Mayor Announces $1.1-Million in Funding for Rutland Civic Center Renovations

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 12, 2026

MEDIA CONTACT

Delaynie Potts

Village Clerk-Fiscal Officer and Assistant to the Executive

Telephone: (740) 742-2121, Ext. 1000

delaynie.potts@villageofrutland.org

RUTLAND, Ohio — Mayor Tyler M. Eblin announced today the Village of Rutland has been awarded a combined $1,112,772 in both grant and state capital funding for the comprehensive renovation of the Rutland Civic Center.

Of the total funding, $646,912 has been awarded through the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program, with the remaining $465,860 allocated through Senate Bill 450, also referred to as the Ohio capital budget bill for the biennium ending in 2028. As both sources of funding are dedicated grant and capital dollars, the Village will have no associated debt following completion of the project.

Mayor Eblin explains the funding will be utilized to complete a comprehensive renovation of the building, including the removal of asbestos and the replacement of original interior assets with modern facilities. The gymnasium flooring, which had previously been restored in 2024, will remain intact, but will undergo a polyurethane resurfacing.

"Funding through both the brownfield program and Senate Bill 450 will provide the dollars crucially needed to restore a 71 year old structure for the next generations to come," comments Mayor Eblin. "On behalf of the Village of Rutland and Rutland Village Council, I extend my sincerest appreciation to State Representative Kevin Ritter, Senator Brian Chavez, House Finance Chair Brian Stewart, Senate Finance Chair Jerry Cirino, Governor Mike DeWine, the Ohio Legislature and the Ohio Department of Development as a whole for answering our call for such a critical piece of funding."

Tentative renovations include the replacement of the building's roofing system; construction of a new exterior stormwater collection and drainage system; removal of asbestos; replacement of gymnasium windows; construction of new ceilings; installation of new LED lighting and stage lighting and acoustics; installation of new heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems in the gymnasium, restrooms and remainder of the building; restroom and plumbing improvements; and expanding the main lobby.

Mayor Eblin additionally recognizes and extends a special appreciation to the Mayor's Partnership for Progress at Ohio University, along with Verdantas Architecture, for funding and completing the environmental study and architectural estimates necessary for the submission of grant applications.

"The Village of Rutland owes a significant amount of gratitude to the teams at Ohio University and Verdantas for their generous financial support and excellent architectural and environmental work behind the scenes to ensure a successful proposal for funding," comments Mayor Eblin. "Without their overwhelming and professional dedication and assistance, the Village's strong appeal for funding would not have been possible.

The Rutland Village Council on Monday passed Ordinance 2026-16, authorizing and directing the Village Clerk-Fiscal Officer to publish requests for, and accepts statements of, qualifications from architectural and project management firms as an initial step in preparation for the commencement of the project.

Mayor Eblin explains public hearings will be scheduled as architectural renderings are made, and additional information is provided regarding the scope of renovations. The project's bidding period as not yet been announced.

Senate Bill 450 now awaits Governor DeWine's signature.