Port Clinton council adopts interim budget, approves GoBus contract and unanimously opposes Senate Bill 104

Port Clinton City Council on Dec. 9 adopted a series of measures to close out the year and prepare for services in 2026, including a short-term budget appropriation, a contract to bring GoBus community transit to the city, and a unanimous resolution opposing a pending state bill that would preempt local short-term rental rules. Council President Lisa Sarty presided.

The most immediate fiscal action was Ordinance 33-25, a temporary appropriation ordinance that funds city operations from January through March 2026. Finance Committee member Pat Hovis told Council the committee met Dec. 8 and unanimously recommended adoption. Ms. Hovis moved to adopt; the voice-roll call recorded six yes votes (Gillman, Morgan, Hovis, King, Tarolli, Phillips) and the ordinance passed 6-0.

Council also approved Ordinance 35-25, authorizing the Director of Safety and Service to contract with Hocking Athens Perry Community Action Partners and Barons Bus to provide GoBus community bus service to Port Clinton. Council waived the three required readings, retained an emergency clause, and adopted the ordinance so the contract could be signed promptly; all three motions passed on voice-roll calls, each 6-0. Mayor Snider had asked Council to consider expedited action so the contract could be signed by Dec. 19, 2025 to allow service to begin in spring 2026.

On a policy matter, Council unanimously adopted Resolution 25-10 opposing the passage of Senate Bill 104. The resolution states that the bill would remove the city’s ability to impose any restrictions on short-term rentals within Port Clinton. Council member Beth Gillman moved to waive the three readings and to adopt the resolution; both motions passed 6-0.

Other ordinance adoptions during the meeting included Ordinance 29-25 (replacement pages to the Port Clinton Codified Ordinances) and Ordinance 32-25 (a space-use agreement with the Ottawa County Commissioners). Ordinance 29-25 was un-tabled, retained its emergency clause (retained on a 5-1 vote after Councilor Richard Morgan questioned the need for an emergency clause), and was adopted 6-0. Ordinance 32-25’s emergency clause retention and adoption each passed 6-0.

What happens next: the GoBus contract requires mayoral signature to meet the Dec. 19 deadline referenced at the meeting; newly elected officials are scheduled to be sworn in Dec. 23, 2025. The temporary appropriation ordinance ensures the city’s bills and payroll are covered while the 2026 annual budget process continues.

Votes at a glance (recorded in meeting minutes): - Ordinance 29-25 adoption: carried 6-0 (emergency clause retained 5-1) — mover: Beth Gillman; second: Cathy King. - Ordinance 32-25 adoption (space use agreement): carried 6-0 — mover: Beth Gillman; second: Mr. Tarolli. - Ordinance 33-25 adoption (temporary appropriations): carried 6-0 — mover: Pat Hovis; second: Mr. Tarolli. - Ordinance 35-25 adoption (GoBus contract; waiver of readings; emergency clause): all motions carried 6-0 — mover: Beth Gillman; seconds varied (Cathy King, Ms. Phillips noted where applicable). - Resolution 25-10 adoption (opposing Senate Bill 104): carried 6-0 — mover: Beth Gillman; second: Pat Hovis.

The council adjourned at 6:33 p.m.