Council voted 5-1, with one abstention, to support Ohio House Bill 182, a measure that would prevent public water systems from adding fluoride.
Introduced in March by Rep. Levi Dean (R-Xenia), the bill would prohibit Ohio public water systems from adding fluoride. Supporters say the measure protects residents from being medicated without their consent. Health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Dental Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics, continue to recommend fluoridation as a safe and effective way to prevent tooth decay. Wilmington’s resolution does not affect the city’s water supply, but signals to state lawmakers where it stands on the issue.
Councilmember Kelly Tolliver introduced Resolution R-25-18 at the April 17 Wilmington City Council meeting.
Dean visited council chambers during the Aug. 21 public workshop, framing fluoridation as a matter of personal consent. He told council members that adding it to drinking water amounted to “medication forced upon residents.” He said his bill would prohibit fluoridation statewide, without an option for municipalities to keep it. He also acknowledged that dentists have voiced concerns about higher cavity rates if HB 182 passes.
“We are forcing medication on the public at large, and I agree with that wholeheartedly,” Tolliver said at Thursday’s meeting. “I’ve always felt that way about the issue.”
Thursday’s vote marked a reversal from April, when the same resolution deadlocked in a 3-3 split. Councilmembers Jamie Knowles, Don Wells and Tolliver voted in support, while Bob Osborn, Josh Schlabach and Michael Snarr voted against. Council President Matt Purkey broke the tie with a no vote, defeating the measure. David Nanstad was absent.
In the latest vote, Knowles, Nanstad, Schlabach, Wells and Tolliver voted yes. Osborn voted no, and Snarr abstained. The resolution passed on a 5-1 vote with one abstention.
Original article online at: https://www.wnewsj.com/2025/09/23/haley-calls-for-more-police-council-backs-anti-fluoride-bill/