Columbiana Council approves 2026 budget, $3.7 million transfer and multiple ordinances; adopts emergency measures

The Columbiana City Council unanimously approved the city's 2026 budget and passed a slate of ordinances and emergency measures during its March 17 meeting.

The council voted to adopt the annual appropriations and approve a transfer ordinance (26-O-3332) to move $3,700,000 from the income tax fund to cover current expenses: $1,850,000 to the general fund and $1,850,000 to the capital improvement fund. City officials said the transfers are intended to ensure liquidity for operating and capital needs in 2026.

The budget approval followed brief discussion about property tax revenue. A council member asked for a rough estimate of property tax receipts; a finance estimate cited about $490,000 for the general fund and $283,000 for EMS levy receipts, placing total property-tax-derived revenue near $1,000,000 (estimate provided in meeting comment).

The council also approved a series of personnel and appropriation ordinances on second reading, including ordinances setting salaries and positions for the city manager and chief of police and approving other staff positions and pay schedules.

On new business the council adopted emergency Ordinance 26-O-3339 to amend and replace sections of Chapter 844 of the codified ordinances (clean-up language related to mobile vending and temporary permits), and separately adopted an emergency ordinance authorizing the city manager to advertise for bids for the Firestone Park construction project (PID 121990). The meeting record shows council also passed an emergency ordinance (26-O-3341) authorizing a contract with Enviroscapes (Youngstown) for mowing city properties after a completed bid opening.

Counsel explained the decision to use an emergency ordinance: rather than amend the existing second-reading ordinance on the fly, council voted down the second-reading version and adopted a replacement emergency ordinance so the change would appear in a clear written record.

Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 26-O-3331 (2026 appropriations) — Passed (roll call recorded in meeting) - Ordinance 26-O-3332 (transfer $3,700,000 from income tax fund) — Passed - Ordinance 26-O-3333 (fund transfers) — Passed - Ordinance 26-O-3334 (city manager salary/position) — Passed - Ordinance 26-O-3335 (chief of police salary/position) — Passed - Ordinance 26-O-3336 (appointed personnel) — Passed - Ordinance 26-O-3337 (wage schedule) — Passed - Ordinance 26-O-3338 (part-time pay rates for Firestone Pool) — Passed - Ordinance 26-O-3339 (emergency; replace/amend Chapter 844) — Passed (adopted as emergency) - Ordinance 26-O-3340 (emergency; advertise bid for Firestone Park) — Passed - Ordinance 26-O-3341 (emergency; contract with Enviroscapes for mowing) — Passed - Ordinance 26-O-3342 (Mulberry Alley pedestrian conversion) — First reading - Ordinance 26-O-3343 (sale/recycling of personal property) — First reading - Resolution 26-R-683 (Safe Routes to School LPA confirmation) — First reading

The council returned to procedural items and concluded the meeting after an announced executive session on a property purchase; meeting minutes set no further public action following the closed session.

City Manager Lance praised staff for storm-related response work during his report: "I can't say enough about... all the high wind all weekend," and noted crews from electric, police, fire, water and street departments worked extended shifts to restore services.

The council's packet contained the mayor's court report, the bill list and copies of commission minutes cited during the meeting. The council scheduled application deadlines and potential appointment timelines related to a planning commission vacancy and noted several capital and grant funding opportunities under pursuit.