, Director of Economic Development (dispatch.com)

“We have the highest eviction, poverty and infant mortality rates in central Ohio, and that the department would be able to address the needs of residents.”

— Michael Bivens, Mayor (dispatch.com)

What’s next

Whitehall City Council will hold a vote on funding for the Department of Neighborhoods on March 3, 2026.

The takeaway

The debate over the future of Whitehall's Department of Neighborhoods highlights the ongoing challenges facing local governments in balancing budgets and addressing the complex needs of their communities. The department was created to provide specialized services, but some council members view it as redundant, underscoring the need for cities to carefully evaluate the most effective ways to serve their residents.