Delaware · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Delaware public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
2027 Commercial Refuse Collection Rates
New proposed rates for businesses that get city trash collection in 2027. What businesses pay affects their costs — and potentially prices customers see.
Sawmill Parkway TIF district
The Sawmill Parkway TIF was finalized as part of the cooperative agreement with Delaware County, diverting new property tax growth to fund public infrastructure there.
Citywide Community Reinvestment Area expansion
Economic development staff outlined major projects: a Kroger Marketplace opening in 2026, Blue Jackets-related development expected to break ground this year, PPG's $280 million expansion adding about 100 jobs, and a potential 1.5–2 million square foot biotech park at Gateway Commerce Park generating 500–1,000 jobs.
2026 Third-quarter Budget Supplement
Passed with an emergency clause: $426,000 for refuse truck replacement, $110,000 more road salt, $50,000 emergency airport fuel tank repair, guardrail and HR recruiting dollars, and more.
City telephone system replacement
The current phone system hits end-of-life in June 2027. A $230,000 replacement with a five-year support agreement is proposed, and members suggested exploring whether every employee still needs a desk phone to trim costs.
Third-quarter budget amendments
Council got its first look at the mid-year budget patch: road salt, higher fuel costs, a future refuse truck replacement, and school distributions from TIF funds. The vote comes September 14.
Grants Administrator position added to pay plan
City government is adding an M8-level grants administrator to chase grant funding citywide, hoping the position pays for itself through grants won; a supplemental appropriation will be needed before year-end.
Wonderlic assessment elimination
After three years, the city found the $12,000-a-year Wonderlic test didn't reliably predict how police and fire candidates performed. PRADCO's existing testing already covers cognitive ability, so the commission dropped it and freed up recruiting funds.
Mid-year budget amendments
Two ordinances would roll $11.7 million of road notes and convert $20.25 million (Fire Station 305 and The Point) into 20-year bonds. Hearings February 9 before any votes.
City credit rating and finances
City officials met Moody's in Chicago seeking to reaffirm the Aa1 rating ahead of $34 million in short- and long-term financing. Interest income is up, income tax is flat, and permits are recovering.
AFSCME clerical contract
City clerical union employees get a 4.5% wage table bump, retroactive to December 21, 2025, plus updated residency language matching city ordinance.
Fee schedule and construction inspection increases
Building and engineering fees are going up — plan review fees rise 28% to nearly double, and construction inspection jumps from $60 to $90 an hour. These mostly hit developers and utility companies, not homeowners doing driveway repairs.