Hilliard council passes 2026 operating budget and multiple ordinances, approves water‑main contract

HILLIARD, Ohio — The Hilliard City Council on Oct. 27 completed multiple legislative actions: it adopted the 2026 operating budget (Ordinance 25‑26) after a roll‑call vote (passed 6–1), approved code and traffic amendments (Ordinances 25‑27 and 25‑28, both passed 7–0), and passed several resolutions covering tax‑incentive cancellation, infrastructure contracts and planning items.

Budget and staffing: Council reviewed the second reading of Ordinance 25‑26 (appropriating funds for city operating expenses through Dec. 31, 2026). Councilmember [motion to remove new hires except two police officers and part‑time staff] failed to receive a second and therefore was not considered. The ordinance passed on roll call 6–1 (Mister Carrier cast the sole no vote).

Capital and appropriations: The council held first reading on the 2026 capital improvement budget (Ordinance 25‑29) and set the second reading/public hearing for Nov. 10, 2025. The council also approved an amendment to the 2025 operating budget to add $200,000 to cover utilities and expenses for the recreation and parks department related to the WELL and athletic complex (Ordinance 25‑30; second reading Nov. 10).

Contracts and resolutions: Council adopted Resolution 25R85, awarding the Old Hilliard Water Main Improvement contract to Strauser Paving Company for the low bid (approximately $641,000), with a not‑to‑exceed construction amount of $705,600 (including a 10% allowance for change orders) and a total project authorization of $807,300 including Prime AE Group’s contract administration and inspection. Council also canceled a Community Reinvestment Area agreement (Resolution 25R84) where performance obligations were not met and amended a furniture contract for the WELL (Resolution 25R86).

Planning actions: Council approved a conditional use for a 3,949‑square‑foot assembly hall at 3440 Heritage Club Drive (Resolution 25R87) and amended Trails Edge PUD text to allow property owners to seek fence permits under the city code (Resolution 25R88). Planning & Zoning Commission had recommended the changes by vote and staff supported the approvals.

Key votes at a glance: - Ordinance 25‑26 (2026 operating budget): Passed 6–1. - Ordinance 25‑27 (General Offenses Code amendments): Passed 7–0. - Ordinance 25‑28 (Traffic Code amendments): Passed 7–0. - Resolution 25R84 (cancel CRA agreement with 4350 Weaver LLC): Passed 7–0. - Resolution 25R85 (award Old Hilliard Water Main Improvement to Strauser): Passed 7–0. - Resolution 25R86 (increase Loth Inc. contract for WELL furniture): Passed 7–0. - Resolution 25R87 (conditional use for assembly hall at Heritage Club Drive): Passed 7–0. - Resolution 25R88 (Trails Edge PUD text amendment to allow fencing permits): Passed 7–0.

What council asked staff to do: For the water‑main project staff provided bid details and recommended award to the low bidder; staff was asked about carrying costs on outstanding notes tied to property acquisitions and to continue marketing surplus properties acquired earlier in the year. For the WELL furniture contract staff noted a modest amendment to match existing styling and customer‑experience needs.

Context: The budget vote was the only item that did not pass unanimously; one councilmember opposed the motion to adopt the proposed hires as presented. Several staff presentations referenced follow‑up public hearings (most notably Nov. 10 for first‑reading items).