Library holds mill levy flat as commission reviews 2027 budget priorities including streets, golf course and reserves

Library Director Chartier told the commission July 15 that the Ottawa Library is proposing a mill levy of 8.594 and has managed costs by reducing some automation and administrative expenses while meeting state requirements for staffing and materials. “Ottawa Library has always been good stewards of taxpayer funds,” Chartier said, noting cardholder composition (66% city residents, 22% Franklin County and 12% others).

Finance Director Landis reviewed citywide priorities for the 2027 budget: a newly established quality-of-life sales-tax fund (0.5¢ of a renewed 1¢) expected to begin receipts after July 1 with an estimated $725,000 for late 2026 and a planning estimate of roughly $2.1 million going forward for initial budgeting. Staff proposed applying a portion of those receipts to a pavement-preservation plan and transferring funds to a special streets fund; the pavement program was estimated at about $1.72 million over the next few years. Landis also described a plan to add about $90,000 annually to a risk-management reserve to address rising property/casualty costs.

He noted the city’s outstanding debt balances are just over $11 million and reminded commissioners that a portion of debt-service payments are supported by utilities and other funds. Commissioners asked for follow-up details on investment-income assumptions and the general‑fund impacts; staff said additional conversations would occur before adoption.