[{"_1":2,"_136":-5,"_137":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112,124],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6166520,"mediaKeyId","5415394-a455d9028ad62a1fcacc7e23f34fdac7","parentId",5415394,"title","Council adopts 2026 tax budget; estimates $88 million across funds","audioSeconds",232,"startMs",4478000,"endMs",4710000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415394-a455d9028ad62a1fcacc7e23f34fdac7&start=4478&end=4710","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415394-a455d9028ad62a1fcacc7e23f34fdac7/thumbnail_4478000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6166520/Ohio/Council-adopts-2026-tax-budget-estimates-88-million-across-funds","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166520-79515f12004f5a7c09166440a1095cb8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450763&Signature=ecPwBKOD1-mklPw2pcZjWXbJB5AnPWm2WnnLi3oDNBgMq9FY9Ao5N1NVG9aim-eUVuzbputWNofkzD9E5uxVQz6RJuym1ANV0E9jDqoO8qUsWp2TKP6CP7v5AN0yTNw6yP0OtQAnKtIMWbG8eiIS2DEzA3rxJouL2Nl1v524FN7dO25ybc-Y3cHCv~olUraQK9E~lJz2Y3tpdkQLTvLXpTZCVzrEYI9hTx2nN6zymE5DFWRtYOq5J8kPdaGYvneqQ5NsFTCYRG3d4KG4S~rM8leirCwFQqEnlTV50KCYRZ~vFnu2Y-4eheYjuAw8K6FpWXRozf3lPyePd~tGlDIM4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Ashland, OH","date","2025-07-18T03:30:05.21Z","article","Ashland’s finance staff presented a draft tax budget July 15 that projects total spendable resources of about $88,054,512 for fiscal 2026 across general fund, special revenue, enterprise, internal service and fiduciary funds; council approved the tax budget on first reading and authorized submission to the Ashland County auditor.

Finance Director Larry Paxton said the document is a tax budget — not final appropriations — and is intended to set millage amounts and provide the county auditor the basis for the certificate of estimated resources. Paxton noted the estimate includes operating and capital items, carryover from grants and multi‑year projects, and rough projections for capital improvements totaling about $7,754,000 in 2026.

Key budget figures presented: Paxton said the general fund is projected at about $19,000,000 in 2026; special revenue funds about $17,243,000; enterprise (water, sewer, stormwater, sanitation) about $15,000,000; internal service funds about $21,000,000; other fiduciary/trust funds make up the remainder. He said the budget will continue to retire existing debt and possibly seek additional debt for capital work; retirements include about $6,000,000 related to prior projects.

Process and next steps: Paxton explained that the tax budget must be submitted to the county auditor and budget commission, which will review and publish estimated resources and later prompt the city’s appropriation ordinances. He said any major changes (a significant new grant, for example) must be reported to the county and would adjust the certificate of estimated resources.

Council action: Council voted to approve the tax budget on first reading and to suspend rules for expedited consideration so the budget can be filed according to statutory timelines.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Ashland City Council | July 15, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Finance Director presented the city's 2026 tax budget estimating $88,054,512 across operating, capital, enterprise and fiduciary funds; council adopted the tax budget on first reading and will submit it to the county auditor as the first step toward 2026 appropriations.","taxTitle","Ashland City Council, Ashland, Ashland, Ohio","taxId",71249,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6166524,"Council tweaks community reinvestment incentive language to allow negotiable abatements",523,3492000,4015000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415394-a455d9028ad62a1fcacc7e23f34fdac7&start=3492&end=4015","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415394-a455d9028ad62a1fcacc7e23f34fdac7/thumbnail_3492000.jpg","/articles/6166524/Ohio/Council-tweaks-community-reinvestment-incentive-language-to-allow-negotiable-abatements","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166524-51ef260124c33422170cb5972fdeef47/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450763&Signature=RHiZo9yE9EVkFAaUp5IJnEnaeWWjl8CiQbMlXoEk~unkIZtrnnfXp6Fs6eNbS61s8va4U6hXZaSHEhkl~2l8npVQSQv7SE4wl0k24U4VBKJ-~1uDQSCTCW5bCWQNlRYPstWwZwgKWPhgWmekzIGH0qimrBMBB96Gn0ArrsjWlfvHAODeUGcAA2vVkK15qAPxIN0aGOqS7QFBk~Kou1yl8AkSORhyjqUt5skOR~~SJteu7Ri9h95HWEl1Pd3YZTt-YzM10u~WHUAG4YlcGe9wjKSwUcq-Kq82lXd6OUOo~sMCWNzuvcqrRzI7oXJErUn4ZqbLu54-8zLUJVb6tbEgng__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ashland City Council voted July 15 to amend its community reinvestment area (CRA) incentive ordinance so that property tax abatements read as negotiable — \"up to 100%\" for certain projects and \"up to 75%\" for others — instead of automatic full percentages.

Why it matters: The Mayor said the original incentive — passed about eight years earlier to attract developers — succeeded in catalyzing projects such as a large apartment development and Arrow's Landing. With more developer interest now, city officials said they want flexibility to calibrate abatements by project rather than automatically granting the maximum incentive.

Details: The change does not eliminate the incentives; rather it permits council to offer a range of abatements tailored to a project's merits. Council approved the change on first reading and suspended the rules to advance the ordinance.

Related item: Council also approved, on first reading, a separate housekeeping ordinance assigning an existing CRA agreement for the Hampton Inn (previously Tara SPK Hospitality LLC) to a renamed LLC (Terra SPK 108 LLC) so the remaining three years of the hotel’s 60% abatement remain in place; staff said ownership is the same, only the LLC name changed.

Council reaction: Members said the amended wording will allow negotiation instead of “a boilerplate giveaway,” and they expected staff and council to remain involved in incentive decisions. The Mayor and council characterized the change as a measured step now that the city's market has matured.","Council amended the community reinvestment area incentive ordinance so abatements read 'up to 100%' and 'up to 75%' rather than automatic amounts, giving council flexibility to negotiate incentives for future development projects; the change aims to preserve negotiation leverage now that developers show strong interest in Ashland.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6166529,"Ashland council clarifies ordinance on storage of boats, RVs and trailers after public outcry",3543,802000,4345000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415394-a455d9028ad62a1fcacc7e23f34fdac7&start=802&end=4345","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415394-a455d9028ad62a1fcacc7e23f34fdac7/thumbnail_802000.jpg","/articles/6166529/Ohio/Ashland-council-clarifies-ordinance-on-storage-of-boats-RVs-and-trailers-after-public-outcry","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166529-87e5c361ca1340041f1ebe54ac1a03f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450763&Signature=XNmAfQ7OPLdeBUHvNh-5s-Q1LXWETu6zk1oYvXpRSrAPFvibYs5VquqP6OmQQrSQpt8-Aq6ANI5thw9iNsBdyGBBwtJbCZdL8nmjzf0w7r2eft4zFHivIX5aDXL-oJNhXzhbwRQ5pBsPhkyA68AK9i~iKxoS5DTsyOPyBSIONo4eGQ9B8wchmMrjx-O9~UG1VpoPbBkbJVi1HjuXSSy~H8tt9FdhnbLn6zPFrgr90iDRCe7HLEGuwZcCpHrTcC0TU~GVKAfVW-he1HZ4RS4sSm38UgmUE8iTn8CYkGOdWDMZ-pfNS3v1wluclAJ-xrJiQYW1nHLTUoGRtl7blRoKeQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City council on July 15 approved on first reading amended language aimed at clarifying Ashland’s long‑standing policy that prohibits long‑term storage of recreational vehicles, boats and trailers in front and side yards.

The Mayor said the change does not create a new policy but sharpens wording after a resident contested a citation earlier this year. Under the revised ordinance language presented to council, recreational vehicles — including watercraft and their trailers — “may only be parked for 72 hours or less in the front and side yards for loading and unloading or temporary storage.” Long‑term storage is allowed in backyards; occupied campers remain prohibited as permanent dwellings.

Public comment: The item drew an extensive public comment period. Multiple residents said they were surprised by the enforcement letter language they received; one speaker, who identified himself as the person whose citation prompted the change, said a notice he received implied he was already guilty of a misdemeanor. Assistant Law Director Andrew Bush and the Mayor responded, saying the letter advised potential penalties but that guilt is determined only by a court.

Residents raised clarifying questions about the ordinance’s scope: whether common trailers (lawn‑mower trailers, utility trailers), unlicensed recreational vehicles, or driveways that functionally sit in the front yard would be covered. Council and staff said the clarified language is intended to capture typical recreational vehicles and trailers but acknowledged the city cannot list every possible trailer type. Staff said enforcement is complaint‑driven and usually results in a notice and a 30‑day compliance window rather than immediate fines.

Why it matters: The ordinance affects hundreds of households and raised concerns about property rights, neighborhood aesthetics, enforcement consistency, and impacts on seniors or residents with small lots who said they lack backyard storage room. Council members urged clarity and noted city staff will update enforcement notices to avoid language implying guilt before court action.

Next steps: Council approved first reading, suspended rules for expedited consideration, and passed the ordinance to the next steps for final adoption. Staff said they can revise enforcement letters to make clear a letter is a notice of violation and not a conviction.","Council approved first reading of an ordinance tightening language that bans long‑term storage of recreational vehicles and trailers in front/side yards, prompting a lengthy public comment session in which residents expressed concerns about enforcement, clarity, and consequences described in staff letters.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6166534,"Council approves first reading to sell 30.27 acres behind sheriff’s office for build‑to‑rent development",262,5968000,6230000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415394-a455d9028ad62a1fcacc7e23f34fdac7&start=5968&end=6230","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415394-a455d9028ad62a1fcacc7e23f34fdac7/thumbnail_5968000.jpg","/articles/6166534/Ohio/Council-approves-first-reading-to-sell-3027-acres-behind-sheriffs-office-for-buildtorent-development","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166534-f5993d6ddc562bf26239feb56df37aa5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450763&Signature=lrSrW2O0963zoEhtw090DO12-2-xOU8f~B8ywYpGn1QDWvmBrgo7THsLnhnSVUaPVl2o3W4E-kNZg6-zGhBWJrwsahHnx9TYesFsFI7gUi65zOPKbIepf8vIH3YSm2627CW37cHFy12Qj36MxGF6xUpm1EOC7fn6RTKZwWEICYCpytgGpLXVhlNUn5PReRmLtdUAiZzCpSvo-b4Fz92KckRHTWOdIHFsxIzXSD~zeKtJEyHkRlvQAzwWovMuK5dmZpvWAoLkEJxDw4R3p8Ax-zcG8jSX-FHUXQj~W-yyrZeVklfuYr0FHu57CxnPXWNjNtagSLac2-YbHB7xn1Nqvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ashland City Council on July 15 approved on first reading an ordinance authorizing sale of about 30.27 acres of city‑owned land behind the Ashland County sheriff’s department to Granger Property Development for $1,000,000.

The Mayor said the site — commonly referred to as the Siler property — stretches from behind the sheriff’s department to Hillcrest Drive. The buyer told city staff it plans to build 100 to 125 market‑rate build‑to‑rent units (two‑ and three‑bedroom units of approximately 1,200–1,400 square feet). The developer intends to retain ownership and manage the rental community rather than sell individual units.

Why it matters: The $1,000,000 sale price would be the largest the city has received for property and aims to add rental housing supply in Ashland. The Mayor said the design will resemble other local multi‑unit communities and could preserve or rehabilitate the older Siler house as an amenity or clubhouse if feasible.

Timeline and conditions: Under the purchase agreement described to council, the purchaser has a 365‑day due‑diligence period, up to three years to begin construction, and five years to complete the project. Council approved first reading and moved to suspend rules so the ordinance could proceed promptly.

Council context: The Mayor noted the sale and negotiation were months in the making and that executive sessions were used for negotiation. Council members expressed support and noted the developer’s track record of maintaining properties.

Next steps: Final ordinance adoption subject to remaining formal readings and closing steps; the sale will proceed only after completion of due diligence and meeting contract conditions.","City council approved first reading and moved to suspend rules for an ordinance to sell the 30.27‑acre Siler property to Granger Property Development for $1,000,000; developer expects 100–125 market‑rate build‑to‑rent units and a multi‑year development schedule.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6166539,"Council schedules renewal vote on quarter‑percent income tax for police and fire",473,7222000,7695000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415394-a455d9028ad62a1fcacc7e23f34fdac7&start=7222&end=7695","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415394-a455d9028ad62a1fcacc7e23f34fdac7/thumbnail_7222000.jpg","/articles/6166539/Ohio/Council-schedules-renewal-vote-on-quarterpercent-income-tax-for-police-and-fire","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166539-254c97e6c6e9720753a6fe78c0928eaa/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450763&Signature=Pep~cpZBaj5d8RHVccOirpdLoJttAS26D-3h5~INbGV52E11631pNX03vVj3YK~qxBdpjTY7RbDjOh5GL~IdPnN7Ldssy8GGkGN5BYjs4s64ikcMNx7LDnva0hecxXO4FijmUfflieZ2Jtu44KoSn4Ggilai6qIeLgyFkRfBDY3WLHSckGz0cC~BW4nIXaMs0cgkqIJMmaEH-NFxsxKCKCwu69W1VW78hkDC469hJ15Zyr0x2Mk100sA8NfdQxF7vRA9gFtiZkghf8vgdyOlHCxj7xoqD1kBfqv-60wMZ5e6NT18Jtnsseze7X~GS9llv7SAmwathJFpA3nHwKN~Ig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ashland City Council on July 15 approved sending a five‑year renewal of a quarter‑percent income tax dedicated to hiring and equipping police and fire personnel to the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot.

The Mayor and city officials told the meeting that the revenue from the renewal would be divided equally between the police and fire funds. “This particular levy supports our police and fire, not only in the number of officers and number of firefighters and paramedics we have in each of those divisions, but also provides them with the equipment they need to do their job,” the Mayor said.

Why it matters: Council and staff said the original levy allowed the city to expand staffing and purchase equipment; the Mayor reported the city currently staffs 36 police officers and 41 fire and paramedic personnel. The renewal — a vote to continue the dedicated 0.25% levy through Dec. 31, 2031 — would maintain roughly $1,174,500 estimated annual allocations to each division, city officials said.

Procedural details: Council approved the ordinance on first reading with amendments to fix wording (the ordinance language was amended to show the action is a renewal rather than an additional levy) and directed the clerk to certify the measure to the Ashland County Board of Elections for the Nov. 4 ballot. The ordinance references Chapter 230 of the city codified ordinances and Ohio Revised Code procedures for submitting levies.

Council discussion: Several council members and staff emphasized that the funds are legally restricted to the stated purposes (hiring and equipping safety forces) and cannot be diverted to other uses. The Mayor said the city would be in a “tough situation” without these levies because the funds pay for a large portion of police and fire staffing and equipment.

Next steps: The clerk will file the certified ordinance with the county in August so the question appears on the Nov. ballot. If voters approve, the renewal would take effect Jan. 1, 2027 and run through Dec. 31, 2031.","Ashland City Council approved placing a five‑year renewal of a 0.25% income tax dedicated to hiring and equipping police and fire personnel on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot; council clarified the measure is a renewal of a previously approved levy and revenue will be split equally between the two divisions.",{"_33":125,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":126,"_41":127,"_43":128,"_45":129,"_47":130,"_49":131,"_51":132,"_53":133,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":134,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":135,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6166544,"Ashland council puts renewal of quarter‑percent street tax on Nov. ballot",313,6727000,7040000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5415394-a455d9028ad62a1fcacc7e23f34fdac7&start=6727&end=7040","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5415394-a455d9028ad62a1fcacc7e23f34fdac7/thumbnail_6727000.jpg","/articles/6166544/Ohio/Ashland-council-puts-renewal-of-quarterpercent-street-tax-on-Nov-ballot","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6166544-4dec9ca97ba658c61f1c703a2dbbdf83/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450763&Signature=flZ4QOTC3trmvell0WhB6CWOzEE6TqCtuN2WKSBklxdunXYBxwdk0S4D0U~kstlhdoPz~iyk50lKHjS7AID3d366GpQ3BsqoMsbx8aSSQklLpoCmdK0ADxH6tUNQaEdDmQeEgWvzcFxVwqwigzVxVsh8B8vgNhwc4mBU5kIwFFekNiCVTvwLGOOFI5FQOX655Hmj7YJH1M0zMcHsSDsUbKomX3X3Jr2qA7p6UhUAut1FtBnVyMHlsyTtTGb22DdMic~-e78k7Pd5bf8dUycpi6oaOm9m8RY1-Bv3b8srwPk2lQ2SF3hx3MtzMDLB40yJXkENQB~wFzam1R60O6F0Bg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ashland Mayor and city council voted July 15 to send a five‑year renewal of a quarter‑percent income tax for street repair and resurfacing to the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot.

The measure would maintain a dedicated revenue stream that the city uses solely for street repair and resurfacing work. “So far, we have been able to resurface 146 of our 220 lane miles,” the Mayor told the meeting, adding that resurfacing and related costs consume the fund quickly.

Why it matters: Council said the dedicated levy has allowed Ashland to undertake a sustained resurfacing program that other communities struggle to fund. The city estimates the renewal would generate about $2,349,000 in 2026; council members cautioned that lane‑mile costs are high (roughly $140,000–$150,000 per lane mile) and that pavement life varies by conditions.

Details of the vote and next steps: Council approved the ordinance on first reading and moved to file it with the county so the question appears on the Nov. 4 ballot. The ordinance text (as amended) directs the clerk to certify the measure to the Ashland County Board of Elections and uses statutory language referencing Chapter 230 of the city codified ordinances and Ohio Revised Code procedures for ballot submissions.

Discussion highlights: Finance Director Larry Paxton and the Mayor described the program as a renewal, not a new tax. Paxton explained the tax budget and cash‑carryover mechanics used to plan for capital projects and noted the deadlines for submitting levies to the county election board. Residents asked practical questions about who repairs utility cuts and settling patches after utilities work; staff said utilities or the city repair those specific spots and that the city follows up when settling occurs.

What voters will see: The ballot language will ask voters to renew 0.25% income tax dedicated to street repair and resurfacing for five years, effective Jan. 1, 2027 through Dec. 31, 2031. Passage requires a majority vote.

The city scheduled the formal ordinance adoption steps and will include the renewal on the November ballot for voter consideration.","City council voted to place a five‑year renewal of a 0.25% income tax for street repair and resurfacing on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot; council and staff emphasized the program’s role in resurfacing more than 146 of the city’s 220 lane miles to date and urged voters to continue support.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council adopts 2026 tax budget; estimates $88 million across funds

Council tweaks community reinvestment incentive language to allow negotiable abatements

Ashland council clarifies ordinance on storage of boats, RVs and trailers after public outcry

Council approves first reading to sell 30.27 acres behind sheriff’s office for build‑to‑rent development

Council schedules renewal vote on quarter‑percent income tax for police and fire

Ashland council puts renewal of quarter‑percent street tax on Nov. ballot