University Heights council hears $2.39 million year-end appropriation amendment on first reading

Finance Director Katie Iaconis summarized a proposed amendment to the city’s permanent appropriations on Dec. 1, describing a net increase of $2,389,000 driven largely by interfund transfers and year-end adjustments.

Iaconis told council $1.9 million of the increase were transfers between funds rather than new expenditures. She cited a $150,000 additional medical payment resulting from an extra monthly payout in January 2025, and a roughly $620,000 increase tied to the street fund (Fund 200), including a $580,000 advance from the general fund to Fund 200 to align cash flow. Other changes included increased funding for police and fire to match property-tax receipts, an $11,000 increase related to Ohio Building Standards permit activity, and a $236,000 increase in the capital improvement fund to cover items such as police vehicle outfitting, minor fire-station repairs, recycling carts and an emergency purchase of a pre-owned refuse truck.

Why it matters: The ordinance adjusts the city’s budget accounting for 2025 and reallocates funds to cover timing issues and unanticipated costs. The amendment was presented on first reading; Councilmember Brian King asked for clarification about a $23,000 Kubota entry that the finance director said would be checked and corrected if misposted. The ordinance will return for a vote at a future meeting.