By 1808Delaware
Powell City Council has marked a new chapter in its leadership with the selection of Tom Counts as the City’s mayor and Heather Karr as the vice mayor, both set for two-year terms. Bringing a wealth of experience, Mayor Counts has been a steadfast member of the City Council since 2006. Notably, he held the mayoral position previously during the 2008-2009 term, showcasing his proven leadership capabilities.
Counts, a long-standing Powell resident since 1995, has a rich history of civic involvement. Before his tenure on the City Council, he served on the Board of Zoning Appeals for five years, followed by a five-year stint on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Balancing his civic duties, Tom is a practicing lawyer and currently holds the position of real estate counsel for the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio. His personal life is equally fulfilling, married to Carolyn Eselgroth, and a proud father to two daughters, Abby and Rachel.
In his own words, Mayor Counts expressed his honor to “once again serve as mayor of the Powell community,” emphasizing his commitment to collaborating with colleagues, staff, and community members in fostering Powell as an ideal place to live.
Heather Karr, appointed as the vice mayor, has been a proactive member of the City Council since 2020. Her dedication extends to her roles on the Finance and Community Diversity Advisory committees. Heather, along with her husband David, and their children Hannah and Nate, have been residents of The Chase subdivision in Powell since 2002, underscoring her deep connection to the community she serves.
The first meeting of the year also witnessed the oath-taking of two new members, Leif Carlson and Tyler Herrmann, along with the incumbents Ferzan Ahmed and Heather Karr. This blend of fresh perspectives and experienced governance promises a dynamic future for the City Council.
In another significant development, the City of Powell has published its 2024 operating budget, a critical legislative piece crafted through collaborative inputs from the City Council, committee meetings, and the Community Attitude Survey. The budget, available for review here and on the City’s website and through ClearGov, reflects the city’s commitment to capital infrastructure, economic development, public safety, and operational efficiency.
Mayor Counts highlighted the budget’s focus on channeling tax restructuring income into the city’s reserves, emphasizing its alignment with residents’ desires for a well-maintained city. The budget also details the 2024-2028 Capital Improvements Plan, illustrating a forward-thinking approach to city development.
