Springdale council adopts 2026 budget, approves two police contracts and business incentive

Springdale City Council on Jan. 7 adopted the city’s annual appropriation ordinance for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2026, approved two police collective bargaining agreements covering sworn personnel and adopted a job-creation incentive agreement for a prospective local employer.

Council President read Ordinance 1-20-26, the annual appropriations and estimated receipts ordinance, which includes departmental controls and a set of operating transfers (including a $2,000,000 general-fund capital-improvement entry, a $575,000 transfer to street-improvement debt, a $179,000 residential-recycling transfer, and a $475,000 insurance trust transfer). Council moved to adopt the appropriation ordinance the same night; the ordinance passed with six affirmative votes.

Council then read and adopted Ordinance 2-20-26, authorizing a collective bargaining agreement with the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association for full-time patrol officers (effective Jan. 1, 2026–Dec. 31, 2028). The council also adopted Ordinance 3-20-26, a collective bargaining agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police, Ohio Labor Council, covering corporals, sergeants and lieutenants for the same period. Both police agreements were declared emergency measures and passed with seven affirmative votes.

Council approved Ordinance 4-20-26, authorizing the mayor and city administrator to enter a job creation and retention incentive agreement with Ultimate Toys Incorporated; the ordinance was approved as an emergency measure so the business could consider the incentive as part of potential relocation decisions. The council acknowledged Ultimate Toys’ CEO, Mr. Green, was in the audience.

On non-ordinance business, Council adopted Resolution R1-20-26 requesting advance payment of applicable municipal funds from the Hamilton County auditor for calendar year 2026 and Resolution R2-20-26 authorizing the finance officer/tax commissioner to invest city funds not needed for more than 90 days; both resolutions passed with seven affirmative votes.

Council President concluded with a legislative recap confirming the passage of the items listed above. The meeting adjourned after announcements from the mayor and council members.