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Tallmadge council adopts budget amendment, water pact with Akron and a package of ordinances
Summary
At its Nov. 13 meeting, the Tallmadge City Council unanimously approved a budget amendment, a 50‑year water services agreement framework with Akron, grant-application ordinances for transportation projects, and several appropriations including funds to finish the demolition at 111 West Avenue.
The Tallmadge City Council on Nov. 13 approved a set of ordinances and budget changes intended to fund capital needs, submit transportation grant applications and complete a building demolition.
Council amended and left for third reading ordinance 2025‑87, the city’s 2026 budget adoption ordinance, to reflect $221,000 in changes discussed at a Nov. 5 work session. Director of Administration (speaker 10) described the package as including $142,000 in capital for a redundant cooling system for the city server room and $74,000 for economic development—split in the presentation as $50,000 for the CIC and $24,000 for an InSite contract. The council voted 7–0 to adopt the amendment and move ordinance 2025‑87 to third reading with a public hearing set for Dec. 11, 2025.
Director of Public Service Mark Rohrer (presentation identified in the record as speaker 13) led discussion of a proposed water services agreement with the city of Akron (ordinance 2025‑82). Rohrer said the new draft replaces an expired 30‑year contract with a 50‑year term that includes an opt‑out beginning in year 20 with five years’ notice. "The water rate stays the same as 22 and a half percent above the Akron customer rate," Rohrer said. Council approved ordinance 2025‑82 by a roll-call vote of 7–0.
Council also approved three transportation-related items to allow the city to apply for state and federal funds: ordinance 2025‑89 to apply for Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (AMATS) funds for a Northmoreland Road intersection project, ordinance 2025‑91 to apply for AMATS funds for East Avenue phase 2, and ordinance 2025‑87 (budget) as amended to reflect local matching and related capital needs. Those application ordinances were adopted 7–0; the record notes that the votes authorize submission of applications, not final grant awards.
Two appropriations passed unanimously. Ordinance 2025‑92 authorized additional funds needed to finish demolition at 111 West Avenue after crews encountered an old, filled pool and contaminated backfill; Rohrer cited a $22,400 change order related to removing the material. Ordinance 2025‑93 appropriated $64,750 to cover higher-than-budgeted costs for mowing and fertilization contracts after bids came in above 2025 prices.
Other business approved on unanimous votes included amending planning and zoning items (ordinances 2025‑86 and 2025‑90) and adopting ordinance 2025‑80 to update recreation facility fees. The liquor license request for Crafty Steer LLC (100 North Avenue) was considered; a city representative told council the zoning allows the requested carryout beer and wine permits and recommended no hearing. Council voted 7–0 not to hold a hearing on the license.
Director of Finance Amy Gilbride (speaker 14) told council income tax receipts for October ran about "2 and a half to 3%" ahead of last year and roughly 2% above budget, and she said she will monitor salary and pension appropriations and return with reappropriation requests if needed.
All roll-call votes recorded in the meeting were 7–0. The following council members were recorded on roll calls during votes: Jonathan Bolas, Christine Cipa, Jessica Epstein, Donald Pavlik, Tracy Fletcher, Ted Roy and Nick Rubino.
The council left several items for upcoming public hearings on Dec. 11, 2025, and set the budget ordinance (2025‑87) for third reading with a public hearing on that date.
