Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Budget topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council reviews 2026 budget, flags ADA access and capital timing; first readings held for appropriation ordinances
Summary
City finance staff presented a $14.8 million general fund plan for 2026 with income tax budgeted at about $8.6M; council held first readings of appropriation ordinances, discussed capital projects including City Hall ADA work and the Belgrade sewer project, and asked staff for additional exhibits and financing details.
City finance staff presented the administration’s executive summary for the 2026 budget and the council conducted first readings on two appropriation ordinances intended to clean up 2025 appropriations and to set 2026 spending.
Peter, who led the presentation, said the proposed general fund for 2026 is about $14.8 million. He identified three major revenue streams: property tax and associated state homestead/rollback items (collectively about 20% of the general fund), income tax (budgeted roughly $8.6 million for 2026 and described as about 63% of the general fund) and investment/interest income (roughly 8% of the general fund but expected to decline with lower market interest rates).
Councilmembers asked for clarity on specific line items and exhibits. Peter said the appropriation exhibit is the budget book and that staff will provide updated exhibits when final. He noted three funds requiring additional appropriations (the work fund, an Ohio Recycle Grant Fund, and the Cuyahoga County Art Fund) and described timing differences related to ARPA and earlier expenditures.
Council debate turned to capital projects and accessibility. Several members expressed disappointment that ADA improvements to City Hall have not progressed; the budget includes a $150,000 line for 2026 and larger multi-year estimates ($3 million–$3.5 million and larger figures in later years) for a multi-year renovation. Peter said a needs assessment and phased design work are planned beginning in 2026.
Council also discussed the Belgrade Sewer Project, listed at about $3.39 million in gross capital expenditures, and how assessments, grants and note financing would be shown in budget projections. Peter said some grants and assessment revenue are expected and financing options include notes or multi-year assessment collections.
On procedure, council handled first readings of the appropriation ordinances and elected not to suspend rules or adopt emergency passage for the appropriations at this meeting; staff will return with exhibits and revised numbers as needed prior to final action.
Next steps: staff to circulate the requested expenditure details and updated exhibits; council scheduled an in-depth budget meeting for December 4 to review line items with department directors.
