Columbus City Council Meeting - July 21, 2026

The Columbus City Council held its regular meeting on July 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM. The meeting began with an invocation by Pastor Michael Barber of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call showed eight council members present in person and one (Grace Kessler) participating online. The minutes from the July 8, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously (8-0). The council then considered ten new business items, each involving additional appropriations or transfers of funds, and took votes on first readings.

Public Comments & Testimony

• During discussion of Item C (insurance non-reverting fund), a member of the public asked about the stop-loss insurance renegotiation cycle and whether the city has considered increasing stop-loss coverage given the high claims year. City Controller Regina McIntyre responded that the policy is currently year-to-year to keep costs down, and the city relies on Milliman CPAs for recommendations.

Discussion Items

Emergency 911 Center Funding (Items A & B)

• City Controller Regina McIntyre presented two related ordinances for the city’s 55% share of 911 center expenses. The city pays 55% based on call volume (confirmed by director Todd Knoblett).
• Item A: Additional appropriation of $370,000 from the General Fund for capital expenditures: replacement of the Motorola core radio system (city share $348,863 after a 40% discount) and a backup UPS system ($20,000). The original quote was $1.05 million; the city negotiated down to $619,751. The replacement came early (six years into a 10-year expected life). Council discussed extended maintenance agreements and noted that the county had already approved its share. The vote was 9-0 to pass on first reading.
• Item B: Additional appropriation of $325,000 from the Public Safety Local Income Tax (LIT) fund for 911 operations. The city’s budget line for 911 operations was $824,000, but projected expenses for 2026 (including potential five quarterly billings) are $1.141 million. The shortfall is due to rising costs and timing of county billings. McIntyre noted that the 2027 budget will increase this line item. The vote was 9-0.

Insurance Non-Reverting Fund (Items C & D)

• McIntyre explained that the city is partially self-funded for employee health insurance, with a stop-loss policy at $300,000 per claimant per year. In 2026, 13 covered members account for 53% of year-to-date claims. Average monthly disbursements have risen to $1.2 million (11% over budget). Projected full-year expenses are $14.42 million against a budget of $9.131 million.
• Item C: Additional appropriation of $5.5 million (including a $200,000 margin) from the General Fund to cover projected claims expenses. The fund balance is currently at 18% reserve (target 50%). Council member Tom Dell suggested the amount may be insufficient. The vote was 8-0 with one abstention (Josh Burnett recused due to his company’s involvement in insurance).
• Item D: Transfer of $2.6 million from the General Fund to the insurance non-reverting fund to bring reserves to 36%. McIntyre hopes claims slow; otherwise, she may return for more. The employer share of premiums is expected to increase 77% in 2027. Vote: 8-0, with one abstention (Josh Burnett).

General Fund Appropriations (Items E, F, G)

• Item E: $114,000 for glass door repair at City Hall ($100,000, later reimbursed by insurance) and re-appropriation of $14,000 for council chamber chairs (vendor change). Vote: 9-0.
• Item F: $103,192 to carry over unexpended federal MPO funds from 2025. These are reimbursed at 80% federal/20% local match. Vote: 9-0.
• Item G: $70,000 for unforeseen vehicle repairs in the sanitation department: two trucks with DEF system failures ($20,000 each), a 2010 VAC truck computer upgrade ($30,000), and an automated packer truck repair ($32,000). Vote: 9-0.

Streetscape Non-Reverting Fund (Item H)

• Brian Burton requested $294,000 for three projects: (1) $125,000 for 80 new metal trash/recycling receptacles (40 sets) downtown, with $100,000 reimbursed by an IDEM grant; (2) $19,000 to repair 17 flag holders and 13–14 banner arms; (3) $150,000 for landscape improvements at Parking Lot 10 (corner of Franklin and 6th Street), including native trees and shrubs. A public meeting was held April 27. Vote: 9-0.

Park Bond Proceed Fund (Item I)

• Director Nikki Fajt requested $529,460 from remaining park bond proceeds (originally issued for the Nexus Park community center) to complete projects: HVAC redesign for meeting rooms and offices, skylight repairs, roof replacement, corridor lighting, and build-out of two fitness center shell spaces (including a multi-use room for yoga/Pilates and a strength/conditioning area). Donor Analytical Engineering Inc. is contributing additional funds. The bond issuance was $13–15 million; this is the last of those proceeds. McIntyre noted $80,000 must be set aside for IRS arbitrage rebate. After debate, the vote was 5-4, passing on first reading. Council member Tom Dell expressed concern about ongoing costs at Nexus Park.

Ready Fund (Item J)

• Director of Redevelopment requested appropriation of ready grant funds for four projects: (1) Animal Care Shelter – $1,753,750; (2) Columbus Gateway development (old Clarion site) – $500,000 for road connection to Carr Hill Road; (3) Lincoln Park synthetic turf field – $1,225,000 for tournament attraction; (4) Bus shelters in partnership with IU School of Architecture – amount not specified. Vote: 9-0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (first reading): Items A, B, E, F, G, H, J (all 9-0).
• Approved (first reading): Items C and D (8-0, with Josh Burnett abstaining on both).
• Approved (first reading): Item I (5-4). All ordinances will proceed to second reading and public hearing at a future meeting.
• Committee updates: The airport tower is expected to rise by mid-to-end of 2026; the animal shelter construction is also progressing.