AVON LAKE, Ohio — The City of Avon Lake’s financial reporting remains in good shape.
The city has announced that its Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2023, has received the Certificate of Achievement (COA) for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA).
The certificate is the highest form of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting.
This is the ninth consecutive time that the city has received this recognition.
“We are honored to receive this national recognition,” Mayor Mark Spaetzel said in a press release.
“This is no small achievement, and I am very proud of our employees and their commitment to the highest standards of financial transparency and accountability.”
The GFOA established the COA program in 1945 to encourage and assist state and local governments to go beyond the minimum requirements of generally accepted accounting principles.
The annual comprehensive financial reports are rewarded for their spirit of transparency and full disclosure.
Founded in 1906, the GFOA has more than 30,000 members. Its mission is to advance excellence in public finance.
AVON
Fast friends: The Avon Branch of the Lorain Public Library is hosting an event called “Speed Friending in Your 20s and 30s.”
The event will run from noon to 2 p.m. Feb. 21.
Attendees will have the opportunity to socialize with other 20- and 30-somethings through speed friending — a series of short conversations designed to help participants meet new friends.
After chatting, there will be time for coffee and casual activities to further new friendships.
Leviathan additions: The Lorain County Leviathan soccer club has added three nationally ranked players to its squad.
They are midfielder Nolan Spice from Bay Village, forward Espoir Mayele from The Democratic Republic of Congo and midfielder Henry Kang from New York.
The club also unveiled its 2026 match schedule.
The Leviathan will open its campaign May 20 against Steel City FC.
Key home dates include matchups against FC Buffalo (May 25), Erie Sports Center (May 31), Force FC (June 3 and June 20), Riverhounds SC (June 6 and June 17), Akron City FC (June 13 and June 27), and a July home stretch featuring FC Buffalo (July 3), Erie Sports Center (July 6) and Steel City FC (July 11).
AVON LAKE
Income ask: Avon Lake city leadership will hold an open meeting with residents who may have questions about the city’s proposed income tax increase.
Mayor Mark Spaetzel and Finance Director Beth Krosse will host an “income tax talk” at 7 p.m. March 11 in the Waugaman Gallery at the Avon Lake Public Library.
The session will focus on the city’s proposal to add a 0.4 percent municipal income tax, which will appear on the May 5 ballot.
Adult twist: The Avon Lake Public Library will host “Spirit with a Twist Session 2″ from 4 to 5 p.m. Feb. 25.
The group will be discussing the book “Lady in the Lake” by Laura Lippman. Registration is required.
The revered New York Times bestselling author returns with a novel set in 1960s Baltimore that combines modern psychological insights with elements of classic noir.
The story is about a middle-aged housewife turned aspiring reporter who pursues the murder of a forgotten young woman.
New officer: The City of Avon Lake has a new member of the Avon Lake Police Department.
Officer Ryan Fankhauser was sworn in as the ALPD’s newest full-time officer.
Fankhauser has been a part-time officer with the ALPD since January 2024 and is a lateral hire from the Cleveland RTA Police Department.
Sky walking: The Avon Lake Parks and Recreation Department is encouraging residents to join them for a night of astronomical exploration that the whole family will love.
The children’s event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Star Lab. Cost is $5.
From the fiery surface of Venus to the icy rings of Saturn, children will learn about the unique features of each planet, sparking their curiosity and sense of wonder about the universe.
Engaging activities, such as crafting and interactive planetarium shows, will help them visualize and connect with the vastness of space.
In February 2026, skywatchers have the chance to observe some amazing visible planets, including Mars, Venus and Jupiter.
Local astronomical societies will showcase a variety of telescopes, laser pointers, experiments from the International Space Station and even an inflatable planetarium.
Attendees also can enjoy space-themed crafts.
“Dark Skies, Bright Kids” will take place rain or shine.
NORTH RIDGEVILLE
Coffee time: Coffee & Converation with North Ridgeville Mayor Kevin Corcoran will run from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Feb. 25 in the North Ridgeville City Council chambers.
Board games: The North Ridgeville Branch of the Lorain Public Library will host a program called “Comfort Foods: Board to Table” from 2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 20.
Attendees will learn how to assemble a personalized miniature charcuterie board featuring nutritious ingredients loaded with flavor and color.
Preregistration is required.
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