Lima City Council passes tax budget and contracts despite mixed votes on alley vacation

The Lima City Council convened on June 9, 2025, to address several key ordinances and motions as part of their regular meeting. The agenda included discussions on the city’s tax budget, alley vacation, amendments to city ordinances, and contracts for city services.

The meeting commenced with the introduction of Ordinance 1 12 25, which adopts the tax budget for the 2026 fiscal year. Councilor Glenn moved to pass the ordinance on its reading, which was approved unanimously with a 6-0 vote.

Next, the council considered Ordinance 1 23 25, which proposed vacating an alley segment off Grand Avenue. Councilor Jones supported the motion, while Councilor Morton expressed concerns about the impact on local residents who use the alley daily. Despite the support for the school’s playground project associated with the vacation, the ordinance did not pass, receiving 2 votes in favor, 3 against, and 1 abstention.

The council then addressed Ordinance 1 26 25, amending the human relations commission. Councilor Jordan moved to table this ordinance to allow for further discussion in a scheduled council meeting on June 23. The motion to table was approved.

Similarly, Ordinance 1 27 25, which also related to employment positions for council, was tabled for the same reasons as the previous ordinance.

Ordinance 1 28 25, amending the 2025 annual budget, was presented next. Councilor Glenn moved to pass this ordinance, which was approved unanimously by a 6-0 vote.

The council then discussed Ordinance 1 29 25, authorizing the mayor to enter a contract with Cintas for employment uniforms. This motion was also passed unanimously.

Finally, Ordinance 1 30 25, which authorizes the mayor to contract with Clive Kleinfelder Inc for public works, was introduced. The discussion on this ordinance was ongoing at the time of the meeting's conclusion.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's focus on fiscal planning, community concerns regarding local infrastructure, and the management of city contracts. The next steps include further discussions on the tabled ordinances and continued collaboration on city projects.