Profile

Homan Serves 10th Year at Delaware's Helm

Tom Homan, ICMA-CM, is city manager of Delaware, Ohio.

Delaware, Ohio, City Manager Tom Homan completed 10 years of leading the city in February. Homan, 51, who grew up in East Lansing, Michigan, said he didn't even know where Delaware was when he initially applied for the city manager position. Upon reading the description of the community, he suspected the location would be a perfect place to relocate and to raise his children.

His three children were ages 7, 3, and 7 months respectively when Homan accepted the city manager position and moved to Delaware, a town on its way to record-breaking growth. "It's been a great place to raise a family," said Homan, whose children Robert, John, and Sarah now attend Hayes High School, Dempsey Middle School, and Smith Elementary.

"That's been a wonderful aspect of the position," Homan continued. "Loving the community I live in. It's been a very good fit professionally. My family and I have come to really love the community."

While the city experienced rapid growth during much of Homan's tenure, he said he doesn't think—when the growth returns—that it will return to the accelerated pace that saw the need to issue a moratorium years ago. The city population grew from 25,000 in 1999 to more than 34,000 today, a 36 percent increase. At the same time, more than 3,700 additional housing units were added.

With growth-related revenue dropping off, including impact and capacity fees, Homan said it will be vital to continue to monitor the current economic base by retaining the businesses already in Delaware. In the first quarter, the city is holding its own financially, Homan said. The finance department continues to keep a watchful eye on revenues and expenditures.

In 2007, the city completed the largest capital project in its history, when the $26 million wastewater treatment plant was brought online. Also under Homan's leadership, Delaware is working to bring 21st century technology with a fiber-optic network for economic development opportunities.

Homan became Delaware's seventh city manager in February 1999 after previously holding manger positions in Connecticut and New York. "Tom has provided clear direction and strong leadership," Mayor Windell Wheeler said. "During his tenure, Delaware has become a leader in population growth, income, and educational achievement."

Recently, Homan was recognized for his year of service (2007–08) as president of the Ohio City/County Manager's Association. Homan has been a board member of the organization since 2003.

"The last 10 years have gone by quickly," said Homan, adding that if city council will have him, he would stay for the next 10 years. As city manager, Homan oversees the operations of the city that includes a municipal airport and water and wastewater utility, a workforce of 280, and an operating budget of about $40 million.

"The experience has been incredibly rewarding and challenging," Homan said. "Credit for any success starts with our citizens and staff, who share a commitment to make Delaware an even better community in which to live and work."

Delaware City Manager Tom Homan offers this advice to a city manager in his or her first chief executive position:

Keep an open mind.
Be flexible.
Work closely with city council.
Keep city council informed of what's going on in the community.
Minimize surprises.
Be willing to adapt to change.
Respect the decisions of city council.
Answer the phone, keep your door open, and be responsive.
Never view yourself as insulated from the community.

In the next 10 years, Homan said the community will see the new training and community center, a partnership with the Central Ohio YMCA and the Ohio National Guard; a rehabilitated water plant; new road connections; and expanded fire and EMS service.

The "twin challenges" exist in Delaware, Homan said. Delaware is not only a community that grows, but with its rich history has a host of aging facilities. "It makes it a challenge, but keeps it interesting and fun," Homan said.

An income tax levy passed in 2008 will pay to build a community recreation center and make improvements to existing sports fields. In 2007, the city used grant monies and impact fees to add to its bike path network and updated its 30-year-old swimming pool.

Public safety also has been a priority for the city manager. More police officers than ever are on Delaware streets after a 25 percent increase over the past decade. A second fire station has been opened as well.

"Tom understands and values public safety's importance and advocates for continued training at all levels in each department," city police chief Russ Martin said.

Homan also contributes regionally. He is chairman of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission's regional policy roundtable. He is a credentialed manager and member of the International City/County Management Association, and past president of the Ohio City/County Management Association.

Homan is a graduate of Michigan State University's James Madison College and New York University's Wagner School of Public Service, where he received his master degree in public administration. Homan is the seventh Delaware city manager. The others are Robert Mott, 1954–56; Roger W. Stilwell, June 1956–60; Donald Mackley, 1960–70; Robert F. Walker, 1970–82; Jewel Scott, 1983–89; and Frank Ciarochi, 1989–98.

—Melissa Mackey
Staff Writer
The Delaware Gazette
mmackey@delgazette.com

Reprinted with permission from the March 2, 2009, issue of The Delaware Gazette, Delaware, Ohio.

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