Shaker Heights Council adopts 2026 tax budget, approves parks projects, grants and short‑term rental ban

Shaker Heights City Council on June 23 adopted the city's 2026 tax budget and approved a series of ordinances and resolutions that the administration said keep multiple projects and grant applications on schedule.

The council voted unanimously to adopt the 2026 tax budget and to pass on first reading several measures including administrative approvals for park improvements, a $50,000 county grant application for stabilization of the Lynnfield RTA station, a $102,005.42 donation toward Ludlow Community Playground equipment, adoption of the Cuyahoga County Solid Waste Management Plan (2026'2040), an ordinance clarifying and prohibiting short'term rentals of less than 30 days in the housing code, authorization of "then and now" payment certificates related to recent sewer backup reimbursements, and emergency ratification of a collective bargaining agreement for Public Works employees (Local IDTL No. 507, 01/01/2025'12/31/2027).

Why it matters: adoption of the tax budget is a statutory step that demonstrates the city's property tax needs for the coming fiscal year and permits timely submission to the county budget commission. The other votes move construction, grant and financing steps forward for neighborhood parks, transit station stabilization and recovery payments tied to a recent sewer incident.

Key results and context

- 2026 tax budget: Council adopted the tax budget required by the Ohio Revised Code to show the city's need to levy property taxes for the 2026 fiscal year. Finance Director Potts told council the budget shows an additional need or shortfall of $2,200,000, and that the city's current property tax millage will…