Finance director: income-tax collections lag, city on budget; staffing and overtime reviewed

Finance Director Jenny Esarey reported to the North Royalton Finance Committee on March 17 that the city’s overall finances remain on budget but that income-tax collections are slightly behind schedule. She said the General Fund is at 20.9% of expected receipts for the year compared with the 25% benchmark and noted that the city received additional collections last year through a RITA subpoena program that have not recurred in 2026.

Esarey told committee members that net profit is down slightly year-to-date but that such figures can fluctuate annually; she said departments are managing their budgets for January and February and that she monitors encumbrances because many are set for the full year. On overtime, Esarey said some contracts require annual payouts in the first pay period of January, which can make the year-to-date percentage appear high. She reported the general fund’s overtime tally at 17.3% and said she is tracking department-level activity and will raise concerns with department heads if necessary.

Vice Chair Mary Gorjanc asked about staffing trends, particularly in the Recreation Department. Esarey said permanent part-time positions in Recreation declined between 2019 and 2025 because the city converted roles to full-time; the department now has four full-time employees, including the director. Gorjanc and Esarey exchanged clarifying details about the headcount breakdown.

The committee did not take any formal action stemming from the report; members accepted the update and moved on to new business. The meeting was called to order at 6:10 p.m. and adjourned at 6:19 p.m.