Cindy Hoser, a finance staff member for the Village of Cleves, told council on July 3 that the village’s five‑year forecast — a document the county requests annually — projects the general fund will show a deficit by 2029 if no new levies are approved.

The forecast, Hoser said, uses actual revenues and expenditures from 2021–2024 and projects forward under current assumptions. “This is something we have to report every year to the county,” Hoser said. She emphasized the forecast assumes no new levies beyond levies already approved and that it is a planning tool rather than an appropriation.

Council members heard Hoser explain that other funds, such as permissive gas and motor vehicle funds, primarily cover maintenance and salaries for the public works and parks departments, and that the recently approved 8 percent water rate increase was necessary to keep the waterworks fund solvent. Hoser and council members noted that insurance costs have been volatile and that the forecast includes assumptions about future increases.

After public hearing procedures and brief discussion about posting the forecast online with a contact for questions, Council Member Linda Bolton moved to approve the 2026 budget to be filed with Hamilton County; the motion was seconded by Council Member Meister and passed on a 5–0 roll call vote. Hoser said she will scan and email the submission to the county auditor and has physical copies at the clerk’s office for public review.

The council and staff repeatedly framed the forecast as an estimate: it shows recent actuals for 2021–2024 and uses assumptions for 2025–2029. Hoser advised residents that detailed explanations are available on request and suggested the council include a note on any posted copy directing readers to contact staff with questions.

Ending: The council adopted the 2026 budget unanimously and authorized staff to file the forecast and budget with Hamilton County by the county deadline. Staff said they will make informational materials available to residents and will respond to requests for detailed explanations of the projections.