HURON, Ohio — The Huron City Council on Tuesday adopted the 2026 municipal budget and moved several measures aimed at shoring up strained public‑safety and capital accounts.

The council approved total appropriations of $55,121,188 for 2026, an increase of $134,000 from the 2025 initial appropriation, according to Mr. Phillips, the city’s finance lead. "Total appropriations for 2026 are $55,121,188, an increase of a 134,000 from 2025 initial appropriation," Phillips said during the budget presentation.

Phillips told the council about $4,000,000 of the appropriation are transfers and that roughly $26,000,000 is budgeted for capital projects; the remaining operational budget is just under $25,000,000. He said personnel costs account for about 37% of operating expenses (43% including health benefits) and warned that the fire and stormwater funds are areas of particular financial concern.

The council also placed on the record a first reading of a proposed 1.5‑mill continuing property tax levy to fund fire apparatus, rescue equipment and staffing, to be submitted to voters in May 2026. City Manager Stuart Hamilton said the levy would add about $53 for every $100,000 of home value for city residents. "This 1.5 mil … will add an additional $53 to every 100,000 of house value," Hamilton said, explaining the measure would be a continuing levy layered on top of the existing levy rather than a replacement.

Council members questioned the math and revenue expectations. Hamilton said the estimate came from the auditor’s office and discussed timing: the schools reported no plans for a May ballot measure, but the township will run a separate but similar fire levy in May; the two levies are independent. Council members and staff discussed projected annual revenue in the low‑to‑mid hundreds of thousands depending on final assessed values.

On a related public‑safety decision, the council ratified a purchase agreement for a used 2007 ladder platform truck from Herb Fire Equipment. Hamilton said the city’s previous ladder truck was obsolete and parts were unavailable, making repair impractical. The used truck was described as having a full service history and coming with a one‑year warranty; discussion referenced purchase figures in the mid‑$400,000s. "The total cost for this 2007 was 475,000," Hamilton said during discussion, and staff noted the township will pay half the cost. Hamilton said the general fund will advance the purchase funds to the fire fund as an interest‑free internal loan, to be repaid over five years.

The council passed related emergency appropriations and other budget housekeeping items, and Mr. Phillips cautioned that capital maintenance and improvements were being deferred in places to balance the 10‑year projection. "Capital items such as road maintenance, parts replacements, secondary water intake, and water main replacements cannot all be accomplished within current city means," Phillips said, urging continued attention to those risks.

What’s next: The proposed fire levy must still be certified and placed on the May 2026 ballot; any campaign and final revenue estimates will be developed before that ballot. The ladder truck purchase was ratified and staff said the unit will be refurbished as needed and placed in service.