Development News for Painesville, Ohio

Finance Committee Reports Strong Financial Standing, Anticipates 2027 Revenue Drop

The finance committee reviewed the 2025 year-end and 2026 year-to-date finances, noting that all major funds are in good shape. A caution was raised regarding lower income tax revenues expected in 2027 as construction projects wind down, and this was communicated to staff for budget considerations. The committee also discussed potential interest rate increases. Updates were provided on the Software Solutions Inc. (SSI) project to replace current financial software, with the contract signed and an estimated completion time of 12-18 months. The 2027 budget calendar is on schedule, and a review of staff exempt/non-exempt status and comp time hours is underway. The committee also received information on proposed amphitheater concert support policies for non-union employees and discussed staffing projections, future retirements, and succession planning.

Grand River Railway Seeks City Support for Federal Grant Application

During the public comment section, Terry, owner of the Grand River Railway, requested a letter of support from the city council for a grant application to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRESI) grant. The application deadline is June 22nd. Terry explained that the railway purchased the line from CSX in 2015 for $1.65 million cash and has invested $1.3 million of their own money into the roadbed. The only external funding received was for crossing signals. He provided an example letter and asked for the city's support to enhance their application's credibility. The council indicated that legal would review the request and they would aim to provide a response by June 15th. Terry also clarified the railway's operations, hauling materials for Osbourne and Covia (best sand), and mentioned potential future business with Morton Salt, though unlikely until 2027. He defined 'short line' railroads as historically small, family-owned operations, contrasting their 2.56 miles of track with CSX's 21,000 miles. He also discussed the railway's history, including their initial interest in servicing Morton Salt and their purchase of the line from CSX after it was abandoned.

City Transitions Waste Management to Major Waste; Addresses Republic Services Fee Concerns

The city is transitioning its refuse and recycling services from Republic Services to Major Waste, effective June 29th. Major Waste will begin delivering new containers on June 15th. Residents are advised to leave their Republic Services containers out after the final pickup the week of June 22nd-26th. Information regarding this transition will be available on the city's website and in the News Herald. A significant concern raised by residents was the potential $50 fee per can for pickup by Republic Services upon contract termination. City officials and the law director confirmed that this $50 fee was intended for cases of non-payment and service cancellation, not for the contract's end, and they would address any attempt by Republic Services to charge this fee. Residents were advised to cancel auto-pay with Republic Services to avoid automatic charges.

City Adopts 2027 Tax Budget Following Public Hearing

The city is adopting its 2027 tax budget. This is an annual requirement by the County Budget Commission, which comprises the County Auditor, Treasurer, and Prosecutor. They are responsible for ensuring tax levies are properly authorized and allocated. The tax budget will be filed with the county the business day after the July council meeting. A public hearing is scheduled 15 minutes before the July 20th, 2026 meeting. The legislation requires three readings, and the third reading will occur at the July 12th meeting.