City Council Budget Hearings Day 3 - August 20, 2026

On August 20, 2026, the Columbus City Council continued its budget hearings, reviewing proposed budgets for multiple departments. Key discussions included fire department apparatus replacement, overtime funding, code enforcement staffing, homelessness initiatives, downtown redevelopment, and insurance costs. Council members raised several exceptions and requested additional information before finalizing the budget.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were recorded during this session.

Discussion Items

Fire Department (CFD) Budget

• Fire Chief and staff presented an update on Fire Station 5 renovations, including removal of drop ceilings and drywall, HVAC fixes, and mold remediation. The council expressed appreciation for the $800,000 allocated from maintenance funds for fire station repairs.
• Chief advocated for a replacement cycle for apparatus, noting that postponing replacements pushes reserve apparatus (25–30 years old) beyond NFPA recommended service life. He proposed exploring leasing options to manage costs.
• Council members discussed overtime spending: overtime lines were cut by $450,000, but actual spending is projected to exceed $900,000 in 2026 due to staffing shortages. The council agreed to restore the overtime funding as an exception, acknowledging the cut was not realistic.
• Discussions also included the use of TIF funds for fire truck purchases and the need for a long-term capital plan for apparatus.

Community Development (Jake Sicht)

• Jake Sicht reported on the homelessness initiative (ARPA-funded, $500,000) which has assisted 891 households, with a 94% housing retention rate and 66% income increase among those served.
• Provided updates on CHIP (owner-occupied rehab) program, CDBG allocations, and the new Power Forward small business loan program leveraging $100,000 of city funds to attract $500,000 from a CDFI.
• Code enforcement statistics: 707 total complaints in 2026, with 430 open. Two code enforcement officers handle the workload. Discussion on the need for better tracking and enforcement.

Information Services (IS) Budget

• IS director presented the 2027 budget with reductions in supplies and services due to expiring contracts and leveraging free cybersecurity offerings. Plans include network refresh, migration to SharePoint, and cloud consolidation. No exceptions were raised.

Human Resources (HR) Budget

• HR director presented a budget with increases for salaries and insurance. The council questioned a sharp increase in miscellaneous professional services from $4,000 to $29,000, citing a need for justification. An exception was noted for further breakdown.
• Discussion on retiree insurance obligations and pharmacy rebates (over $2 million returned in three years).

Human Rights Commission (HRC)

• Director Ida presented the budget, responding to a council member’s question about the unique services provided by HRC. She noted that no other entity can enforce discrimination complaints. An exception was made to request a salary breakdown of the three budgeted positions.

Redevelopment (Heather)

• Heather presented the redevelopment district budget, funded by TIF interest and rental income from the Sears building. The budget includes a 4.29% increase primarily due to utility costs.
• Update on the Columbus Downtown 2030 plan: three RFQ responses received for a lead development partner; interviews scheduled for September. Council members expressed concern about local developer involvement and requested a future discussion.

Finance (Regina)

• Regina presented the insurance fund, noting a 9% premium increase for employees (e.g., $4.50–$15.78 per pay period depending on plan). The fund is projected to end 2026 at 36% reserves; the goal is 50%. Council discussed the reserve level and the need for a long-term strategy.

Administration and Board of Works (Eric)

• Eric presented the administration budget, noting a $100,000 reduction for non-capital equipment (security cameras at Lincoln Park). Council member supported adding that back.
• Board of Works budget: exceptions noted for engineering/architect fees, legal services, and maintenance agreements where budgeted amounts exceed historical spending. Council requested more detail.

City Council Budget

• Council members discussed their own budget, proposing to increase legal services to $85,000 and other minor adjustments. An exception was noted for the council budget to reflect actual spending needs.

Key Outcomes

• Fire Department: Overtime funding will be restored as an exception. Council directed staff to develop a long-term apparatus replacement plan, including leasing options, to be presented before the next budget cycle.
• Human Resources: Exception noted for clarification on miscellaneous professional services line item.
• Human Rights Commission: Exception for salary breakdown; budget otherwise approved.
• Redevelopment: Exception for garage rental income details; budget otherwise approved.
• Board of Works: Exceptions noted for engineering/architect fees, legal services, and maintenance agreements; further information requested.
• EDA/Grant Expenditures: Exception noted; council requested an itemized list of all funded projects.
• Council: Exception for minor adjustments to legal services and other lines.
• General Fund Reserve: Council agreed to discuss potential adjustments to the 60% reserve target to accommodate restoring overtime and paving funding. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for August 21, 2026, to finalize budget exceptions and balance priorities.