Full Document
Oberlin city council Budget work session Minutes November 24, 2025 Minutes of the Oberlin City Council Budget Work Session Held on Monday, November 24, 2025 1 :00 p.in. Call to Order: A Budget Work Session of the Oberlin City Council was held on November 24, 2025 at the Oberlin Emichment and Activity Center, located at 36 South Prospect Street, Oberlin, Ohio and was called to order at 1..00 p.in. by Council Presidertt Eboni Johasonfor the purpose Of reviewing the 2026 0berlin City Budget. Roll Call was takenasfollows: Council Members: Eboni A. Johnson, President Michael MCFarlin, Vice President Ray English Libni Lopez Jessa D. New Kristin Peterson Joe Waltzer Appointees/Staff Present Marin Fowler, Finance Director Greg Holcomb, City Manager Roz Watson, Assistant City Manager/IRA Mike Wargo, IT Manager Linda Arbogast, Sustainability Coordinator Drew Skolnicki, Electric Director lan Yarber, Recreation Superintendent Carrie Porter, Planning Director Jeff Bauman. Public Works Director Briana Reynolds, Clerks Assistant Pre sent Ab sent Also present was Council member elect Sondra Miller. The Oberlin City Council met in work session to discuss the 2026 budget for the following departments and divisions. (Powerpoint presentation attached) City Of Oberlin Printed on 12/2/2025
Oberlin city council Budget work session Minutes November 24, 2025 I Budget overview -Holcomb and Fowler I Human Resources -Watson I IT-Wargo I Sustainability -Arbogast I Electric -Skolnicki I Recreation-Yarber I Planning and Development Department -Porter • Plarming • Code Administration • Economic Development I Public works -Bauman • Administration • General plant • Engineering • Streets • StateHighway o Parks • Cemetery • Building & Grounds • Central Garage • Refuse collection . Recycling • Water • Wastewater • Stormwater No action was taken at the meeting. Being that there was no further information to be discussed, the meeting adjourned at 5 :02 p.in. Attest: PRESIDENT OF COUNCIL POSTED: 12/02/2025 City Of Oberlin 2 Printed on 12/2/2025
City of Oberlin 2026 Budget Review
2026 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET CALENDAR 2 Sept. 5: Capital Budget Worksheets to departments Sept. 12: Operating Budget Worksheets to departments Sept. 17-Oct.3: Capital and Operating Budgets due and City Manager and Finance Director begin review of Capital / Operating Budget Requests with Department Heads Oct. 27: Electric Director, Public Works Director, and Finance Director prepare the initial draft of utility budget information and submits it to PUC
2026 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET CALENDAR (cont.) 3 • Nov. 6: PUC reviews Water, Sanitary Sewer, Storm Sewer and Electric capital and operating budgets and makes recommendations to City Council regarding water and sanitary sewer rate adjustments • Nov. 17: Report by PUC Liaison regarding 2026 rates; Proposed budget, including PUC recommendations, sent to City Council and appointees • Nov. 24 and 25: Council Budget Work Sessions • December 1: Capital Public Hearing and 1st Reading by City Council of 2026 Fiscal Budget Appropriations • December 15: 2nd Reading of 2026 Fiscal Year Budget Appropriations, to go into immediate effect
General Fund Revenues 4 Income Taxes – due to increasing wages and net profits, the 2026 estimate is $6,779,000. The trend shows that this growth has leveled off over the past 4 years. Interest income – estimating an increase of $195,000 to reflect the effects of rising interest rates – 2026 estimate is $1,160,000 Local Government Fund – estimating an increase just below $22,000– 2026 preliminary county estimate is $446,819.70 KWH Tax – with the full commissioning of the EDL landfill gas operations, there is a decrease in projection from prior year – 2026 estimate is $350,000 Utility Admin charges – approximately an increase of $65,000– 2026 estimate is $1,067,735 Property Taxes – estimated by the County and provides updated projections based on valuation increases. An increase of approximately $136,000 is anticipated– 2026 estimate is $775,529
General Fund 2026 Projected Revenue Sources City of Oberlin 2026 Budgeted Revenue Sources for the General Fund Interest 10% Administrative Charges - Local Utilities Government 10% Funds 4% Court Revenue 5% Income Tax 6% Personal Prop. Tax Misc. Fees an Permits 57% 0% Fire Contracts
General Fund Revenues and Expenditures 2017 through 2026 (projected) 6 0 2,000,000 4,000,000 6,000,000 8,000,000 10,000,000 12,000,000 14,000,000 16,000,000 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 BUDG 2025 PROJ 2026 Revenues Expenses City of Oberlin General Fund
Budget Categories Affecting All or Several Departmental Budgets Payroll figures include union contract wage increases of $1.02/hour for IBEW, 3.5% for Police unions, and 3.5% for non-union employees Health Insurance, 10.131% renewal increase Workers Compensation costs are lower due to projected rate decrease of .2%. While the rate of Workers Compensation decreased, wage increases and increased claim costs creates an overall increase of approximately 40.4%. 7
Budget Review Session Format 8 2025 Department Review Highlights Highlights of 2026 Budget Review of Major Budget Categories Payroll/Benefits Operations Capital Transfers/Debt Unfunded Requests/Unmet Needs
Department Presentations
Human Resources 10 2025 Department Review Highlights Managed 16 recruitments for open positions Continued growing safety committee with superintendents from Public Works and OMLPS Established joint supervisors meeting for management of IBEW Contract Continued to serve as Vice President on BORMA Board of Directors Negotiated 1 union contract Continued to manage labor relations and employee relations questions and concerns throughout City departments Set up a Flu Vaccine and COVID Booster Clinic through Giant Eagle Pharmacy Continued employee events Managed health care committee and open enrollment Managed Civil Service testing for police, and lateral transfer recruitments Processed and managed various leave paperwork and claims paperwork Enrolled in/maintained BWC programs
Human Resources - Continued 11 Highlights of 2026 budget Civil Service Exam(s) for Fire Department/Police Department Funding for safety initiatives and employee training Various contractual services such as NTN, NEOGOV, EAP, Roetzel, Ohio Workers Compensation
Human Resources Dept. Budget 12 4114 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change Payroll/Benefits 148,725 $ 164,035 $ 171,495 $ 4.55% Operation 59,270 99,050 88,750 -10.40% Capital 0 0 0 0.00% Transfers & Debt 0 0 0 0.00% Total 207,995 $ 263,085 $ 260,245 $ -1.08%
Information Technology (IT) 13 2025 Department Review Highlights Continuous improvement of infrastructure and working with our managed service provider (ES Consulting) and phone provider (Warwick). New phone system installed and working. Continuous improvement of physical network. Continuous improvement of security with ES Consulting: New antivirus, anti-phishing, network monitoring, disaster recovery, and more have been installed and continually monitor the network, endpoints, and servers. Office 365 fully licensed and users have access to the newest Office programs and features. Continue building relationships with each department to better understand their needs and serve them more efficiently.
Information Technology (IT) Highlights of 2026 Budget Costs of our fiber connection and services provided by ES Consulting have slightly increased and are indicated by a slightly higher Contractual Services amount. The amount of data we back up and protect is increasing drastically. The current backup and disaster recovery (BDR) device is filling quickly. A new BDR is necessary to spread the load, and keep data safe as we add servers and continue to grow data. 14
Information Technology (IT) 15 4115 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change Payroll/Benefits 96,027 $ 100,923 $ 135,314 $ 34.08% Operation 143,517 193,353 239,600 23.92% Capital 0 0 0 0.00% Transfers & Debt 0 0 0 0.00% Total 239,545 $ 294,276 $ 374,914 $ 27.40%
Office of Sustainability 16 2025 Department Review Highlights Complete CAP and GHG inventory by end of year CAP Update Steering Committee continued to work on CAP update Held the second public outreach event for the CAP Update as well as City Leadership event Continued to facilitate the Farmers Market through sustainability programming throughout summer months Participated regularly in ongoing county and regional climate action plannings Supported POWER in ongoing bulb swap and weatherization giveaway at OEAC Continued to support compost program, SWAY carshare and dashboard work Supported Public Work’s expanded tree canopy efforts New Ebus route developed with Planning Director Funded and supported 18 Youth led climate adaptation and/or emissions reduction projects through a Bloomberg Philanthropies grant. Held a team building event for all grant awardees at the Common Ground
Office of Sustainability Highlights of 2026 Budget Develop an incentive program to support industrial and small businesses to decarbonize Continue to support POWER, SWAY, Ebus, Barnes Composting, Community Dashboard Develop budget for external SRF grants Support internal SRF work-multi use path, insulation in city building, EV police vehicle Develop incentive program for electrifying new houses in Green Acres development 17
Office of Sustainability 18 417 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change Payroll/Benefits 110,968 $ 127,077 $ 131,959 $ 3.84% Operation 50,544 456,567 1,383,030 202.92% Capital 6,600 500,000 200,000 -60.00% Transfers & Debt 0 0 0 0.00% Total 168,112 $ 1,083,645 $ 1,714,989 $ 58.26%
Electric Department 19 2025 Department Review Highlights Oberlin Peak Shaving Operations - $3.6 million savings Average Projected Electric Rate – 15.3 cents $1,609,257 Net REC Proceeds 100% Carbon Neutral Power Supply Colony, Hawthorne and Mulberry project to be completed by 12/31/25 Lorain St traffic signals project has been awarded Highlights of 2026 budget Projected Distribution kWh Sales similar to 2025 Projected Large Industrial kWh sales of 50,000,000kWh Oberlin Peak Shaving Operations - $3.8 million savings Average Projected Electric Rate – 15.7 cents Continued system improvements
Electric Department 20 Capital Purchases / Improvements Planned Capital Improvements total - $1,465,000 Sustainable Reserve, Super Rebates and Improvements - $100,000 Power plant cooling tower engineering - $50,000 Replace turbo cooling line and units 2&3 - $50,000 Purchase a new bucket truck - $600,000 Line clearance tree trimming - $300,000 322 S Main St storm water and paving - $250,000 New 12kV overhead line on N Main - $75,000 Replace Nissan Leaf - $40,000
Electric Department Budget 21 704 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change Payroll/Benefits 2,134,819 $ 2,311,084 $ 2,415,492 $ 4.52% Operation 10,482,017 13,195,658 14,837,588 12.44% Capital 0 164,870 20,000 -87.87% Transfers & Debt 1,510,697 1,660,365 2,125,227 28.00% Total 14,127,532 $ 17,331,977 $ 19,398,306 $ 11.92%
Recreation Department
Recreation Department 2025 Department Review Highlights Enhance existing programs and increase offerings. Increase community Senior programing at OEAC. Improve neighborhood outreach services. Increase community usage of OEAC. Increase summer swim pass usage. Continue to offer free summer meals. 23
Recreation Department 2026 Budget Highlights Recreation Department staff continue to support Communications Office downtown activities and events. Continue to strengthen collaborations with outside organizations. Effectively promote and communicate to community with social media. Promote the availability of the Underground Railroad Center. Increase employee training for Department staff. Expand Recreation programs and offerings at OEAC. Continue to expand Senior services at OEAC. 24
Recreation Department Budget 25 2102 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change Payroll/Benefits 337,793 $ 422,128 $ 535,666 $ 26.90% Operation 184,072 289,830 249,725 -13.84% Capital 0 0 0 0.00% Transfers & Debt 0 0 0 0.00% Total 521,865 $ 711,958 $ 785,391 $ 10.31%
26 Department of Planning & Development Planning Budget 2025 Department Review Highlights Worked with Green Acres Subcommittee to develop a new plan for the entire Green Acres property. Continued to process site plan/CUP/rezoning applications for Planning Commission. Continued to be staff liaison to Planning Commission, Historic Preservation Commission and OCIC. Served on the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee. Continued to work with Lorain County on the 2023 and 2025 CHIP grants and the Lead Safe Ohio grant. Continued to monitor 1998-2010 CHIP mortgages on properties that already received CHIP assistance. Continued to assist with implementing affordable housing projects for the Community Land Trust and Revitalization Strategies Group. Pursued opportunities for infrastructure funding, potential tenants and completed due diligence work for U.S. 20 industrial park site. Completed re-write of an entire new Zoning Code and new Zoning Map (recommended by Comprehensive Plan). This will be going to City Council in January of 2026. Assisted with public transit projects – Oberlin Connector and Oberlin EBus Circulator. Continued to provide the Heritage Home Program which assisted 21 property owners.
Department of Planning & Development Planning Budget 27 Highlights of 2026 budget Continuation of all planning services of the Department. Continue providing the Heritage Home Program to Oberlin residents with properties 50 years old and older. Continue to assist with housing, economic development and City- owned property projects. Operations budget increases: Salary and benefit increases – budget now includes ½ salary and benefits of an Administrative Assistant Slight increase in training and travel costs ($1300) Other line items remain the same as 2025
Department of Planning & Development Planning Budget 28 3102 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change Payroll/Benefits 145,654 $ 211,693 $ 223,426 $ 5.54% Operation 41,492 114,255 113,855 -0.35% Capital 0 0 0 0.00% Transfers & Debt 0 0 0 0.00% Total 187,146 $ 325,948 $ 337,281 $ 3.48%
29 Department of Planning & Development Code Administration Budget 2025 Department Review Highlights Chief Building Official and Administrative Coordinator/Building Permit Technician positions moved out of Planning and Development Department and under City Manager’s Office. Code Administrator continued nuisance abatement activities – tall grass/weeds, junk vehicles, trash – cited 95 properties (as of end of October 2025). Continued enforcement of the Zoning Code and the International Property Maintenance Code by the Code Administrator. Cited 57 properties for property maintenance violations (as of end of October 2025). Assisted Planning Commission in secretarial duties and sign permit processing. Performed Rooming House inspections and Rooming House License Renewals. Code Administrator continued duties of Zoning Board of Appeals staff liaison in 2025.
30 Department of Planning & Development Code Administration Budget Highlights of 2026 budget Continue to administer/enforce the International Property Maintenance Code, Environmental Health Housing Code, the Zoning Code and City nuisance and tall grass/weeds ordinances. Continue to be staff liaison to Zoning Board of Appeals, and Housing Renewal Commission/Fire Code Board of Appeals and assist with the minutes for Planning Commission (Code Administrator). Nuisance and property maintenance abatement (nuisance mowing contract - $10,000 in Temporary Contractuals). Temporary Contractuals – $25,000 for demolition projects – 131 Grafton Street Training and Travel remain the same as 2025; Dues increased by $100 due to increases in membership dues for code official organization. Salaries and Benefits decreased due to Building Permit Technician position being moved to City Manager budget along with Chief Building Official. Only position now in Code Administration budget is Code Administrator. Office supplies and advertising line items also decreased.
Department of Planning & Development Code Administration Budget 31 3103 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change Payroll/Benefits 168,736 $ 133,208 $ 87,305 $ -34.46% Operation 192,045 228,300 40,200 -82.39% Capital 0 0 0 0.00% Transfers & Debt 0 0 0 0.00% Total 360,781 $ 361,508 $ 127,505 $ -64.73%
32 Department of Planning and Development Economic Development Budget 2025 Department Review Highlights This budget also included contracts administered by the Community Liaison in 2025 – OBP, OCS, Weekday Community Meals. Continued to provide the Oberlin Ebus Circulator, a fixed route service within Oberlin. The contract for the Ebus service provider was included in this budget. 8,003 total riders through the end of September. Continued to financially participate in ONE Lorain County, the County’s economic development organization. Hired EDG to assist with economic development projects – U.S. 20 industrial park, housing projects, tax incentives, etc.
33 Highlights of 2026 budget Includes $10,000 for the City’s participation fee in the new County-wide economic development organization, ONE Lorain County. Oberlin Connector transit expenses of $61,000. This will be used to reimburse Lorain County Transit for providing the Connector service. $72,000 for contractual ED services with EDG for industrial park and general economic development work. $5,000 for advertising to promote the City of Oberlin and the new industrial park. Department of Planning and Development Economic Development Budget
Department of Planning and Development Economic Development Budget 34 3101 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change Payroll/Benefits 46,885 $ 49,386 $ - $ -100.00% Operation 94,400 932,694 148,000 -84.13% Capital 0 0 0 0.00% Transfers & Debt 0 0 0 0.00% Total 141,285 $ 982,080 $ 148,000 $ -84.93%
35 Public Works Department Admin./General Plant/Engineering 2025 Department Review Highlights Substantial completion of Park/E. Vine St. Resurfacing Project Continued easement acquisition + design issues for the SR58 South Multi-Use Path Awarded East Vine St. bridge replacement contracts, construction & C.A. Approval of 4F-6F coordination for South Pleasant St. bridge Completed design, bid and awarded Green Acres Subdivision Improvements Final design of City Hall Parking Lot Improvements GLCAP - GIS inventory in process Filled vacant Engineering Technician position Highlights of 2026 budget – Capital Projects SR58 South Multi-Use Path. $651,730 each from Income Tax Fund 112 and SRF S. Pleasant St. bridge replacement. $1,125,572: ODOT = $818,340; City = $307,232 Industrial Park Resurfacing Project. $683,587: OPWC (80/20) = $398,000; City = $285,587 Forest St. Reconstruction. $822,606 (+ underground utilities, see below)
Public Works Dept. Budget Administration/General Plant/Engineering 36 4106,4111,4112 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change Payroll/Benefits 324,219 $ 350,652 $ 404,629 $ 15.39% Operation 416,733 627,158 910,839 45.23% Capital 0 0 0 0.00% Transfers & Debt 131,364 377,000 377,000 0.00% Total 872,316.10 $ 1,354,810 $ 1,692,469 $ 24.92%
37 Public Works Department Administration/General Plant/Engineering Unfunded Requests/Unmet Needs Priority paving projects including but not limited to: Edgemeer, Reamer, Cedar, West Hamilton, Glenhurst, Beech ODOT Municipal Bridge Program Funds available for Morgan St. bridge replacement. Local priorities, local funding TBD
38 Public Works Department Streets/State Highway 2025 Department Review Highlights Coordination on capital project planning and delivery: Park and East Vine, East Vine St. Bridge, City Hall Parking Lot Completion of crack-sealing of SR58 & SR511 Replacement of (3) gas/electric HVAC units with electric heat pumps Street maintenance and repair, pavement markings and street signs Highlights of 2026 budget Pavement maintenance (materials only): $40,000
Public Works Dept. Budget Streets/State Highway 39 113,114 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change Payroll/Benefits 366,691 $ 406,257 $ 425,001 $ 4.61% Operation 79,258 93,134 103,100 10.70% Capital 0 0 0 0.00% Transfers & Debt 145,830 139,404 137,160 -1.61% Total 591,779 $ 638,795 $ 665,261 $ 4.14%
40 Public Works Department Streets/State Highway Unfunded Requests/Unmet Needs Reduced Equipment Reserve transfers ($80,000 to $25,000)
Public Works Department Parks/Cemetery/Buildings & Grounds 41 2025 Department Review Highlights Depot Park/Depot Building Maintenance Agreement with Nord FF QBS & contract with GPD Group for architectural/engineering assessment, stakeholder/community outreach, building programming and related services to determine future use(s) of the OEAC Parsons Reservoir Parking Lot. ODNR = $53,460.45; City = $16,317.72 Sealed/restriped Rec Complex Parking Lot. Dredged Cemetery Pond. Highlights of 2026 budget Depot bike path & parking lot. $206,416: City = $174,302; NFF = $32,114 Municipal Court reroofing. $65,000: $52,500 (112) + $12,500 (SRF) Replace 48” zero turn mower. $14,500 (804). Privacy fence. $6,500 Seal coat Westwood, Bike Path Ext. & Park St. Park path. $13,500
Public Works Dept. Budget Parks/Cemetery/Buildings & Grounds 42 2101,2103,4107 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change Payroll/Benefits 676,167 $ 700,463 $ 733,033 $ 4.65% Operation 184,749 257,680 263,650 $ 2.32% Capital 5,936 0 0 0.00% Transfers & Debt 73,341 59,338 68,397 15.27% Total 940,193 $ 1,017,481 $ 1,065,080 $ 4.68%
Public Works Department Parks/Cemetery/Buildings & Grounds 43 Unfunded Requests/Unmet Needs OEAC Design Services B&G facility improvements at Westwood Cemetery Disposition of 205 Morgan TBD City Hall HVAC equipment and electrical upgrades for fuel-switching Structural repairs - 69 South Main, east addition Robot Field Striper: $25,000 (804) + $21,000 (417) Reduced Equipment Reserve Transfers ($80,000 to $20,000)
44 Public Works Department Central Garage 2025 Department Review Highlights Ongoing preventive maintenance and repair of the City’s rolling stock, specialty, large and small equipment Highlights of 2026 budget Tracking of maintenance/repair costs and new fueling island software improves budgeting accuracy for cost distribution to other affected Departments/Divisions
Public Works Dept. Budget Central Garage 45 201 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change Payroll/Benefits 180,529 $ 199,495 $ 208,185 $ 4.36% Operation 350,193 $ 364,355 370,650 1.73% Capital 11,732 $ 13,500 15,000 11.11% Transfers & Debt 3,000 $ 6,500 6,500 0.00% Total 545,454 $ 583,850 $ 600,335 $ 2.82%
46 Public Works Department Central Garage Unfunded Requests/Unmet Needs Ongoing evaluation of staffing to meet the City’s service needs necessitated by fleet/equipment maintenance responsibilities and by technology changes. EV Training/Retooling
47 Public Works Department Refuse/Recycling 2025 Department Review Highlights Purchased new residential collection vehicle: $424,968 Replaced hybrid drive in multi-use collection vehicle with conventional transmission extending likely useful life by several years: $81,987 Developed glass drop-off facility with scrap metal, corrugated cardboard, mixed paper drop-off; leaf compost and wood chips available for pick up. In ~ 6 months, residents have dropped off 26.16 tons of glass. When mixed 3:7 with ODOT 304, we will have ~130 CY of structural fill. Approximately 1350 residential recycling customers. No contamination charges since November, 2020 subscription-based service roll-out. Highlights of 2026 budget Replace 2nd rear load commercial packer truck: $385,000 Commercial rates increase 2.25%/year per Ordinance 22-33. No residential rate increase planned until 2029.
Public Works Dept. Budget Refuse/Recycling 48 301,703 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change Payroll/Benefits 497,766 $ 519,629 $ 539,030 $ 3.73% Operation 318,853 339,131 357,654 5.46% Capital 0 23,794 25,000 5.07% Transfers & Debt 763,144 804,266 822,240 2.23% Total 1,579,764 $ 1,686,819 $ 1,743,925 $ 3.39%
49 Public Works Department Refuse/Recycling Unfunded Requests/Unmet Needs Cost-effective local food waste collection system and composting facility
50 Public Works Department Water Division 2025 Department Review Highlights Continued provision of safe, reliable drinking water to all customers Final draft WTP General Plan Continuing maintenance/updates of LSL Inventory Highlights of 2026 budget Last loan repayment to OWDA ($295,877.66) Year 3 of 3 payment for west Water Tower contract: $124,892 Forest St. water main improvements: $410,711 Filter Media Replacement (materials): $80,000 Water meter replacements: $50,000 Proposed 10.0% rate increase
Public Works Dept. Budget Water Division 51 701 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change 1,123,472 $ Payroll/Benefits 1,306,585 $ 1,372,824 $ 5.07% Operation 488,492 715,204 695,984 -2.69% Capital 10,000 23,600 27,000 14.41% Transfers & Debt 710,457 530,154 710,715 34.06% Total 2,332,421 $ 2,575,543 $ 2,806,523 $ 8.97%
52 Public Works Department Water Division Unfunded Requests/Unmet Needs WTP Improvements design engineering, pending completion of General Plan and development of project financing (RCAP/OWDA) Priority water main improvements per Water Distribution Strategic Plan Continuing refinement of LSL inventory (sampling pending)
53 Public Works Department Water Environment Protection Facility 2025 Department Review Highlights Treated all influent in accordance with regulatory guidance; no overflows WEPF painting complete. Purchased new clarifier drive Regular and ongoing maintenance of SAS collection system Highlights of 2026 budget Composite Project: replace vertical turbine pump, install screen, replace air line, replace water main, design services. $373,175 Replace back-up generator and switchgear $215,000 Forest St. sanitary sewer main replacement $546,696 Proposed 5% rate increase
Public Works Dept. Budget Water Environment Protection Facility 54 702 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change Payroll/Benefits 887,228 $ 977,705 $ 1,048,679 $ 7.26% Operation 242,810 399,017 409,128 2.53% Capital 23,490 25,000 25,000 0.00% Transfers & Debt 776,091 203,612 197,279 -3.11% Total 1,929,618 $ 1,605,334 $ 1,680,087 $ 4.66%
55 Public Works Department Storm Water 2025 Department Review Highlights Plan review and permit compliance at Woodland Dormitory, scattered site OC parking and residential construction projects. Improved construction, post- construction compliance. Draft editing of Stormwater Strategic Plan in process. Successful completion of Rec Complex Pond NPDES compliance project Highlights of 2026 budget Forest St. STS $97,132 Pyle S. Amherst STS $75,000 Elm St. cul-de-sac STS $60,000 Debt repaid in 2023. No Income Tax or General Fund transfer to Stormwater Fund and no Operating to Reserve Fund transfers since 2023.
Public Works Dept. Budget Storm Water 56 709 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change Payroll/Benefits 167,652 $ 261,823 $ 280,864 $ 7.27% Operation 76,474 113,585 111,275 -2.03% Capital 0 0 0 0.00% Transfers & Debt 373,213 21,940 21,840 -0.45% Total 617,340 $ 397,347 $ 413,980 $ 4.19%
57 Public Works Department Storm Water Unfunded Requests/Unmet Needs Once the Strategic Plan is complete, it is recommended to revisit the Stormwater Business Plan to assess the adequacy of projected revenues and expenses. The ERU rate has been fixed at $6.61/month ($79.32/year) since 2023 per ORD 18-34.
City Manager’s Office 58 2025 Department Review Highlights Onboarded new City Manager Greg Holcomb Amended the Community Liaison position (formerly Equity Coordinator) and moved it under the City Manager’s Office Reestablished a full-time Chief Building Official in the Building Division under the City Manager’s Office and promoted the Administrative Coordinator to Building Permit Technician Completed Social Equity Plan and began implementation process Received 2025 Norman Krumholz Equity Award from the American Planning Association, Ohio Chapter for the Oberlin Social Equity Plan Continued to implement and evaluate communication efforts regarding City services, programs, and events – including mailers, social media management and advertising, static messaging, etc. Continued working with City departments and organizations to develop, evaluate and implement community programs and events, and corresponding communications strategies Worked with FAVA to continue the Mural Grant Program, completing the 3rd mural in downtown Oberlin
City Manager’s Office 59 Highlights of 2026 budget Increased personnel costs related to the addition of the City Manager, Community Liaison, Chief Building Official and Building Permit Technician Increased dues, training and travel costs due to professional memberships, trainings and conferences for the City Manager, Chief Building Official and Communications Manager Increased Allowances and Telephone line items to account for cell phones and communication allowances for department employees Increases for Copier/Computer to account for additional Adobe licenses and a new office copier Increases in the Temporary Contractuals line item include costs for organizational funding (now centralized in the City Manager’s Office), Building Division software and materials, and additional marketing funds related to the Social Equity Plan Continued funding for the Mural Grant Program, website hosting & maintenance, communication subscriptions and promotions
City Manager’s Office Budget 60 4102 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change Payroll/Benefits 279,417 $ 532,310 $ 579,450 $ 8.86% Operation 70,315 119,450 332,150 178.07% Capital 0 0 0 0.00% Transfers & Debt 0 0 0 0.00% Total 349,732 $ 651,760 $ 911,600 $ 39.87%
Bed Tax 61 The Bed Tax revenue will continue to support the promotion of the City to visitors, tourists and consumers, as well as support quality of life aspects of the City’s community development strategies through both internal efforts and contracted services managed by the City Manager’s Office. In addition to general promotional efforts, this will likely include the continuation and expansion of: Easter Egg Hunt Chalk Walk Juneteenth Festival Tunes on Tappan Summer Concert Series Family Fun Nights Art Fair in the Square Halloween Spooktacular Walkin’ In a Winter OBERLIN
Police Department 62 2025 Department Review Highlights ➢Purchased one marked police vehicle ➢Hired Three (3) Lateral Full-Time Patrol Officers ➢Participated in Lorain County Trunk or Treat and Shop With a Cop ➢FY25 CPT Training includes 24 mandated hours in Use of Force, Ethics Laws, Legal Updates and Search & Seizure courses. Additional trainings include Officer Trauma & Wellness, Domestic Violence, Vehicle Dynamics, Report Writing and Leadership. A total of 40 hours of State mandated training was completed by each officer.
Police Department 63 Highlights of 2026 Budget • CAPITAL ITEMS ➢One marked Ford Police Interceptor Vehicles ➢One Electric Pick Up Truck
Police Department Budget 64 1101 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change Payroll/Benefits 2,859,763 $ 3,126,781 $ 3,194,344 $ 2.16% Operation 231,340 278,600 293,900 5.49% Capital 22,456 11,000 25,000 127.27% Transfers & Debt 98,873 103,796 79,568 -23.34% Total 3,212,433 $ 3,520,177 $ 3,592,812 $ 2.06%
Police Department 65 Unfunded Requests/Unmet Needs Evaluate the need for full-time police positions Evaluate needs for building improvement for additional space
66 2025 Department Review Highlights 1064 Emergency response (1/1/24 thru 11/21/2024) Fire/EMS – Average Response 0:04:25 Average On Scene Time 22:44 98 Overlapping calls (16.3%) Community Risk Reduction ASHER training with County FDs and PDs Continue to support Officer development through advanced training Ohio Executive Fire Officer Blue Card Incident Command Expanded Fire Prevention Fire Department
Fire Department Highlights of 2025 First full year with a 4th Full-Time Driver/Operator Current Part-time staffing: Goal to have 20 part-time members Currently 18 with plans to hire 2 more before end of the year. We have a list of potential candidates that we are interviewing 67
Fire Department eRescue 44 oGoal to supplement EMS services with CLCAD Transport /Non-transport Count of Incidents () Non-Transport tt Patient Evaluated, No Treatment/Transport Required 4 Patient Refused Evaluation/Care (Without Transport) 1 {] Transport 2 Patient Treated, Transported by this EMS Unit 2 Grand Total 4
Fire Department 69 2026 Capital Purchases / Improvements Planned ($62,000) Replace Camera System ($32,000) Emergency Lighting Upgrades ($8,500) Replace Fire Hose ($5,000) Communications Upgrades Program new radios ($12,000) MDTs ($4,500)
Fire Department Budget 70 1102 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change Payroll/Benefits 1,033,995 $ 1,133,730 $ 1,234,125 $ 8.86% Operation 205,151 281,528 278,775 -0.98% Capital 0 0 64,101 100.00% Transfers & Debt 21,518 41,690 19,764 -52.59% Total 1,260,664 $ 1,456,948 $ 1,596,765 $ 9.60%
Fire Department
City Council 72 2025 Department Review Highlights Represent the best interests of all residents of Oberlin In addition to payroll and training expense, the budget also has an appropriation for unforeseen expenses Highlights of 2026 budget Continue funding for various memberships, i.e., NLC, Mayor’s Association, OML, NOACA, etc., training and travel expenses. Continue funding for council meeting legal advertising Ongoing Revenue Sharing payments to Pittsfield Township
City Council Budget 73 4101 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change Payroll/Benefits 100,355 $ 101,816 $ 135,244 $ 32.83% Operation 102,404 195,200 163,700 -16.14% Capital 0 0 0 0.00% Transfers & Debt 0 0 0 0.00% Total 202,759 $ 297,016 $ 298,944 $ 0.65%
Clerk of Council’s Department Budget 74 2025 Department Review Highlights Completed codified ordinance review and updates in collaboration with the Law Director. Provided ongoing support to City Council, Appointees/Department Heads, staff and the public by addressing legislative needs in a timely manner. Ensured compliance with Open Meetings Law to maintain transparency and accountability in all public meetings. Maintained adherence to Public Records Laws and best practices to safeguard legal and regulatory standards. Assisted with Liquor license renewal process ensuring compliance and timely processing. Assumed duties and responsibilities of the Oberlin City Treasurer, ensuring a smooth transition in financial oversight. Collaborated with City staff, Council members and Recruitment firm to arrange candidate interview sessions. Coordinated logistics including scheduling, room set up, and catering to ensure smooth and professional interview processes.
Clerk of Council’s Department Budget Highlights of 2026 budget Overall budget addresses the: Funding for the ongoing maintenance and operation requirements of the office Support for the Clerk of Council and staff to attend professional development opportunities and essential training Continuation of the scanning and records storage project to digitize records and maintain efficient storage solutions. Funds allocated for the review and update of the Oberlin Codified Ordinances. Implementation and training for the NextRequest Records Management Software Platform 75
Clerk of Council’s Department Budget 76 4105 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change Payroll/Benefits 200,169 $ 217,453 $ 224,740 $ 3.35% Operation 40,110 73,200 77,900 6.42% Capital 0 0 0 0.00% Transfers & Debt 0 0 0 0.00% Total 240,278 $ 290,653 $ 302,640 $ 4.12%
Unfunded Requests/Unmet Needs Hiring a licensed archivist or Records Management Consultant firm to asses records management processes. Transition to MuniCode for Online Code Publishing and Management 77 Clerk of Council’s Department Budget
Finance Department 78 2025 Department Review Highlights Assist the city in maintaining financial stability Provide service to nearly 3000 utility customers and over 200 city employees Address thousands of phone calls annually Continue to encourage paperless billing and automatic payments, and continue to offer alternate payment methods Provide fiscal and insurance functions Involved in nearly every project, capital or otherwise Implementing new process for time clocks and time sheets
Highlights of 2026 budget Sustaining budget in order to provide key services Continue to encourage usage of automatic bill payments and email bills Manage approved rate increases, new large Industrial utility billing, and continue to work through new operational matters Continue new implementation for time clocks and time sheets New software system which will include Assets, Utility, Payroll, Accounts Payable, Budgeting, and Dashboard for the City website 79
Finance Department Budget 80 4103 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change Payroll/Benefits 636,782 $ 693,629 $ 692,709 $ -0.13% Operation 42,854 180,250 641,250 255.76% Capital 0 0 0 0.00% Transfers & Debt 10,000 10,000 10,000 0.00% Total 689,637 $ 883,879 $ 1,343,959 $ 52.05%
Finance Department 81 Unfunded Requests/Unmet Needs Additional functions and duties with no increase in full-time staff, although responsibilities continue to grow for the finance office, the office has not added additional full-time employees for over 20 years
Law Department 82 2025 Department Review Highlights Nearing the conclusion of the annexation of 225 acres of land in Pittsfield Township for development as an industrial park. Facilitated the transfer of surplus real estate for the development of affordable housing. Hired a new Administrative Assistant in the Prosecutor’s office. Oversee contract for prosecutorial services. Review and approve all city contracts. Review, revise, and draft legislation and memorandums to City Council. Served as Interim City Manager. Coordinated with department heads and the Finance Department in developing the 2025 Budget. Conducted regular meetings with administrative department heads to assist and facilitate department goals and objectives Assist in Council meeting agendas Served on Comprehensive Plan Implementation Subcommittee, Green Acres Development Committee, and the City Manager Search Implementation Committee
Law Department 83 2025 Department Review Highlights (cont.) Provide legal assistance and advice to council appointees and administrative department heads. Continued to provide legal assistance to the Human Resources Administrator on civil service and personnel issues. Continued the certification of delinquent utility accounts and nuisance abatement assessments for collection to the County Auditor on a quarterly basis. Continued the certification of delinquent utility accounts and nuisance abatement assessments for collection to the County Auditor quarterly. Served on the City Records Commission and as legal counsel to the OCIC as needed. Highlights of the 2026 budget None
Law Department Budget 84 4104 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change Payroll/Benefits 193,556 $ 252,163 $ 254,618 $ 0.97% Operation 92,701 165,850 207,350 25.02% Capital 0 0 0 0.00% Transfers & Debt 0 0 0 0.00% Total 286,257 $ 418,013 $ 461,968 $ 10.52%
Municipal Court 85 2025 Department Review Highlights Civil Filings 2017 – 840; 2018 – 892; 2019 981; 2020 713; 2021- ; 2022 997; 2023 1,138; 2024 1,332; 2025 projected 1361 Traffic low maintenance cases – slight [increase] ↓in filings- remains very low [see following slides] High maintenance criminal & traffic cases – Decrease continues- See following slides] Oberlin filings down: Since 2001 - OVI ↓ 75%; MISDEMEANOR↓65%; CR MISDEMEANOR ↓ 88% [WITHOUT WALMART CASES] [only 32 Criminal Misdemeanor cases the entire year – projected compared to 265 Criminal Misdemeanor cases in 2001 with no Walmart] FELONY ↓ 62%
Traffic cases Filed 2001- 2024 [Actual] 2025 [Projected] All Agencies 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019 2022 2025 Traffic 86
Traffic cases Filed 2001-2024 [Actual] Projected 2025 Oberlin 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019 2022 2025 Traffic
Misdemeanor cases Filed 2001-2024 2025 Projected - Oberlin 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019 2022 2025 Misdemeanor 72
Felony cases Filed 2001-2024 2025 Projected Oberlin 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019 2022 2025 Felony 72
OVI cases Filed 2001-2024 2025 Projected Oberlin 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019 2022 2025 OVI 72
OVI cases Filed 2001-2024 [Actual] 2025 [Projected] All Agencies 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019 2022 2025 OVI 91
Misdemeanor cases Filed 2001-2024 [actual] 2025 [Projected] All Agencies 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019 2022 2025 Misdemeanor 92
Felony cases Filed 2001-2024 [Actual] 2025 [Projected] All Agencies 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 2001 2004 2007 2010 2013 2016 2019 2022 2025 Felony
Revenue from Criminal/Traffic Cases – Comparison January-October 2019-2025 2019 2020 2021 Total: 680,164.18 408,756.78 454,878.28 2022 2023 2024 2025 335,287.35 332,852.98 278,555.02 300,253.07 94
Municipal Court
Municipal Court Budget 96 4108 2024 Actual 2025 Adj. Budget 2026 Proposed Budget % Change Payroll/Benefits 681,644 $ 719,713 $ 796,975 $ 10.74% Operation 56,668 80,082 71,402 -10.84% Capital 0 0 0 0.00% Transfers & Debt 10,962 10,473 10,500 0.26% Total 749,274 $ 810,268 $ 878,878 $ 8.47%
Municipal Court 97 Unmet Needs Space requirements for Community Control Dep’t Space requirements for confidential attorney-client meetings Space requirements for victim-witnesses Court Magistrate & space requirements for Magistrate Jury box and jury room enhancements and improvements
Wrap up Discussion
99 Reserve Fund Calculations (Ord. No. 19-55) - Year-end 2024 A B C B x C Unencumbered D B x D Unencumbered (1) (2) Balance (3) Balance Prior Year Projected Minimum Minimum Under Maximum Maximum Above Unencumbered Balance Revenues Percent Amount Minimum Percent Amount Maximum General Fund 9,349,745 11,705,198 45% 5,267,339 N/A 110% 12,875,718 N/A Water Fund 1,416,499 2,532,727 65% 1,646,273 229,774 125% 3,165,909 N/A Wastewater Fund 2,569,635 1,769,849 65% 1,150,402 N/A 125% 2,212,312 357,323 Refuse/Recycling Fund 988,275 1,477,144 45% 664,715 N/A 110% 1,624,859 N/A Electric Fund 9,193,219 18,294,255 45% 8,232,415 N/A 110% 20,123,681 N/A
100 (1) 2024 Year-end actual non-GAAP unencumbered cash balance; for Enterprise funds the operating and capital reserve funds will be combined when calculating the total estimated reserves available. (2) 2025 Current Year Projected Revenues, excluding transfers from the Enterprise funds' operating funds to their respective capital reserve funds. GF advances to the Refuse fund are included (none anticipated for 2025). (3) The Maximums for the Enterprise Funds may be surpassed when planning for significant capital equipment or capital project expenses, i.e. replacement engine generators (OMLPS), plant renovations/upgrades (Water, Wastewater, OMLPS), etc. Note: The Water and Sanitary Sewer Funds are set at higher minimum and maximum percentages due to the higher degree of capital/infrastructure expenses incorporated in their annual budget. Recurring expenses can be extremely detrimental when offsetting recurring expenditure reductions and/or revenue enhancements aren't implemented at the same time. Summary: The amount below minimum in the Refuse fund is anticipated to reduce over time due to the recent residential and anticipated upcoming commercial refuse rate increases.
14,000,000 ‘ ‘ He PTT Id 12,000,000 / a a + 5 Z . 8,55 89 Revenue |5,28|6,26|5,89 | 6,68| 6,3 Expenses /4,97|5,10 5,99 SPAIN antl ww, 2 : : i 5,89 | 6,68] 6,30 6,23 | 5,99] 6,13 7,82|5,35|—.29| 8408558 55|7,75789|7.19|9,23|9,07/990 [998 63725] 7.48 765]825|8 3789) 722718 4] 357] 9.34[9,12|960
Unencumbered Cash and Revenue Detail 102 All GF Current Unencumbered Local Categories of Yr Encum & Net Cash at YE Income Tax Government Funds Estate Tax Interest Revenue Expenses +/- 2000 2,574,743 2,263,053 598,787 356,368 447,504 5,280,511 4,973,485 307,026 2001 4,012,169 2,411,829 592,781 383,122 723,327 6,264,499 5,107,943 1,156,556 2002 3,709,505 2,359,621 547,871 369,953 354,178 5,891,250 6,230,712 (339,462) 2003 4,434,839 2,392,455 607,478 492,031 229,027 6,687,096 5,990,426 696,670 2004 4,634,006 2,407,044 527,052 483,282 296,924 6,307,210 6,139,876 167,333 2005 5,010,640 2,825,777 547,341 203,526 635,474 6,996,565 6,634,493 362,072 2006 5,597,232 3,110,697 541,059 421,283 733,351 7,829,308 7,250,600 578,708 2007 7,498,633 3,307,691 719,970 782,946 1,211,386 9,352,301 7,484,562 1,867,739 2008 8,114,738 3,157,210 709,736 217,772 840,423 8,296,760 7,699,308 597,451 2009 8,273,278 3,351,255 612,424 340,482 817,396 8,403,350 8,261,265 142,084 2010 8,515,060 3,344,935 617,719 1,117,905 316,205 8,557,682 8,371,405 186,277 2011 8,908,989 3,419,264 615,708 818,183 271,416 8,550,363 8,191,992 358,371 2012 8,851,019 3,687,634 435,908 279,993 180,217 7,752,817 7,825,285 (72,468) 2013 9,356,245 3,738,969 336,284 599,548 158,141 7,899,337 7,411,016 488,322 2014 8,226,607 3,842,378 325,972 0 110,602 7,198,500 8,344,264 (1,145,764) 2015 8,913,992 5,153,904 347,405 1,991 162,468 9,215,157 8,576,070 639,087 2016 9,503,541 5,649,625 327,576 5,105 219,245 9,679,934 9,110,044 569,889 2017 10,327,815 5,624,538 332,685 296 314,053 9,925,622 9,124,811 800,811 2018 10,673,512 5,614,768 335,225 0 496,337 9,941,441 9,607,087 334,354 2019 11,021,764 5,646,630 365,096 0 638,786 10,382,444 10,047,641 334,803 2020 11,980,948 5,437,396 381,004 0 439,823 9,627,861 8,694,296 (1) 933,565 2021 11,473,550 5,799,552 432,769 0 449,900 9,914,897 10,442,389 (527,492) 2022 8,019,864 6,186,487 467,049 0 331,802 10,115,613 13,582,907 (3,467,294) (2) 2023 8,644,399 6,804,562 478,919 0 514,654 11,190,036 10,880,394 309,642 2024 9,349,745 6,842,676 457,150 0 844,737 11,730,681 11,070,518 660,163 BUDG 2025 10,900,172 6,678,000 424,850 0 965,000 11,739,616 10,189,189 1,550,427 PROJ 2026 12,377,761 6,779,000 446,820 0 1,160,000 12,089,317 9,542,027 (3) 2,547,290 (1) Coronavirus Relief Funds helped cover costs of General Fund safety forces (2) Includes $2,400,000 for land purchase South of Rte 20 (3) Includes an additional $800,000 estimated unspent appropriations at Year-end
End 103