The Tallmadge City Council held a budget work session on November 6, 2024, focusing on the proposed budget for 2025. Key discussions included police equipment, park improvements, and street maintenance.

One significant topic was the inclusion of ten new tasers in the police equipment budget, which was confirmed by council members after some initial confusion. The police chief had previously requested a phased replacement of tasers, indicating a commitment to maintaining safety equipment.

The council also discussed improvements to local parks, particularly the Challenger Field, which is a priority for the Little League. While there was interest in adding lights to B Field, the focus will be on upgrading the Challenger Field and making necessary repairs, such as installing gutters and downspouts on the concession stand to prevent water damage.

In terms of fencing, the council is planning to allocate funds for repairs at various parks, including a new chain link fence at Washburn Park to delineate private property from public space. The cost for this project is estimated at $13,000.

Street maintenance was another critical area of discussion. The council confirmed that while crack sealing will continue, there are no new initiatives planned for more extensive road maintenance in the upcoming budget. The focus will remain on chip sealing parking lots within parks, with some work already completed at Lions Park.

Additionally, the council addressed the annual budget for road striping, which is set to exceed $100,000 for 2025. This budget will cover all necessary road markings, including crosswalks and lane markings.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's commitment to maintaining public safety and improving community facilities, while also acknowledging budget constraints that limit more extensive infrastructure projects. The next steps will involve finalizing the budget and addressing any remaining concerns from council members.