Budget committee adopts substitute budget with inspector hires and a contested stipend increase for oversight board

The Budget and Finance Committee reviewed a substitute appropriation for the FY2026 operating budget that included four headline changes: funding a pro‑rated salary for an additional housing inspector (about $58,000 for seven months), converting a demolition position to a second code‑compliance housing inspector, adding $100,000 to the Keep Akron Beautiful contract (split across funds), and increasing meeting stipends for members of the Citizens Police Oversight Board from $100 to $300.

Finance Director Steve Fricker said the aggregate of proposed additions represented roughly $183,311 in new ongoing annual costs after transfers; he also summarized a transfer to cover portions of the adjustments so the general fund impact would be limited in the current year. Committee members praised the housing and litter/litter‑abatement investments but raised questions and concerns about the oversight‑board stipend increase and parity with other boards.

Supporters argued the oversight board handles a high volume of use‑of‑force and investigatory work (the board reported reviewing hundreds of cases) and that stipends are important to retain members and ensure timely review. Opponents questioned consistency across commissions, argued for a study of comparative stipends and expressed concern about raising one board’s compensation while other public‑safety and service needs (police staffing, fire staffing, equipment) remain pressing. After extended debate, the committee moved to suspend the rules with a favorable report; a roll‑call recorded Lombardo Nay and Amobian, Fusco, Boyes and Bolden Aye, and the motion passed 4–1.

Committee members asked for additional information on returns on investment and said they expect further discussion as the budget goes to full council.