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Council approves $1.3 million carryover allocation after heated debate over fleet vs. community projects
Summary
Council voted to disburse remaining carryover funds, allocating $300,000 for a Camp Washington skate park and $994,008 for Department of Public Services, fire and police fleet needs after extended debate over process and priorities.
Cincinnati City Council on Wednesday adopted a motion to disburse remaining carryover capital funds that directs $300,000 to a new Camp Washington skate park and $994,008 for city fleet needs covering Department of Public Services, fire and police vehicles.
Budget Chair Council member Krammerding, the motion’s lead sponsor, called the allocation “the first step in the right direction” for an aging city fleet after the city’s recent snow emergency exposed equipment shortfalls. He said the money “is not the fix, but it’s more than symbolic.”
Supporters said the allocation was necessary to begin replenishing equipment that has been deferred for years; Council member Johnson asked the council to “put our money where our mouths are” to equip public safety employees. President Parks and several co-sponsors said the measures would support workers who respond in emergencies.
Opponents argued the process was rushed and the funding is too small and too narrowly allocated. Council member Beth Albee criticized the administration’s reporting process for community project requests, saying the committee report contained errors and that the council lacked a comprehensive view of fleet needs before committing funds. Council member Walsh said $994,000 was “a drop in the bucket” and urged the council to wait for a comprehensive fleet plan promised by the administration.
Public testimony before the vote included Joseph Elliott, president of Cincinnati Firefighters Union Local 48, who urged funding for a pumper. Elliott said the department had worked with a vendor to move a pumper to the front of the line and that, “if we're able to secure this funding today ... we can have this pumper ... by the end of the year,” adding that without immediate funds the lead time for new apparatus could be three years or more.
The motion was moved by Council member Krammerding with co-sponsors Council members Johnson, Parks, Jeffries and Nolan. Roll call recorded the following votes: Vice Mayor Kearney — No; Council member Nolan — Yes; Council member Parks — Yes; Council member Walsh — Yes; Council member Beth Albee — No; Council member Grama Dean — Yes; Council member Jeffries — Yes; Council member Johnson — Yes. The motion passed.
