Trenton, Ohio Development News
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7/23/2026 Council Work Session
Published: Jul 23, 2026
City Financial Director Reports Mid-Year Budget on Track, Reversing Projected Deficit
The Financial Director provided a mid-year update on the city's financial status, noting that the projected $200,000 deficit for the general fund is no longer anticipated due to the shift of investment revenues back to the general fund and other funds. Revenue collection is at 62% while spending is at 51%, partly due to vacancies. The fire levy subsidy will be supported, and debt service funds are on track. The water revenue fund is also bolstered by investment revenues, with 47% received and 43% spent year-to-date, influenced by seasonal water usage. The water system reserve has spent $2.8 million, largely for water tower construction and water meter replacement, with revenues exceeding expectations due to a $2.5 million water tax. Sewer revenue follows a similar trend. The refuse revenue fund is at 38% spent and 50% received, with a note of expected rate increases from Rumkey next year. The stormwater fund is at 52% spent and 54% received, with an increase in commercial stormwater rates. Police and fire levies are operating as expected. The tax increment equivalent (TIFF) fund is at $950,000 spent, used for new developments, with revenue collection below estimates due to a county calculation error and a tax refund applied to Shape Corp. Income tax is behind last year but catching up. Property tax is below last year due to state credit changes and county pre-splits, but expected to reach $4 million. Water and sewer revenues are under expectations, partly due to seasonal billing and a 28 million gallon decrease in water produced compared to last year, attributed to water loss mitigation and lower residential/commercial usage, with notable decreases from Tamron Square and Carvana. EMS transport revenue is above budget due to new billing and increased run volume. Interest revenue is well above projections. Gas taxes are slightly behind but in line with the budget. Vehicle registrations are on track. Bank statement balances and project-to-date bills are below expectations.
Council Debates Annexation, New Community Authority, and Executive Session
Council members discussed tabling resolutions related to a proposed annexation until the next meeting due to ongoing administrative processes, specifically waiting for a final deed recording to ensure accurate descriptions. The meeting also involved a first reading of a resolution authorizing the city manager to petition for the creation of the Trenton Square Community Authority. Additionally, a request was made to enter executive session to discuss confidential information related to economic development assistance, public infrastructure improvements, extension of utility services, potential public fund expenditures, and to confer with legal counsel. Council also considered adding the hiring and firing of personnel to the executive session agenda. The city manager addressed a question about scheduling a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the splash pad, which opened on July 2nd.
City May Absorb Refuse Cost Increases Amidst Budget Concerns
During a discussion about the refuse revenue fund, a council member inquired about the city's ability to continue absorbing cost increases from Rumpke, similar to past practices, given that taxes are projected to rise. The Financial Director explained that for the past four years, the city has subsidized the refuse fund by providing raises less than Rumpke's actual increases, depleting fund balances. To address potential future rate hikes, options include negotiating terms with Rumpke to decrease service costs or potentially eliminating the refuse fund and rolling its costs into another, if the city continues to subsidize it. Early negotiations and assessing public service priorities are suggested.
City Council Reviews Wage Scale Adjustments, Including Fire Chief Pay Increase
The council discussed adjustments to the wage scale, noting that current employee wages and the full-time scale are unaffected. Several changes were proposed: a retitled, unfilled position in the finance department; two Public Works positions reclassified to better align with their hierarchy (one downgraded, one increased); a new position, 'assistant to the service director'; and an increase for the Fire Chief's pay. The Fire Chief's pay, previously excluded from a 2023 wage scale adjustment for the fire department, will be brought up to approximately 80% of comparable fire chief salaries based on a 20-hour work week, acknowledging the chief works significantly more.
Community Cat Program Explored; Splash Pad Usage High Post-Opening
A request was made to investigate a community cats trap-neuter-release (TNR) program. Research indicates that grants for such programs typically favor municipalities with animal shelters, which the city does not operate. Potential partnerships with local veterinary clinics, the Humane Society, or organizations that handle two community cats per person daily were suggested as alternatives. Council members expressed interest in contacting the city of Franklin to learn about their TNR program and adapt successful strategies. Project updates included the splash pad being open with its punch list satisfied, having used 851,000 gallons of water since opening on July 2nd. The city has submitted for a $50,000 ODNR grant reimbursement for the splash pad.
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The Trenton News archive
7/23/2026 Council Work Session
7/23/2026 Regular Council Meeting
7/23/2026 Regular Council Meeting
7/14/2026 Parks Board Meeting
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
Parks and Recreation Board Meeting
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