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Votes at a glance: Athens council passes budget, zoning change and routine year‑end measures
Summary
Council approved the 2026 appropriations (Ordinance 1‑20‑25), adopted a zoning amendment to allow temporary shelters in R‑3/B‑3 (Ordinance 1‑39‑25), and approved several administrative ordinances (AEP easement 1‑42‑25, ORCA membership 1‑43‑25, balcony permit 1‑40‑25) and resolutions of appreciation.
At its Dec. 15 meeting, Athens City Council approved multiple measures in addition to the 2026 budget and the R‑3/B‑3 temporary shelters ordinance:
- Ordinance 1‑20‑25 (2026 appropriations): Adopted. Total appropriations: $84,832,199. (See debate on revenue vs. appropriations, council requested clearer future reporting.)
- Ordinance 1‑39‑25 (zoning amendment – temporary shelters): Adopted. Conditionals include Safety Service Director approval prior to BZA consideration and annual reapproval.
- Ordinance 1‑42‑25 (easement/right of way): Adopted by suspended rules — authorizes the Safety Service Director to execute an easement with Ohio Power Company (AEP) at 25 Kenny Drive for $1 to provide service to the Raymer Playground/fire training site.
- Ordinance 1‑40‑25 (special right‑of‑way permit): Adopted — grants a right‑of‑way permit at 43 South Court Street to add a balcony to an existing building; council discussed fire‑safety capacity and checklist review.
- Ordinance 1‑41‑25 (amendment to 2025 appropriation) and 1‑43‑25 (ORCA membership support): Rules suspended and ordinances adopted to handle time‑sensitive payments before year‑end; ORCA membership authorized with revised reserve language.
- Resolutions 0‑7‑25, 0‑8/0‑9‑25, and 0‑9‑25: Adopted to honor departing members and Council President Sam Crowell.
Most votes were taken by voice; where members recorded opposition that was entered into the record (noted in individual items). Several measures were approved under suspended rules given year‑end timing.
