Personnel & Finance Committee recommends Plain City’s proposed 2026 budget; first reading set for Nov. 10

Plain City’s Personnel & Finance, CIP Committee voted unanimously Nov. 5 to recommend the proposed 2026 operating and capital budget to full Council, Village Administrator Haley Lupton said.

Lupton told the joint meeting of Council and the Personnel & Finance, CIP Committee that “the 2026 operational and capital budget is nearly complete.” She said the budget is supported by the village’s 1.5% income tax rate, with 1.0 percentage point allocated to operations and 0.5 percentage point dedicated to capital improvements. Lupton credited a forecasting tool developed with the village’s financial advisor, David Conley, for assisting budget formation.

The presentation outlined General Fund revenues and expenses, identifying several pass-through revenue items such as the refuse collection services contract and development fees. Lupton said transfers to the Police Fund and purchases of public safety equipment are planned, and that revenue projections incorporate recent growth trends. She noted that staff is monitoring rising health insurance costs and will finalize merit and cost-of-living adjustments after insurance rates are confirmed.

Councilmembers pressed staff on forecasting parameters and capital priorities. Councilmember A. Lewis suggested adding an 11% growth tier to the forecasting tool (current options listed by staff were 3%, 5%, 7% and 9%) to model a higher-growth scenario. Lupton said staff used the 9% tier for current projections but that additional tiers could be added to the model.

The capital improvement program highlighted several projects for 2026, including Shepper Avenue and Converse Avenue reconstruction, creation of a stormwater utility fund, continuation of the Sidewalk Maintenance Program, and initiation of the Parks Master Plan. Lupton noted the capital list is presented on a cash-pay basis and that some larger projects — for example, components of the Church Street garage and the Public Square marketplace building — may be postponed until additional funding is available.

Personnel changes noted in the proposal include hiring a Maintenance Technician in 2026 and filling a Code Compliance position midyear. Lupton said the General Fund balance is forecast to decline slightly in 2026 but remain above the village’s minimum threshold.

Committee Chair L. Giaimo moved to formally recommend the proposed 2026 budget to Council; M. Pollom seconded and the motion passed by unanimous consent. Lupton told the group staff plans to present the budget ordinance for a first reading before Council on Nov. 10, 2025, with any final adjustments — for example, to employee wages once insurance rates are finalized — to be handled before second reading if needed.

The committee’s formal recommendation moves the proposed budget to the full Council for consideration at its scheduled readings and votes.