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Committee advances OPWC reimbursement plan for Wagner Road project amid questions about process and CIP impact
Summary
The Public Service & Transportation Committee forwarded a resolution declaring intent to reimburse the city's capital improvement fund (Fund 410) with proceeds of tax‑exempt debt for the Wagner Road project. Staff and council members discussed OPWC reimbursement mechanics, pay‑apps, staffing shortages in finance, and an approximate project spend of about $5 million of an $11–$12 million project to date.
The Public Service & Transportation Committee moved to forward a resolution declaring the City of Reynoldsburg’s intent to reimburse its capital-improvement fund (Fund 410) with proceeds of tax‑exempt debt for the Wagner Road project, following a multi‑speaker discussion about how Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) grant and loan disbursements will be handled.
Director Donovan said the resolution is necessary for the OPWC grant and loan associated with the Wagner Road work and explained that the city has been submitting pay applications; he said OPWC will reimburse the city for eligible expenses. Donovan said the city has paid roughly "about $5 million" to contractors to date on what he described as an $11‑ to $12‑million project and expects further disbursements as the project continues.
Council members pressed staff on why the city would be reimbursed rather than having OPWC pay contractors directly. Auditor Amir and other staff explained that OPWC has requested the city follow a process in which the city submits pay apps and then seeks reimbursement, rather than OPWC paying contractors directly, and staff said that approach provides an auditable trail and transparency but requires careful accounting.
Council members also raised concerns about bookkeeping and the city's ability to plan the 2026 CIP while staffing gaps persist in finance. Staff said the city is addressing staffing shortages by hiring temporary or retired GFOA‑certified contractors and relying on a senior accountant doing extended work to keep pay apps and appropriations on track.
City Attorney reviewed the project loan agreement language and confirmed that, historically, OPWC payments have gone directly to contractors but that OPWC has asked the city to follow this alternative reimbursement track to ensure the city receives the grant and loan benefits.
The committee voted to forward the resolution to full council for consideration. Council members said they expect budget and CIP impacts to be clarified during the November budget process and that staff will present budget figures when available.
Why it matters: Changing the disbursement flow (OPWC→contractor vs. OPWC→city→contractor) affects the city’s bookkeeping, CIP planning for 2026 and near‑term cash flows. Staff characterized the change as a requirement from OPWC to secure funds, and council asked for continued transparency as the budget is finalized.
Note on numbers: staff characterized payments and totals in approximate terms; where transcript amounts were unclear, this article reports them as approximate.
