Council advances multiple ordinances; approves emergency $2.35M note authorization

The Columbiana City Council on March 3 took several formal actions, voting to advance multiple ordinances and approving an emergency measure to authorize the issuance of taxable notes.

Emergency ordinance 26‑3329: The council approved an emergency ordinance authorizing the issuance and sale of not to exceed $2,350,000 in taxable land acquisition non‑tax revenue notes under Section 13, Article VIII of the Ohio Constitution and Chapter 165 of the Ohio Revised Code. The ordinance directs the pledge of certain non‑tax revenues, the establishment of a related fund and the approval of related documents; the council moved, seconded and approved the emergency reading by roll call.

Ordinance 26‑3327 (second reading): The council approved advertising for bids to enter into a contract supplying construction materials, equipment and labor for the State Route 14 (Cole) road widening project (PID 121‑969).

Ordinance 26‑3328 (second reading): Council approved a contract between the city and Fairfield Township for fire protection services.

Multiple first readings and procedural votes: Council held first readings and recorded votes on several ordinances, including amendments to chapter 844 (food truck provisions), the 2026 appropriations ordinance (26‑3331), fund transfers (including a transfer of $3,700,000 from the income tax fund and $1,850,000 each to the general and capital improvement funds as described in transcript), and ordinances setting salaries and positions for appointed personnel and establishing wage schedules. Council members raised a question about a lifeguard pay differential in the pool pay ordinance and asked staff to confirm before the second reading.

All roll-call votes recorded in the transcript on March 3 resulted in affirmative votes where taken; the transcript records no defeated motions. Several items remain at first or second reading and will return to council for final action at subsequent meetings.