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Cincinnati council committee backs omnibus budget priorities, sends guidance to city manager
Summary
The Budget & Finance Committee approved an omnibus 'priority budget' communication outlining spending priorities — protecting police and fire recruit classes, maintaining public services, investing in neighborhoods and housing, and preserving human services funding — and transmitted it to the city manager after a 6–3 roll call vote.
Council member Krammerding, chair of the Budget & Finance Committee, presented an omnibus priority budget communication that the committee voted to transmit to the city manager following discussion and a roll call. The motion directs the manager to prioritize public safety (keeping recruit classes for police and fire), maintain funding for public services and human services at 1.5 percent, and continue investments tied to the Green Cincinnati plan and neighborhood growth.
The motion asks the manager to avoid cuts that would delay recruit classes and to preserve pension contributions at 19.25 percent. Krammerding said the document aggregates council priorities and reflects where ‘‘a majority of council was.’’ He told colleagues the communication is intended as guidance for the city manager as she composes the formal budget.
Council members largely endorsed the priorities but used the debate to press for additions. Council member Evan Nolan said the omnibus prioritizes equitable neighborhood growth and restructuring neighborhood capital funds. Council member Albee highlighted the residential sidewalk repair pilot that fixed 58 properties at about $1,700 each and urged continued investment. Vice Mayor Jan Michelle Kearney and others pressed for a renewed Citizens Committee on Youth and expanded workforce and violence-prevention tools.
Council member Ryan James said he would reject the omnibus because it did not do enough for working people. Council member Jeffries repeatedly noted the scale of the projected deficit — about $30 million — and urged deeper efficiencies and maximized street-repaving funding. Council member Scottie Johnson questioned arts funding levels amid housing pressures, specifically noting a disputed $8 million item for the Farmer Music Center as a lightning rod.
After debate, the clerk called the roll. The votes were: Krammerding — yes; Nolan — yes; Jeffries — yes; Johnson — no; Kearney — no; James — no; Owens — yes; Walsh — yes; Albee — yes. The motion received majority support and will be transmitted to the city manager to inform the manager's upcoming draft budget. Krammerding closed by reminding the public that final budget votes, including any Farmer Music Center funding, will occur at council in June.
The committee also noted possible next steps: staff will work with the manager on implementing the guidance and council members may return with written motions if they want changes before a special meeting or the June votes.
