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Chardon council adopts 2026 budget and approves pocket park design at Water/Cherry
Summary
The council adopted the city's 2026 appropriations ordinance (Ordinance 3339) and approved designs for a pocket park at Water and Cherry. The budget fixes a $30 million spending plan, increased capital transfers and a $360,000 CIP allocation for the park.
Chardon
On Feb. 2026 the Chardon City Council adopted the 2026 permanent budget and approved the final design for the new pocket park at Water and Cherry, as part of adopting Ordinance 3339 and a separate motion to accept the park design.
City Manager Ben presented a revised budget book that portrays a roughly $30 million citywide budget. Key points Ben highlighted: income tax is the city's largest revenue source (more than one-third of total revenues), the budget includes a planned transfer of roughly $2.9 million to capital from general-fund carryover, and personnel assumptions include a 3% wage adjustment tied to the city's income-tax formula. The budget also reflects 61 funds (41 active) and a higher capital outlay this year driven by street and signal projects that the state will bid. The council approved Ordinance 3339 on a recorded vote (final tally recorded as yes 6, no 1).
Pocket park approval
Adam (project lead) presented the pocket park design for the corner of Water, Cherry and Wilson Mills Road: a low-impact, passive park with a backlit script “Chardon” sign, stamped-concrete entry, a veterans'memorial circle with flagpole and night lighting, two benches (base bid) and landscaped buffers. A dining-area bid alternate and additional seating were noted as potential add-ons if bids come in under budget. The project had undergone public engagement; Adam and staff said they anticipate stakeholder funding from Rotary and veterans groups but had not yet received final written commitments.
Council discussed the design and the $360,000 CIP allocation. Council members noted $35,000 had already been spent on design and that the council appropriated the larger CIP amount in December; council approved the design by voice vote with all members recorded in favor.
What happens next
Staff will proceed with construction documents and seek final development-plan approval from planning commission before soliciting construction bids. Manager Ben indicated staff will report back with confirmed stakeholder commitments and any appropriation adjustments if necessary.
Votes and documents
Ordinance 3339 (2026 appropriations) was adopted (recorded vote in meeting: yes 6, no 1). Motion to approve the pocket park design carried (unanimous recorded yes vote).
