The Finance, Debt & Budget Oversight Committee met on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting focused on December 2025 financial reports, a progress report on delinquent DPU bill collections, and ARPA fund status. Chair George Sarantou presided with six members present. Key discussions included $10.57 million collected in past-due utility payments, income tax revenue trends, and the need for more detailed ARPA expenditure plans. Discussion Items DPU Delinquent Bill Collection Progress - Director of Public Services Megan Robeson reported that since July 2025, over 2,700 customers enrolled in payment plans, bringing total active plans to 4,850. 90% of plans are on track. Since May 2025, the city has collected $10.57 million, with an expected additional $6.2 million from current plans. 2,700 customers paid their past-due balance in full. - For commercial/industrial accounts: 142 work orders for turnoff were sent; 54 (38%) paid upon notice, 79 were disconnected, 32 of those reconnected, and 47 accounts were closed (mostly defunct businesses). Nine disconnections are pending. Residential turnoffs are planned to begin by end of February or March 2026, pending finalization of procedures. - Committee members raised several concerns: Vice Chair Mac Driscoll asked whether the $6.2 million expected collection is already accounted for in the budget and rate structure. Director Robeson confirmed it is, as the utility budgets for a 3% non-collectible rate, and collected past-due amounts offset that assumption. Councilwoman Gadus requested a list of the 69 commercial/industrial accounts on payment plans, including zip codes, and asked about sharing data with 211 for outreach. Councilwoman Jones suggested cross-referencing delinquent businesses with a business registry to identify closed or vacant properties early. Councilman Martinez requested a breakdown of bad debt by residential vs. commercial, and discussed challenges with landlords stuck with bills from bad tenants, asking for strategies to avoid dead properties. - The director noted the city is considering adjusting its write-off policy from five years to a shorter period (e.g., two or three years) to align with other Ohio cities. She also mentioned that Columbus does not offer payment plans, and that Toledo’s plan helps affordability. The committee directed several referrals for follow-up information. December 2025 Financial Reports - Finance Director Melanie Campbell presented, noting year-end processes are ongoing (income tax collections through February, accruals, actuarial adjustments). Commissioner Zavisha reported income tax: December withholding was down $1M but combined Nov/Dec up $2.3M (7%). Business net profits up $275k for the month but will end the year negative due to lower Ohio opt-in payments. Individual taxes up $153k for December. Year-to-date income tax is up $10.1M (4.8%) against budget of $238M. Refunds projected at $6M, currently at $4.8M. - General fund revenues: 95.2% collected overall. Property taxes and licenses/permits met budget. Investment earnings exceeded budget at $5.8M. PFAS litigation settlement proceeds boosted other revenue. General fund expenditures: 96.6% of budget, with savings in services/supplies and some police overtime due to retroactive contract pay and special events. - ARPA update: $13 million remains to be spent by the December 31, 2026 deadline. The city earned an additional $176,000 in interest on ARPA funds, which may be used for general fund support. Vice Chair Driscoll criticized the administration’s ARPA spending explanations as insufficient, citing vague responses (e.g., "remaining amount is currently being programmed"). He urged a collaborative reallocation process if needed. Councilwoman Gadus suggested hosting a special committee meeting with program managers for detailed updates. Chair Sarantou agreed to schedule a meeting within a month. - The city’s tax compliance unit ("stacks unit") collected $6.2 million in 2025, the second strongest year in 25 years, against a $6M budget. Other Discussion - Chair Sarantou raised the issue of winter averaging elimination on sewer bills. He noted many customers are upset and requested a law department opinion on whether the city can pay for installation of separate irrigation meters and charge customers monthly (similar to Columbia Gas). He stated he has been waiting two months for an opinion. Director Robeson said she would relay the concern. - City Auditor John Ravalsky reported ongoing reviews: investment review in progress, grass-cutting audit underway, and he has been assisting council with budget questions. Key Outcomes - No formal votes were taken. Several referrals were directed: (1) Provide a list of 69 commercial/industrial accounts on payment plans (including names and zip codes). (2) Investigate feasibility of cross-referencing delinquent businesses with a business registry. (3) Research collectibility rates and write-off policies of other Ohio cities. (4) Provide breakdown of bad debt by residential/commercial. (5) Schedule a special committee meeting within a month for detailed ARPA progress reports from program managers. (6) Law department to provide opinion on separate irrigation meter installation. - The committee acknowledged the DPU collection progress and the overall financial health of the city, noting the positive income tax growth and high collectibility rate.