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Mayor asks council to declare splash pad emergency as finance committee outlines $453,010 parks appropriation
Summary
Council approved a parks appropriation and transfer to fund a revised splash pad estimate. The mayor asked council to adopt the measure as an emergency so staff can solicit bids and execute contracts quickly; public speakers asked for clarity about what happens to community donations.
Mayor: I would request that you pass the legislation for the splash pad as an emergency so that we can enter into contracts immediately and keep that project rolling.
Fostoria City Council approved an ordinance transferring funds from the general fund to the parks and recreation fund and appropriating money to cover a revised splash pad estimate, after the finance committee reported a projected increase of $453,010 to the parks fund when fiscal-year carryover is applied.
Why it matters: Council’s emergency declaration lets the city solicit bids and proceed toward contracting without waiting the usual three readings. The finance committee said the general fund remains in a solid position even as the city remains in fiscal emergency for the water funds.
Details from the meeting
- Finance committee report: The finance committee reported that when fiscal year 2024 carryover is applied, the parks fund requires an increase to appropriations of $453,010 to cover the splash pad and other park projects earmarked for 2025. The committee also noted the general fund’s revised projected balance for fiscal year 2025 is roughly $10,400,000 and projected to be about $9,600,000 by 2029.
- Mayor’s request: The mayor asked council to treat the splash pad legislation as an emergency so the city can enter contracts immediately and keep the project moving.
- Procurement steps: Council members and staff said the city will solicit bids and bring the selected bidder to council for a presentation and final approval; staff emphasized the city will not execute a contract until the bidder makes a presentation at council.
Public concerns about donated funds
Local donors who helped raise money for the splash pad sought clarification about what would happen to those contributions if the city paused or canceled the project. Jill Filliator, a resident who has participated in fundraising, said: "I am still a little concerned that if you don't go with it, what happens to the donations that the community citizens raised? I don't have a very clear picture of how that monies will go." She asked whether donated funds are protected in a special fund and how they will be used if the project is delayed or canceled.
What council said about finances
Council adopted the appropriation and transfer ordinance under the three-reading suspension. The finance director also reminded council that the city remains in a fiscal emergency primarily because water funds are not reflecting three months of reserves, but that the general fund is positioned to support the splash pad costs.
Ending: Officials said they will proceed to solicit bids and return to council for final bidder presentations and contract approval; staff and the clerk were asked to provide clearer information to donors on how donated funds will be managed.
