Council adopts $629,500 in supplemental appropriations for software, pool repairs, and sewer credits

Defiance City Council voted to adopt a set of supplemental appropriations totaling $629,500 to cover multiple city needs, including software transition costs, equipment, repairs to pool infrastructure and capital contingency items.

Finance staff summarized line items: $30,000 for computer maintenance and equipment related to a timekeeping software transition; $3,000 for additional servers; $10,000 for special legal counsel; higher-than-budgeted liability insurance payments; $6,500 for new splash pad canopies and a slide replacement; $20,000 for hazard mitigation (demolitions); $25,000 to repair pole lights (with insurance reimbursements expected); $50,000 for meters related to increased new development; $20,000 for a stormwater intern; and $350,004 for sludge handling at the water plant. The finance presenter summarized the total as $629,500.

The appropriation ordinance was moved, the council suspended rules and adopted the measure by roll-call vote. Council members voting in favor included Mister Mast, Missus Crutch, Mister Engel, Mister Corbett, Mister Hancock and others; the clerk declared the ordinance adopted.

Why it matters: The appropriations cover a mix of one-time and operating needs generated by recent software transitions, infrastructure repairs and increased development activity that affects meter and tap revenues. Staff noted expected reimbursements for some items (insurance, tap connection charges) and that revenues were roughly 2% higher than previously projected.

Next steps: Staff will implement the appropriations and track reimbursements (insurance, tap fees) as development proceeds; council requested continued monitoring of the debt schedule related to wastewater borrowing and upcoming debt maturities.