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Lancaster City Council advances smart-metering, compensation and Sheridan Drive TIF measures; tables broader 2026 appropriation
Summary
At its Nov. 3 meeting the Lancaster City Council passed a smart-metering ordinance, approved a compensation ordinance and enacted a Sheridan Drive developer TIF; it also approved several budget adjustments and tabled a broader 2026 appropriations resolution for further consideration.
Lancaster City Council on Nov. 3 approved multiple ordinances and resolutions that advance the city’s 2026 budget and infrastructure plans while tabling a larger budget appropriations measure for additional review.
The council voted to table Temporary Resolution 83-25, a proposal to make appropriations and establish line-item transfer authority for the 2026 fiscal year. Mr. Schoonover moved to table the resolution and Mr. Ailes seconded; President Porter called the roll and the motion to table carried 7-0 as recorded in the minutes.
Council members approved Temporary Resolution 84-25 to reallocate salary funds to cover overtime in the Lancaster Fire Department. Council member Mr. Bizjak said the shift is intended “to cover the fire department’s overtime expenses for the rest of the calendar year,” citing increased injuries and staff on medical leave or light duty. The motion to pass was recorded as carried (minutes show 10-0).
The council also approved Ordinance Temporary 54-25 to authorize the Service-Safety Director to file an FCC notification and enter a spectrum lease with Sensus for the city’s smart-metering initiative in Lancaster Municipal Gas. Council member Mr. Ailes said he was excited about the upgrade and noted the meters operate on a dedicated, FCC-controlled channel; the motion to pass carried 7-0.
On compensation, Ordinance Temporary 55-25 — which sets compensation for the council president, council members and the council clerk for the term commencing payroll 1 of 2026 — passed by roll call 6-1 after a brief procedural motion. The council also approved Ordinance Temporary 56-25, a developer tax-increment financing (TIF) for Sheridan Drive covering commercial and multifamily parcels; Mrs. Hoop said the TIF structure is intended to “make the schools whole.” That measure passed 7-0.
Council removed Ordinance Temporary 39-25 (a separate South Central Power Company franchise proposal) from the table and withdrew it on a 7-0 vote.
The meeting's remaining items included first and second readings on various housekeeping and planning measures and routine committee reports. The council approved payment of the city's bills and adjourned at approximately 7:07 p.m.
What happens next: The larger Temporary Resolution 83-25 (2026 appropriations) was tabled for further consideration; other adopted measures take effect per the city’s rules and any emergency declarations noted in the ordinance texts.
