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Committee hears budget-monitoring report showing $34.1 million net need and mixed revenue signals
Summary
The committee received a finance report showing general fund revenue through September was about $3.5 million ahead of estimates (largely police-detail reimbursements), while the city faces a net projected need of $34.1 million driven by public safety overtime; council members requested historical comparisons and clarification on a $500,000 ADA consultant line item.
The Cincinnati City Council Budget, Finance and Governance Committee on Wednesday reviewed a finance and budget monitoring report through Sept. 30, 2025, that left members with questions about revenue trends and spending pressure in public safety.
Budget Director Dr. Andrew Dutis told the committee that general fund revenue through September was "ahead of estimates by approximately 3 and a half million dollars," but that the majority of that uptick reflected police-detail reimbursements tied to expenditures. He said the net total projected need through September was $34,100,000, and that most of the gap is attributable to overtime in police and fire departments.
Council member Mark Jeffries pressed for clarity on tax collections and historical context, noting corporate and net income returns have lagged. Finance Director Steve Webb said, "October was the worst of the months," but recent months had improved and the city remained "a hair behind where we were last year," with net income returns down compared with the prior year.
Council members asked the administration to provide comparative data for prior fiscal years showing the amounts spent, encumbered and in predevelopment so the council can judge whether current spending rates are unusual and whether intervention is needed.
The committee also sought clarity on a $500,000 line item listed under the city manager's office for an Americans with Disabilities Act consultant. Council member Seth Walsh asked whether the amount covered only consultant operating costs or also implementation. Dr. Dutis said the amount is for operating consultant work; "any additional needs to implement any of the action plans would need to be capital funded through, probably through our, city facility management," he said.
The committee did not take a final vote on policy changes but asked staff to return with the historical comparisons and additional detail requested. The committee then moved on to other agenda items.
