Toledo City Council Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Committee Meeting - October 1, 2026

The Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform Committee met on October 1, 2026, to discuss Issue 16, a proposed quarter-percent income tax increase for neighborhood safety that will appear on the November ballot. Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz presented the administration’s case for the levy, detailing the city’s $50 million structural budget deficit and specific public safety investments the levy would fund. Council members asked questions about staffing, budget cuts, and program impacts. The meeting also included quarterly reports from the Toledo Police Department (TPD) and Toledo Fire and Rescue Department (TFRD), and supporting testimony from the firefighters’ union president.

Mayor’s Presentation on Issue 16

• Mayor Kapszukiewicz stated that the structural deficit is driven by population loss (peaked in 1963) and $288 million in state revenue cuts over 18 years (averaging $16 million per year — equivalent to the annual revenue from the Jeep plant). He argued the city cannot cut its way out of the deficit without eliminating entire departments or laying off police and fire, noting that Toledo already spends less per capita than other major Ohio cities and has the highest bond rating since 1980.
• The quarter-percent income tax increase would raise the city’s rate to 2.75% (matching the state rate), generating $25 million annually for the general fund. Even with passage, a $25 million deficit would remain. The tax is on earned income, exempting Social Security and pensions, so many seniors would benefit without paying more. He also noted that non-residents who work in Toledo would also pay the tax.
• Specific commitments if the levy passes: double annual police and fire recruit classes from 20 to 40; grow the gang task force by two-thirds; triple demolition of vacant/abandoned properties; create a residential speed enforcement program; commit fire resources to West Toledo, including a new station; and rebuild the fire investigation (arson) unit over four years. The levy must be spent on neighborhood safety per ballot language. The mayor mentioned that the Toledo Police Patrolman’s Association and Firefighters Local 92 support the measure.

Councilmember Questions and Discussion

• Council President Williams (District 4) expressed support despite her small business concerns, emphasizing quality-of-life issues like grass cutting and the need for resources. She asked Police Chief Trentley for retirement numbers: Chief Trentley reported 40 retirements/resignations in 2026, with sworn strength projected at about 600 by year-end (including a December class of 21). Doubling the class would help but there is a lag before officers are operational. On fire budget cuts, Fire Chief Cheers (or designee) said the department is running very trim and willing to do more.
• Councilman Sarantu pressed for specific layoff numbers if Issue 16 fails, arguing that early voters need that information before the October 28 budget hearing. The mayor said that hearing would present two budgets: one with the levy and one without.
• Councilwoman McPherson asked about the arson unit commitment and the existing levies. The mayor confirmed that the arson unit rebuild was added after discussions with Local 92. He clarified that the general services levy (renewed in 2024) designates a portion to police and fire, while the new levy would be fully dedicated to neighborhood safety. Even with the levy, the city will still face a $25 million deficit requiring ongoing management.
• Councilwoman Kramer asked about the Monsey program. The mayor replied that Monsey would likely be continued if the levy passes, but would be in grave danger of elimination if it fails.
• Councilwoman Morse requested actual dollar amounts for the proposed initiatives and pressed for specificity. She asked about officer training: Chief Trentley noted that CIT training has been expanded and a full-day professionalism/cultural competency training is being developed for next year. She also highlighted the economic strain on residents.

Public Testimony

• Joe Sierra, President of Toledo Firefighters Local 92, spoke in support of Issue 16. He stated that the department needs additional firefighters to keep up with call volume, particularly in West Toledo (Engine 23 has seen an 80–90% increase in runs over 20 years). He warned that aging apparatus and stations are at risk: as of October 1, 2026, there is no spare engine — if the front-line engine breaks down, the station is without a backup. He said the levy would help address attrition and support recruitment.

Quarterly Reports

• Toledo Police Department (Chief Trentley and Assistant Chief Braun): Current sworn staffing at 609, projected to drop to around 600 by year-end, with further retirements in January 2027. Without additional classes, layoffs may become necessary, and operations would be reduced to core calls for service, eliminating community programs. Year-to-date training includes 40 hours of in-service (legal updates, ICAT de-escalation, use of force, wellness, firearms). Internal affairs data show 150 internal complaints versus 6 citizen complaints, indicating active internal oversight. Citywide crime: overall reductions especially in violent crime, but burglary is slightly up.
• Toledo Fire & Rescue Department (Deputy Chief Franklin): Current staffing at 591. Year-to-date retirements: 17 (15 + 2 confirmed). A recruit class of 20 started July 31, 2026, graduating February 19, 2027. Through August, total incidents: 43,944 (1.5% increase), EMS incidents: 36,407 (4.1% increase in total responses). Engine 23 is the busiest apparatus (3,266 runs through August). Fire prevention: 2,631 inspections, 659 plan reviews, 17 code red properties mitigated. Infrastructure issues: roof leaks at headquarters, floor repair at Station 21, ongoing HVAC repairs. Deputy Chief Franklin noted the successful replacement of the headquarters roof and the shop roof, and concrete work at various stations.

Key Outcomes

• No formal votes were taken during the committee meeting.
• The committee received the mayor’s presentation and the quarterly reports from TPD and TFRD.
• Councilman Sarantu directed the administration to provide specific potential layoff figures before the October 28 budget hearing.
• Councilwoman Morse requested detailed dollar amounts for each levy-funded initiative.
• The committee scheduled a second budget hearing for October 28 to present two budget scenarios (with and without Issue 16).