Beavercreek Council adopts 2026 budget, approves year‑end appropriations

Beavercreek City Council approved the city manager’s 2026 budget and related appropriations at its final December meeting, adopting a plan officials said balances conservative revenue estimates and continued capital work.

The council accepted Resolution 25‑33 to adopt the 2026 budget and passed Ordinance 25‑26 (annual appropriations) in a single reading. Council also approved Ordinance 25‑27, a year‑end supplemental appropriations ordinance that includes roughly $700,000 to purchase 62 acres at the US‑35/Factory Road area to secure right‑of‑way for future improvements.

City Manager Pete Landrum summarized the budget and long‑term priorities in a State of the City presentation. He told the council the city’s 2026 revenue budget is about $47,400,000 and that property taxes account for roughly $30,300,000 or 63.9% of that total. Landrum said grants and property taxes together make up about 72% of city revenue and stressed the need to preserve reserves to meet future grant matches.

Landrum highlighted infrastructure needs drawn from the city’s first community stormwater master plan since 1983, noting approximately $15,000,000 in capital projects and about $1,200,000 in annual maintenance needs identified by the study. The city earlier used $5,000,000 in ARPA funds to complete a Willow Crest stormwater project, Landrum said, and staff noted that spending the ARPA allocation before year‑end was necessary to avoid returning funds.

On expenditures, the council was presented a total budgeted amount of $49,500,000 for 2026 (excluding interfund transfers). Street maintenance and capital remained the largest expenditure category at about $22,200,000 (44.9%), followed by public safety at approximately $13,800,000 (28%). Wages and benefits represented the largest single category by type, about $21,600,000 or 43.6% of the budget.

Council members asked for a follow‑up on a pending set of golf‑course budget adjustments; staff said several technical corrections and modest revenue increases were included and that a fuller update would be available in January.

Ordinance 25‑27 included several 2025 adjustments: an additional appropriation of approximately $700,000 to add the 62‑acre site to city holdings, $386,000 in police operating appropriations (to take advantage of a 10% discount by accelerating planned Motorola dispatch station upgrades), and smaller cleanups to other funds. Council approved the supplemental appropriations by roll call.

The city manager emphasized conservative planning in light of possible state constitutional or legislative changes affecting local revenue and noted city reserves are being maintained at a target minimum (20%) to protect operations and grant match capacity. The council approved the budget and appropriations package and directed staff to provide requested follow‑ups in January.

What’s next: staff said detailed budget documents, the five‑year capital plan and backup materials will be posted on the city website for public review; council members also requested a January update on golf‑related policy and revenue assumptions.

Quote: “If you do away with property taxes, you’re doing away with the grants,” City Manager Pete Landrum said while explaining the city’s dependence on property‑tax revenue and grant matches.

Ending: The budget resolution and appropriations ordinances were approved during the meeting; staff will post documentation online and provide requested updates at January meetings.