Finance committee forwards 2026 appropriations — administration cites nearly $29 million gap covered by cash balances

The Youngstown Finance Committee on March 18 advanced most items related to the city's 2026 annual appropriations package to the Council floor after administration staff outlined the proposed budget.

An administration representative, identified in discussion as Kyle, told the committee the ordinance would appropriate "almost $254 million," with projected revenues of $225.5 million. "The opening cash balance within that fund is in excess of the shortfall that exists in each of the funds," Kyle said, explaining that earlier encumbrances and carryovers (including previously approved ARP purchase orders) help finance the difference.

Kyle said department heads, through the mayor's office, plan to return to Council later to request approval for additional capital expenditures drawn from available cash balances. "We have to come back to you to ultimately request that we spend those funds," Kyle said, asking members to support subsequent requests for capital projects.

Committee Vice Chair and 4th Ward Councilman Mike Ray moved that items 1'4 and 6'14 be taken up for consideration and moved forward to the Council floor; the motion was seconded and the clerk confirmed the items would proceed. Item 5, a request tied to a Market Street stormwater/business development assistance, was referred to the CPET/CPED committee for further review before action.

Council members asked for additional backup details, including outstanding contractor quotes and the exact line-item totals. A staff member said packet materials include the detailed totals on the last page and offered to provide outstanding quotes by the end of the week.

The committee also discussed personnel and program funding across departments as part of the budget review, but did not finalize any appropriation changes at the committee level. The items forwarded will be considered by the full Council at the next floor session.