Finance committee authorizes Middle Avenue sidewalk bids; permanent appropriations discussion continued

The Elyria Finance Committee authorized the mayor to advertise for bids for the Middle Avenue sidewalk replacement project, covering sidewalks on Middle Avenue from 2nd Street to Broad Street, with an estimated construction cost of about $140,000.

Engineer Schneider described the project scope (sidewalk replacement on the east side and some park-side work), noted prior brick paver trip hazards and the need for public-safety improvements, and confirmed funds are appropriated in the 2026 temporary budget. Committee members supported moving to bid and the motion to advertise and authorize bid award carried.

Committee members then reviewed the 2026 permanent appropriations packet. Finance director Pulaski outlined key documents including beginning cash balances, estimated revenue and the department request worksheets: the general fund beginning cash balance was cited at roughly $12,400,000 (down from $15,300,000 at the start of 2025), estimated 2026 revenue was cited at about $38,800,000, and the amount available to appropriate was listed at approximately $50,900,000. The department request totaled about $47,000,000 but staff adjustments raised it to $50,100,000 to account for items such as an extra pay period and health-insurance increases; Pulaski warned that continuing current appropriation levels could reduce the general-fund balance during the year and said the committee would revisit the permanent appropriations in two weeks ahead of the March 16 full-council vote.

No final vote on permanent appropriations occurred; members asked staff for clarifications and to provide additional detail in advance of the next meeting.