Council delays authorization to hire special counsel for proposed facilities bond after members seek more details

The Orange Village Council voted to table Ordinance 2026-14, which would have authorized special counsel to advise the village on financing capital projects, following extended discussion about timing, project details and community outreach.

Council members debated whether to authorize Bricker & Eckler to begin drafting ballot-ready legislation and millage calculations tied to what was described at public meetings as a roughly $17.9–$18 million facilities proposal for police, fire and village hall needs. Opponents on the dais said they did not yet have enough information on timing, the project’s location, or how the proposed bond would coordinate with the school board’s ballot plans; supporters said legal work was a necessary early step to prepare accurate ballot language and millage numbers.

Councilwoman Vincent told colleagues she wanted specific information before supporting any ballot authorization, saying, “I want a traffic study. I want to know what our plan is. I want to know how we plan on coordinating with the school board,” and asked that neighbors and stakeholders be engaged before a vote. The mayor said legal counsel was needed to draft the preliminary legislative documents and to meet county deadlines for millage calculations, while acknowledging that the council could later remove an item from the ballot if the body decided against proceeding.

After the discussion, a motion to table Ordinance 2026-14 until next week passed on roll call. The roll call recorded the following 'yes' votes: Foster, Vincent, Kurland, Ner, Boil and Perry. Council members said the extra week should be used for one-on-one briefings with the mayor and for staff to gather materials members requested — including a traffic study, clearer coordination plans with the school board and neighborhood outreach — so the council can make a more informed decision at the next meeting.

What’s next: The ordinance will return to the council agenda; council members and staff said they may add a special July meeting to meet election-calendar deadlines if the body chooses to move forward. The mayor said he will meet individually with council members before next week’s meeting to answer questions and share project background.