City of Nelsonville, Ohio Information Blog

The Public Square fountain has finally arrived and has been installed. The City has been receiving all kinds of questions regarding the fountain.  So, we decided to provide information regarding the rebuilding of the fountain to hopefully explain some of the decisions that were made, when and why, and answer those questions for everyone. 

A meeting was held in August 2025 with the previous City Manager, several city employees, and representatives from the Baird Foundation to determine how the fountain would be refurbished. This included decisions regarding the fountain color, and which pieces would remain attached or be removed. The Baird Foundation maintains the fountain on behalf of the City, so it was important that they be involved in the refurbishment process.

During that meeting, it was determined that the fountain would be painted white. The fountain was originally white, and that color was also chosen because it will help make calcium buildup less noticeable. Over time, minerals in the water can leave white calcium deposits on the fountain, particularly in areas exposed to water and sunlight. Because the fountain is white, these deposits will blend in with the fountain’s surface and be less noticeable.

As part of the refurbishment, the ram and goat masks were removed, and the arches at the bottom of the fountain were enlarged. Egg-and-dart-style lips were also added to the bowls, changing them from gravity-fed bowls to a more traditional fountain-bowl design.

The ram and goat masks were removed primarily because calcium buildup can occur inside the openings where the water flows out. Over time, these deposits can cause the openings to become plugged, requiring maintenance and cleaning of each individual mask. Removing the masks will reduce the amount of maintenance required and save the City both time and money on future repairs.

To clarify, these design and refurbishment decisions were made in August 2025, prior to Danette Miller’s employment with the City of Nelsonville and before she became City Manager. Although these decisions were not made by the current City Manager or staff, the information and reasoning behind them indicate that they were well-considered and appropriate decisions. 

The next steps will be to complete the remaining plumbing work and apply an epoxy coating to the basin. The water will not be turned on this year due to the time of year and the approaching winter season. However, it will be a delight to see the fountain fully functioning when spring arrives.

We are all very happy to have the fountain back and look forward to enjoying it for many years as a beautiful centerpiece of the heart of Nelsonville’s Historic Public Square.

City of Nelsonville is accepting applications for the position of Special Projects Coordinator. The Special Projects Coordinator supports the City Manager as a full-time employee by planning, coordinating, and implementing high-priority projects and initiatives across multiple departments. This position plays a key role in advancing city goals, with a focus on public safety, operational efficiency, and strategic planning. The role emphasizes collaboration and coordination and does not exercise direct supervisory authority over public safety departments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

● Coordinate and manage special projects assigned by the City Manager.

● Assist in the development and implementation of public programs.

● Research, analyze, and prepare reports, presentations, and policy recommendations.

● Track project timelines, budgets, and performance metrics.

● Support emergency preparedness planning and interagency coordination efforts.

● Assist with grant research, writing, and compliance reporting.

● Organize meetings, task forces, and stakeholder communications.

● Monitor regulatory requirements and ensure project compliance.

● Perform related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

● Strong project management and organizational skills.

● Ability to coordinate across multiple departments without direct authority.

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

● Analytical and problem-solving abilities.

● Knowledge of local government operations and public safety systems preferred.

● Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Pay: $45,760.00 per year

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

For detailed job description and to apply, go to Indeed at https://tinyurl.com/3fbhcdwy. You may also send a letter of interest and resume to the City Manager:

211 Lake Hope Drive
Nelsonville, Ohio 45764
citymanager@cityofnelsonville.com
(740) 753-1314

Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

The City of Nelsonville has become aware that Indeed now requires a person to establish an account to search job listings. If you require more information on this job posting, or to submit a letter of interest and resume please contact,

Ashley Scarberry
Human Resources/Payroll Coordinator
City of Nelsonville
211 Lake Hope Drive | Nelsonville, OH 45764
P: 740-300-2131
E: ascarberry@cityofnelsonville.com

The Nelsonville Dog Park Board will hold a meeting on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 6:00PM, at City Hall. The meeting is being held to discuss,

• Dog Park dedication.
• Discuss ongoing projects for Ohio One Time Strategic Community Investment Grant, award $130,000.00.

Citizens comments may be made in person or Emailed to nelsonvillecity@gmail.com by 1PM, Thursday, August 27, 2026. The public is invited and encouraged to attend.