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Obetz Council approves refinancing, redevelopment and appropriations unanimously; approves appropriations that include facial-recognition funding
Summary
At its May 11 meeting, Obetz City Council unanimously approved several financing ordinances (Ordinances 21, 22, 23, 31 and 32) covering note issuances for land acquisition and redevelopment, emergency payments for gas contracts, and additional 2026 appropriations that include funding for facial-recognition software for the police department.
The Obetz City Council voted unanimously May 11 to adopt a series of ordinances authorizing short-term notes and additional appropriations and to approve emergency payments, moves that the administration said will refinance previous obligations and provide funds for redevelopment and municipal improvements.
Ordinance 21-26 authorized up to $5,080,000 in general obligation limited tax taxable notes for land acquisition and related costs; City Administrator Rod Davisson described the action as a refinance rather than new debt. Council adopted the ordinance on a motion from Mr. Michael Flaherty, seconded by Mr. Todd Gibbs; the vote was 6-0.
Ordinance 22-26 authorized up to $3,075,000 in special obligation nontax revenue taxable notes to support Orchard 38 redevelopment and related improvements. Council approved the ordinance on a motion from Mr. Todd Gibbs, seconded by Mr. Mike Kimbler; vote 6-0.
Ordinance 23-26 authorized up to $1,500,000 in general obligation limited tax tax-exempt notes for public utility improvements, including sidewalks, landscaping and related work and specifically noted funds for downtown electric undergrounding. Davisson said AEP returned a proposal that exceeded $3 million, leaving an approximate $1.5 million funding gap; council discussed scaling back but adopted the ordinance on a motion from Mr. Michael Flaherty, seconded by Mr. Robert Kramer, by a 6-0 vote.
Emergency Ordinance 31-26 authorized the Director of Finance to make payment on contracts with Columbia Gas and IGS Ventures, Inc.; Davisson characterized the measure as a "then and now" action because the City sold more gas than originally estimated. Council voted to suspend the rules and adopt the emergency ordinance unanimously.
Ordinance 32-26 approved changes to 2026 appropriations. Davisson told council the additional appropriations cover items including facial-recognition software for the police department, tuition reimbursement, training classes, supplies, and a CPR/AED/first aid instructor kit. Council suspended the rules and adopted the appropriations ordinance unanimously.
Following the public business, Council convened an executive session under ORC 121.22(g)(1) and (g)(3) to discuss personnel and pending litigation and returned before adjourning at 8:41 PM.
