Toledo City Council approves $1.5M for water plant and employee services upgrades

The Toledo City Council convened on June 17, 2025, to address a series of ordinances and resolutions aimed at improving city infrastructure and services. The meeting began with a series of motions that were passed unanimously, reflecting a collaborative effort among council members.

The council approved Ordinance 268-25, which authorizes the appropriation of $300,000 from the sanitary sewer replacement fund for HVAC system repairs at the water reclamation plant. This ordinance also allows the mayor to accept bids and award contracts for necessary repairs and related services, declaring an emergency to expedite the process.

Following this, Ordinance 269-25 was passed, allocating $400,000 from the same fund for a grit removal system electrical replacement project at the water reclamation plant. Similar to the previous ordinance, it includes provisions for professional engineering and construction services.

Councilwoman McPherson introduced several items from the Department of Human Resources, including Ordinance 270-25, which authorizes a $105,000 expenditure for employee assistance services. This ordinance also passed with emergency status. Additionally, Ordinance 271-25 was approved, allowing for consultation services related to the city’s healthcare plans, with an annual expenditure not to exceed $148,000.

The council also addressed employee engagement initiatives, passing Ordinance 272-25, which allocates $36,000 for activities with the Toledo Mud Hens baseball team. Furthermore, Ordinance 273-25 was approved, authorizing $171,000 for a human capital management project focused on data management and security.

Councilwoman Williams presented an ordinance to apply for a $91,564 grant for improvements to the Grove Patterson Tennis Courts, which was also passed.

Councilman Hobbs introduced two items from the Department of Police Operations, including Ordinance 275-25, which secures a $41,250 grant for the Toledo Police Department and authorizes the purchase of camera systems for police vehicles. This ordinance passed unanimously, as did Ordinance 276-25, which authorizes $95,000 for mobile data terminals for police vehicles.

The council continued with several ordinances related to the Downtown Toledo Improvement District, including Ordinance 277-25, which approves the district's budget for the next five years. Councilman Martinez abstained from voting on these items.

The meeting concluded with the passage of Ordinance 284-25, adopting the City of Toledo's municipal climate action plan as the official environmental protection and climate resilience plan.

Overall, the meeting reflected a strong commitment from the Toledo City Council to enhance city services and infrastructure, with all ordinances passed indicating a unified approach to governance.