TOLEDO, Ohio — Toledoans are encouraged to give their input on how the city plans to spend its money next year, all $365,231,389 of it.
City council member George Sarantou, who chairs the committee that oversees the budget, explained at a meeting on Wednesday the variety of ways that citizens can learn about the budget and provide feedback on it.
"The budget is not a done deal. We have a lot of work ahead of us. It's the administration's proposal and council will now basically go through, with a fine-tooth comb, all of the proposals from each of the departments," he said. "We want the public to participate. We need the public to participate."
One way to learn about it is through hearings on different aspects of the budget, which are held by committee chairs in the chambers at One Government Center. These can be attended in person, watched live online or watched via recordings uploaded afterward. To watch online, click here
According to the city's calendar, the following hearings are scheduled for the rest of the year:
- Mobility, Sustainability and Beautification | 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 21
- Housing, Community Development and Code Compliance | 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 22
- Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform | 3 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2
- Regional Growth, Development and Small Business Enterprise | 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3
- Parks, Education, Recreation and Health | 3 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9
- Water Quality | 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10
- Zoning and Planning | 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10
- Intergovernmental and Administrative Services | 10 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12
A final hearing will be held early next year. Council must vote on the budget by March 31.
You can also call council at 419-245-1050 and send emails to individual council members at the addresses listed on the city's website.
The 2025 city budget would invest heavily in public safety and youth programming and complete major construction and revitalization projects, Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz told WTOL 11 last week, the same day his administration delivered its proposal to council.
The mayor has also noted the city must use its remaining American Rescue Plan funds by 2026, which will cut into possible investments in the future. Bond rating agencies also see a positive future for Toledo with S&P upgrading its rating and Moody's improving its financial outlook.
A detailed explanation of the proposal is available on the city's website by clicking here. The city also released a heavily condensed version highlighting key features, which you can read below.