Finance committee moves police renovation funding from property sale and approves broader property‑disposition authority

The finance committee voted to send an appropriation amendment to council to apply proceeds from the sale of 1206 North Main to capital improvements for police‑station renovations, and approved placing a separate ordinance on the council agenda that would expand the city's options for disposing of real property.

Jamie introduced the financing item and said the recently sold property at 1206 North Main "has now been sold and those proceeds are going to go back into the capital improvement fund and they're gonna be used or put towards the police department renovations," with remaining proceeds earmarked to pay down debt. Jamie moved to place item 4a on the council agenda; the committee approved the motion by voice vote.

Jim, the finance presenter, told the committee that property‑liability insurance premiums rose sharply after a city employee fatality last year and that insurers increased the rate "by a 104%," creating a budget shortfall that requires an appropriation amendment. He said the city's insurance broker is pursuing placement with another carrier called the Ohio Plan and that staff hopes to see reduced rates if accepted within the next three months.

The committee also advanced item 4b, a proposed ordinance to allow the charter city to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of real property through council‑authorized processes such as requests for proposals or direct transactions with other governments, rather than being limited to auction or transfer to the community improvement corporation (CIC). Staff emphasized the change covers real estate only and does not alter procedures for disposing of vehicles or equipment, which will continue to go to auction.

Jamie moved to send item 4b to the council agenda; the motion was seconded and carried. With those actions, the committee closed its business and voted to adjourn.