SUNBURY — Data centers may be dominating the conversation in Sunbury, but they’re far from the only thing shaping the city’s future.
During Wednesday’s State of the City address, Mayor Joe St. John outlined a slate of initiatives shaping the city’s growth — from infrastructure upgrades and public safety investments to long-term financial shifts — before introducing a proposed moratorium on future data center developments.
Here’s what residents need to know.
Wastewater treatment plant expansion
Construction began in 2025 on a major expansion of Sunbury’s wastewater treatment plant, which will nearly double capacity to 2 million gallons per day when completed in late 2027.
“Yes, we’re adding capacity, but really enhancing the technology and workflow within the plant, too,” St. John said.
“The plant will be more efficient, it will require less maintenance, and our infrastructure will support the community for years to come.”
The mayor also talked about pipelining along Cheshire Road.
“[This is a] cost-effective approach which strengthens the system while minimizing disruption to residents’ property,” he said.
Eliminating inside tax millage
Over the next three years, Sunbury city officials want to eliminate inside tax millage for property owners.
“City council announced a plan to phase out inside tax millage beginning in 2026, and based on our estimates, that could save property owners around $76.60 each year for every $100,000 of market value,” St. John explained.
The move comes as a proactive response to the growing concern that property tax abolishment may reach the November 2026 ballot.
“We understand that it is not going to make the day. But it’s a step, and it is real relief,” the mayor said.
“It also reflects something that I believe in strongly: When a government is in a sound financial position, it should always look for ways to ease the burden on its residents.”
J.R. Smith Park revitalization
J.R. Smith Park, which has fallen into disrepair in recent years, is now undergoing a full renovation.
The park is currently under construction and will be until mid- to late September. However, once crews finish work, the park will feature a splash pad among other amenities.
“[There will be] a pavilion, a trail that’ll feature a connection to the Ohio to Erie Trail, a half basketball court and pickleball court, playground equipment and a parking lot,” City Council President John Grumney said.
Johnny Appleseed sprouts roots in a new home
A familiar fixture in Sunbury’s town square, the Johnny Appleseed carving has been restored and given a new home.
“We had it relocated to Old Orchard Park. The bottom was rotting out, and we made a really concerted effort to preserve that. That’s why he was down for so long,” St. John said.
The mayor said it may seem like a small project, but it reflects the city’s appreciation for local character in shared spaces.
“Our services department cleared the path, prepared the site and helped make the space more accessible and more presentable,” St. John said.
“Looking ahead, we would like to continue improving the park by removing invasive species, planting more native vegetation and potentially adding apple trees and benches to make the area more welcoming.”
The mayor said the city has received feedback on improving the signage, noting it is in the works.
Five-year review of Sunbury’s city charter
“The Sunbury Charter was approved by residents on November 4, 2025, and was adopted by Sunbury on January 1, 2026,” the city’s website states.
Read the full charter and changes below.
“The government’s structure may not be the most exciting topic, but it is important. And the way a city is organized is important,” St. John said.
“It affects how efficiently decisions are made and how well we can serve our residents long-term.”
The city’s police department and drone program
Sunbury opened its first police department building last year, a project St. John said was completed without additional taxpayer funding.
“I could not be more proud of the department from top to bottom,” he said. “Looking back on time, this is one of the most wise decisions our team could have made.”
Additionally, the city leased six new Dodge Durangos, with officers outfitting five of them and placing them into service in 2025. Once the lease expires, the city can purchase all the vehicles for $1 each.
“The lease is saving the city thousands of dollars over five years, and the first year maintenance costs alone are projected to drop by 75 percent,” St. John said.
The city also utilized drone technology in several situations over the past year.
St. John emphasized the program’s importance, saying it helps first responders better prepare for emergency situations.
“We want to continue building on that progress, and that includes adding more trained drone operators, exploring new crash response software, which I’m really excited about, and acquiring a new interior drone,” St. John said.
Columbus Street parking lot construction wraps up
Landscaping at the highly anticipated, much-needed Columbus Street parking lot wrapped up just hours before St. John took the stage.
The lot adds 26 spaces, including two accessible spots, along with dedicated golf cart and motorcycle parking.
St. John said the lot uses permeable pavers that allow rainwater to filter into underground systems and bioretention basins, reducing the need for new sewer infrastructure.
“I know that sounds really cool … but it also saved us $800,000,” he said.
