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 remain at 9.9 mills, producing an estimated $11,300,000 in 2026.

- Doan Brook restoration (Horseshoe Park): Council approved an ordinance to allow administrative approval of improvements to public land under section 1212.02I of the city zoning code so engineering, bidding and design work for pedestrian bridges, trails, overlooks and a natural play area can proceed on schedule. The Planning Commission recommended approval at its June 3 meeting.

- Hildana Park renovations: Council approved park renovations that include new benches, landscaping and a replacement public art installation. The project is tied to the city's 2025 Recreation Strategic Plan and will be refined with the Architectural Board of Review as needed.

- Lynnfield RTA station stabilization (CDSG grant): Council authorized the application for a Cuyahoga County Department of Development Community Development Supplemental Grant (CDSG) in the maximum amount of $50,000 to begin exterior stabilization of the historic Lynnfield RTA station (within the Shaker Village Historic District and a local landmark). No local match is required for the requested $50,000 award; the grant application deadline to the county is July 15 and the county's plan requires submission by 08/10/2025.

- Ludlow Community Playground donation: Council authorized a $102,005.42 donation agreement with the Shaker Schools to purchase community playground equipment adjacent to the schools' new early years building. Council approved the donation as an emergency to keep the schools' construction schedule.

- Cuyahoga County Solid Waste Management Plan (2026'2040): Council adopted the county plan as required by Ohio House Bill 592, which the administration said is necessary for countywide waste reduction and recycling goals. The plan must be ratified by district population thresholds before the county deadline.

- Housing code amendment on short'term rentals: Council adopted new housing code sections intended to explicitly prohibit short'term rentals of less than 30 days in residential neighborhoods and reconcile a family definition between the housing and zoning codes. Council passed the ordinance as an emergency.

- Then'and'now certificates and payments: Council authorized emergency payment approvals for multiple "then and now" certificates so reimbursements and vendor payments related to a recent Linfield'Lomond sewer backup incident can be processed; the administration said it is pursuing contractor and insurance reimbursement where applicable.

- Collective bargaining (Local IDTL No. 507): Council authorized an emergency ordinance related to the bargaining unit for Public Works employees covering 01/01/2025 through 12/31/2027; the council voted to approve and the item will be posted with the agenda materials.

Votes at a glance (all votes recorded as unanimous unless noted): - Resolution adopting 2026 tax budget: moved by Mr. Claytor; second by Ann Williams; outcome: approved (7'0Aye). - Ordinance (administrative approval) for Doan Brook/Horseshoe Park improvements (zoning section 1212.02I): moved by Mr. Claytor; second by Ann Williams; outcome: approved (7'Aye). - Ordinance (administrative approval) for Hildana Park renovations: moved by Mr. Claytor; second by Carmela Williams; outcome: approved (7'Aye). - Ordinance authorizing application/acceptance of $50,000 CDSG grant for Lynnfield RTA station stabilization: moved by Mrs. Moore; second by Mr. Claytor; outcome: approved (7'Aye). - Ordinance authorizing donation of $102,005.42 for Ludlow Community Playground equipment (emergency): moved by Mrs. Moore; second by Ms. Bixenstein; outcome: approved (7'Aye). - Resolution adopting Cuyahoga County Solid Waste Management Plan (2026'2040): moved by Ann Williams; second by Mr. Claytor; outcome: approved (7'Aye). - Ordinance amending housing code to prohibit short'term rentals under 30 days (new sections referenced in file): moved by Mr. Claytor; second by Carmela Williams; outcome: approved (7'Aye). - Ordinance authorizing execution of then'and'now certificates and related payments (emergency): moved by Mrs. Moore; second by Mr. Claytor; outcome: approved (7'Aye). - Ordinance/Resolution related to collective bargaining agreement with Local IDTL No. 507 (01/01/2025'12/31/2027) and declaring an emergency: mover/second recorded in session; outcome: approved (7'Aye).

What council members and staff said: Finance Director Potts explained the tax budget format and the $2.2 million additional need. Planning and department directors explained that timing and grant schedules motivated emergency and first'reading requests for several items so engineering, bidding and construction can proceed.

Ending: Council held public comment on agenda items before the votes; there were no online commenters and limited in'chamber public comment. The council then recessed to executive session for personnel and collective bargaining matters and indicated a possibility of action after executive session.