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Canal Winchester finance director outlines 2026 budget: no new positions, 3.5% proposed raises, medical premiums jump ~26%
Summary
Finance Director Amanda Jackson presented the 2026 appropriations at the Nov. 3 work session, saying the proposed budget contains no new positions, includes a tentative 3.5% base pay increase, and that medical premiums are expected to rise by about 26%.
Finance Director Amanda Jackson presented the expense side of the 2026 appropriations Nov. 3, walking council through staffing, benefits, contracts and capital projects that drive next year's spending.
"There is no new position included in next year's budget," Jackson said, adding she shifted some payroll allocations among funds to ease burdens on smaller funds such as street maintenance and stormwater. Jackson said a 3.5% increase for base pay rates is included as a proposal but not yet final.
Jackson emphasized a large rise in health costs: "Our medical premiums are going up over 26% next year," she said, and noted that most employees carry family coverage, which is more expensive. She reported city staff counts in the budget as 42 full‑time employees, eight elected officials, one part‑time employee, seven seasonal employees and two interns.
Jackson summarized notable budget items: the Fairfield County sheriff contract (presented separately), a $63,000 cemetery mowing quote, a $1.5 million street program, park fencing costs approaching $100,000, engineering money for sidewalk and shared‑use path projects, and a preliminary allocation for a railroad viaduct project currently in early stages. She described a proposed three‑year lease purchase for a street sweeper (estimate based on a $350,000 cost) and a new stormwater debt related to the East Waterloo storm sewer project, financed in part by an OPWC zero‑interest loan.
Jackson also reviewed interfund transfers and a $507,800 balance being repaid from an agency fund to the general fund related to Green Gate Boulevard construction and TIF mechanics; staff said developer agreements and TIF reimbursements will affect the timing of full repayment. She closed by noting the general fund budget is balanced for 2026 and invited council members to pose further questions during the remaining reading process.
Next steps: Ordinance 25‑029 was advanced for consideration; staff said appropriation amendments can be brought during the year as needed.
