Dayton commission advances PFAS treatment early work, hears $1.5 billion budget first reading and approves manager recommendations

The Dayton City Commission met in regular session and approved a package of city manager recommendations that includes funding and next steps on a PFAS (PFOS) water‑treatment program, a grant to preserve a Claridge Park facility for neighborhood services and the planned rollout of a digital plan‑review system.

Abby Patel Jones, director of management budget, told the commission the proposed original appropriation ordinance for 2026 totals $1,500,000,000 and “is largely driven by the carryover” of previously approved but unspent multiyear capital and nonoperating funds. She said the temporary-to-original appropriation increase is $473,600,000, of which about $466,000,000 is carryover from prior years.

The manager’s package also included a contract modification to establish an early work package with Shook Construction for the city’s PFAS treatment program. City staff described the early package as roughly $22,000,000 and said the broader PFAS capital improvement effort is on the order of $300,000,000; officials said OEPA approval and a guaranteed maximum price remain to be finalized before full construction begins.

City manager staff recommended awarding a contract to ePlan Inc. to implement a fully digital document and plan‑review system to speed permitting and increase transparency; staff said the ePlan system is expected to be up and running by the end of the second quarter.

At the public comment podium, Jerry Bowling III — speaking for the McCook Field Neighborhood Association and the community advisory group — urged support for the grant to Northeast Churches Emergency Center to renovate the building at 1404 Webster so the food pantry and related nonprofit offices can continue operating. "We are asking for your support for that," Bowling said.

Yousaf Al Zane, speaking on behalf of the Arab Social Association, urged local leaders to speak out against dehumanizing rhetoric and called on elected officials "to reject divisive rhetoric and uphold standards worthy of your public office." Commissioners responded in the meeting that they would stand against hate and that city leadership would support affected residents.

Commissioner Beckham moved to approve the city manager’s recommendations; Commissioner Shaw seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote called by the presiding officer.

The clerk read the first reading of Ordinance No. 3217-26 (the 2026 appropriation) and two first‑reading resolutions concerning intent to vacate an alley south of Xenia Avenue and to vacate Vicksburg Street from Maywood Avenue. Those items were introduced for first reading and will return for further consideration according to the commission’s legislative schedule.

Commissioners used the remainder of the meeting to highlight community initiatives and upcoming deadlines: Commissioner Beckham noted a county beautification grant (up to $1,000; application deadline March 6) and a University of Dayton panel on civic leadership; Commissioner Fairchild highlighted local scholarships and urged neighborhood snow‑response planning; Commissioner Shaw promoted youth Air Camp in partnership with Dayton International Airport; and the presiding officer announced a Climate Resilience Fund in partnership with the University of Dayton offering up to $40,000 annually for community projects with applications available beginning April 30.

The meeting concluded with staff recognition for Cam Anderson and formal adjournment.

Votes at a glance • Motion to excuse mayor (voice): moved from the floor and approved by voice vote (mover: Commissioner Shaw; second: Commissioner Fairchild). • Motion to approve minutes of 02/11/2026 (voice): approved. • Motion to approve city manager’s recommendations (voice): moved by Commissioner Beckham, seconded by Commissioner Shaw; approved by voice vote.

What’s next • The appropriation ordinance (Ordinance No. 3217-26) was introduced on first reading and will return for subsequent readings and final action. • PFAS project staff will continue procurement and await OEPA approvals and a guaranteed maximum price before issuing a notice to proceed for construction. • Staff will follow up on ePlan implementation details and a timeline for reporting on time-savings for permitting.

(Reporting based on the Dayton City Commission transcript of the meeting; quotes and details come from city staff presentations and public comment.)