The City of Louisville began to see the anticipated growth in residential housing that was predicted several years before.  As part of the 1998 goal setting process, City Council decided a closer look was needed at the way the City was developing to ensure a wise use of capital resources and to enhance service delivery for the future needs of its citizens.  The City selected Northstar Planning and Design Incorporated to guide the City in this community planning process. In 2000, after months of hard work by many dedicated City and community members, the   Louisville Community Plan, a strategic approach to growth management and capital project planning was completed and approved by City Council.  This document will help the City leadership cope with the increased demand for City services by acting as a guide for decision makers when formulating future budgets and considering possible capital improvements.   The following represents some of the areas of need addressed in this document.  

Residential, commercial, and industrial development continued at a steady pace.  2000 saw the construction and opening of the Consumer National Bank and a Dollar General Store.  In the City’s new industrial park, Southwest Electric completed construction of a 14,000 square foot building that brought fifteen new jobs to the city.  Residentially, developers continue to plat allotments that will bring nearly 900 new housing units when built out.

Economic Outlook

The cash position of the City at the end of Fiscal Year 2000 was the highest in the last five years.  The City, through sound balanced budgeting practices, has recovered from the financial downturn that was experienced in 1996 and 1997 due to lower income tax revenues.  In fact, income tax revenue growth, on the average over the last three years, has exceeded six percent per year.  With an eye to the future, the City engaged Northstar Planning and Design who assisted in developing the Louisville Community Plan concerning the development of the City over the next twenty (20) years.  This plan, adopted by City Council, provides a solid guideline for the City’s future direction.

Beginning in January 2001, the U.S. and local economy is caught in the grips of a possible recession.  The City has seen this downturn through its income tax collections.  After the first three (3) months, income tax collections were down by nearly –4.5% from 2000.  This reduction in collecting the cities largest revenue source is a  concern since we anticipated a +3% increase.  In April, income tax collections showed an increase of +3.4% causing some optimism.  The economy is beginning to show signs of rebounding.

Additionally, the City has taken steps to diversify and increase its tax base.  In 1999, the City completed construction of a 29-acre commerce park designed to encourage new industrial construction.  In 2000, the City welcomed the first tenant in the commerce park creating fifteen (15) new jobs within the City.  Also, the St. Joseph’s Care Center has undertaken a 73,000 square feet addition adding 65 independent housing units which represents a $6,100,000 investment in their facility.  Over the last four years, the City has worked with the private sector to encourage expansion of existing facilities and the recruitment of new facilities.  The City’s efforts in the four-year period have created over one hundred (100) new job opportunities in the City, utilizing numerous economic development tools.  The City is currently working on an industrial marketing strategy and taking steps to open additional land for industrial and commercial development.

Future Considerations

Due to the heavy rains experienced in 2000 and the continued development of land within the Louisville watershed, the City will undertake a comprehensive study of the drainage channels within the existing boundaries of Louisville.  This study was suggested in the Louisville Community Plan and will analyze the drainage areas within Louisville and identify solutions to problems that promote flood conditions.  This plan when completed will be the basis to budget funds for storm water improvements in subsequent years. 

As stated previously, construction has begun on the 500,000 gallon elevated storage tank.  The planned location of the tank is on land purchased from developers of the Whispering Pines allotment, situated south of the Eastgate School.  Cost of the project is estimated in excess of $1.8 million, with 49% of the project funded through grants and loans from the Ohio Public Works Commission.  Once completed, residents in the immediate area will receive better water delivery, and be afforded enhanced fire protection. This project will also allow for industrial and commercial development to take place along the State Route 62 corridor.

Another implementation strategy suggested by the Louisville Community Plan is the study of an alternative traffic flow for vehicles currently utilizing State Route 44 through the City of Louisville.  With the forecast of additional development within Louisville and the addition of more vehicles, it will be imperative to find alternative routes for vehicles passing through the city.  This study will look at different routes, the impacts of each possibility, and a recommendation on construction and funding.

The City Council desires to enhance and expand the recreational opportunities for all citizens.  To achieve this goal, the Department of Community Programming has taken over the operation of the recreation and senior programs.  Staffed with two full-time Program Coordinators, this Department has overhauled the existing programs while creating new and exciting program offerings for city and township residents.