Wickliffe finance committee adjusts 2026 budget after state tax repayment notice

Wickliffe — The City of Wickliffe’s Finance Committee reviewed the 2026 budget on Jan. 20 and reported its recommendations to council on Jan. 26, including revenue-side adjustments and questions about several revenue and expense lines.

Finance Director Madis told the committee the city received a notice that it must repay $490,000 in Ohio net profit tax; he noted last year’s comparable amount was $898,000. The committee made adjustments across 22 revenue lines that increased projected revenue by $963,311. Madis also said the city expects to receive part of Ohio’s cannabis tax revenue, estimated around $250,000.

Committee members recommended or discussed several line-item changes: raising the real estate tax estimate, increasing the local government tax line, and raising gaming fee projections. Chief Grossman recommended increasing the ambulance-fee revenue projection to $500,000. A misprint in the Colby Park concert line (listed as $75,000) was acknowledged and will be restored to $7,500.

On payroll timing, members discussed that 2026 contains 27 pay periods rather than the usual 26. After deliberation, the committee voted to "pay as usual" (maintain the standard payroll formula) for the current year and directed the finance department to pursue a permanent fix so future councils do not confront the same issue.

The committee left several budget items to be completed in follow-up meetings and scheduled additional committee discussions so the full budget could be placed on first reading by Feb. 23, with materials completed by Feb. 19.