Athens Council suspends rules to adopt banking resolutions, amends salt purchase and confirms appointments

Athens City Council suspended its normal timing requirements and unanimously adopted two finance resolutions, amended a procurement ordinance and confirmed several commission appointments during its Jan. 20 meeting.

The council voted to suspend the rules and adopt Resolution R01-26, which directs the treasurer to solicit applications and estimate interim deposits for funds not needed for six months. Member Thomas said "the city is estimated over the next 5 years to have 35,000,000 available at interim periods available for deposit," a figure the council cited in discussing the investment timeline. The council also suspended rules and passed Resolution R02-26 declaring the city's intent to designate public depositories for active funds for the five-year period beginning March 1, 2026.

In ordinance business, council read O1-26 (a first reading) to grant a special right-of-way use at 35 Elliott Street for a business sign. Council also considered O2-26, the annual purchase of water-softening salt for the water treatment plant. The administration initially requested $240,000; the treasurer and plant staff said $230,000 should cover the year's needs and provide carryover for 2027. Council moved to amend O2-26 to $230,000; the amendment carried and the ordinance was read as amended for its first reading. As the treasurer cautioned, "don't confuse softening salt with road salt," noting they are distinct products and uses.

Member Thomas outlined O3-26, adjustments to the 2026 appropriation ordinance and several interfund transfers, including transfers to the Athens Community Improvement Corporation (ACIC) totaling $375,000 across funds to support capital projects and administrative transfers. The ordinance was read for the first time and referred for further consideration.

Council also confirmed Andrea Bader to the Athens Municipal Arts Commission and approved Solve Svelnes to the Affordable Housing Commission; both appointments passed unanimously. The council accepted the November 2025 credit-card transaction report as presented.

The actions taken are procedural and budgetary: the resolutions set the timetable and authority for interim deposits under Ohio law; the salt appropriation amendment authorizes procurement at the revised level and the appropriation ordinance will return for further readings. Council members said the items were discussed in committee and intended to ensure continuity of city services.

The meeting closed after public comment and a vote to adjourn at 7:53 p.m.