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Bexley council adopts 2026 budget with pool‑weekend pilot and transit shelter pilot
Summary
Council adopted the amended 2026 budget, adding a $25,000 pool‑fund appropriation to test three September weekends and a pilot $35,000 covered bus stop. The package includes capital items such as solar carports at the police station and continued funding for the senior center.
Bexley City Council on Dec. 9 adopted the city’s 2026 appropriation ordinance after a fourth‑reading presentation of Revision 4 and a narrowly framed amendment to allow additional pool weekend openings.
Finance staff presented updated year‑to‑date figures through November and highlighted capital changes in Revision 4, including a $35,000 pilot to install a covered bus station (Merkle and Broad) and $10,000 for park furnishings. Budget staff said the pilot shelter is intended to be a one‑location proof‑of‑concept and — if successful in increasing ridership — could be supported with future TSI/grant funding.
On the solar proposal, staff described a recent RFQ for a solar carport at the police station whose apparent low bid was about $141,000 before incentives; after an estimated 30% federal incentive the net city cost would be closer to $80,000 with a projected payback of roughly 11 years.
Councilmember Marcelino proposed an amendment to add $25,000 to the pool fund so recreation could test three additional September weekends in 2026; staff provided a line‑item breakdown when asked: roughly $16,700 for salaries and wages, $3,300 for electricity, $2,000 for gas and $3,000 for chemicals. Recreation staff warned the primary constraint is finding seasonal staff and estimated per‑patron operating cost in September would be roughly $22 per day.
The council voted to amend the ordinance and then to adopt the amended ordinance 25‑25. The amendment and the final ordinance passed on roll call.
What changed in the adopted package: - $35,000 added to capital for a covered bus station pilot at Merkle and Broad; staff will test ridership and seek grant funding if successful. - $10,000 added for park furnishings (from the recreation fund where applicable). - $25,000 pool‑fund appropriation (detail: $16,700 salaries/wages; $9,000 operating expense) to allow staff to evaluate weekend openings based on staffing and weather. - Continued funding for senior center buildout and other capital transfers.
Council recorded appreciation for staff and the budget team; the ordinance passed by roll call vote.
