Delaware · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Delaware public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 City Budget Appropriations
The ~$209 million 2027 budget is on its way through readings, with Finance Committee review now authorized and hearings November 9 and 23.
Sakata delegation visit and budget request
Delaware's sister city Sakata, Japan sends student videos annually and a visit in 2027 is on the table. The board was scheduled to discuss timing and who would lead the planning.
Sawmill Parkway TIF districts
Addison Sawmill pays $627,000-plus toward future US 42/Sawmill Parkway improvements and gets about $56,000 reimbursed for installing a bigger water line the city needs for future growth.
2027-2031 Capital Improvement Plan
The city's five-to-seven-year wish list for roads, buildings, parks and equipment. This year it's organized by neighborhood instead of department, and pairs full street repaving with waterline replacement so residents get finished streets in one shot instead of piecemeal work.
Strategic Plan Priorities for 2026-2027
Council picked its top priorities for the next phase of the strategic plan — development incentives, transparency, workforce housing, the hotel, school relationships, trails, and riverfront access. These will guide where city money and staff time go.
Electric aggregation contract renewal
The program has saved AEP customers about $534 and Ohio Edison customers about $600 versus default rates, but prices are climbing. Council must approve a new contract by mid-April to keep the fixed rate on June bills.
School funding and substitute levies
School officials explained how state funding changes and substitute levies interact with the 20-mill floor, warning the district could be hit twice in a short timeframe as tax shifts occur.
Bond and note issuance for fire stations and roads
Council locked in up to $20.25M in bonds for fire station and transportation projects and $11.7M to refinance road debt. The city's AA1 rating and ~4% rates made this a good time to borrow long-term, and dedicated revenues — not your general fund — cover most payments.