Columbus City Council Budget Presentation Day 2 - August 19, 2026

The City Council held the second day of 2027 budget presentations, starting at 12:04 p.m. The mayor and finance director presented revised budget allocations to address council concerns about reserve levels, achieving a 60% reserve in the general fund through a combination of revenue updates, expense reductions, and fund shifts. The council then reviewed and approved budgets for multiple departments without exception.

Discussion Items

• Budget Revisions: Mayor and Regina presented changes to meet 60% reserve goal. Revenue increased by $1.9 million from updated state figures (net assessed value rose to $4.01 billion, circuit breaker estimate dropped to $4.1 million). Operating expenses decreased by $821,000 by reducing overtime in Police, Fire, and DPW, with understanding that supplemental appropriations may be needed for emergencies. Capital expenses for the general fund reduced by $1.1 million. Net improvement of $3.47 million to achieve 60% reserve.
• Clerk's Budget: Presented by the clerk; minimal changes. Discussion about AI-generated public records requests and potential ordinance to manage large requests. Clerk’s budget moved forward without exception.
• Aviation Department: Reported 9 new based aircraft (over 100 total), 15 new businesses on Air Park property, 8 additional leases signed. New control tower operator program with Ivy Tech. New AI-driven runway inspection system (one of six in North America). Revenue projected to increase $300,000 from hangar rent increases. Capital projects include solar panels, irrigation pivots, terminal improvements. Budget moved forward without exception.
• Parks Department: General fund includes 14 budget areas. Revenue increased ~1.5%. Supplies cut 10%, services cut 12%, but overall expenses up 9% due to personal services (3.5% COLA, 27th pay, insurance) and utility increases. Riverfront trail maintenance cost ($300,000) not yet absorbed. Council praised parks director Nikki for leadership. Budgets for general fund, field house, and commons moved forward without exception.
• Police Department: 88 sworn officers plus 11 civilians; requesting 89th officer. Overtime cut but chief acknowledged potential need for supplemental appropriations. $9,000 decrease in 200 and 300 level accounts. Body camera/taser contracts (Axon) and subscription cost increases averaging 12.4% annually. Capital includes ballistic shields and 20 police cars on five-year rotation. Budgets for general fund, continuing education, and alarm systems moved forward without exception.
• Engineering Department: 270 miles of road, 215 miles of storm sewer. 2026 saw 16 miles of overlay from $6.5M funding. Proposed $6.9M for 2027 with 12 miles expected. Sidewalk shared cost program, street lighting changes. Capital projects include traffic signal modernization ($400k federal aid), County Road Tally project ($2.5M city share), fire station envelope repairs ($800k), and city hall plaza repairs ($500k). Budgets moved forward without exception.
• Transit Department: Completed route changes (from 5 to 4 loops) and designated stops. New wayfinding app (Transit) cost $15k/year; new dispatch software (EcoLane) cost $65k implementation plus $50k maintenance. In-house grant administration saved $20k annually. Proposed budget of $3.8 million (stated as $25,000 change from $3.6 million). Capital request includes $200k for bus shelters, $10k for PC upgrades. Budget moved forward without exception.
• Public Works Department: Presented highlights: completed Arcadia facility, cleaned homeless camps (26 tons garbage from one site), 40 miles of pavement markings, 1200 tons trash collected. Requested one additional mechanic assistant ($100k wages+benefits) to improve proactive maintenance. Currently 7 mechanics (2 dedicated to transit), servicing over 400 specialized vehicles. Council discussion ongoing at transcript end; no final vote recorded.

Key Outcomes

• Council approved revised general fund budget and capital, public safety, lit, river boat, CD, and CCI budgets moving forward without exception.
• Clerk, Aviation, Parks (general fund, field house, commons), Police (general fund, continuing education, alarm systems), Engineering (general fund, thoroughfare, MVH, local road, community crossings), and Transit budgets all moved forward without exception.
• DPW budget presentation was still in progress; no vote taken in the provided transcript.
• Council expressed support for proactive department leadership and emphasized need for sustainable budgeting and asset management.