Cleveland Heights Special Council Committee of the Whole Budget Hearing Session 2 November 5, 2026

Cleveland Heights City Council Committee of the Whole held a 2027 budget hearing on November 5, 2026, reviewing IT, Communications, Human Resources, Municipal Court, and Planning and Development. No votes or contract awards were recorded. IT described recurring Microsoft 365 licensing costs moved into operating expenses, a planned migration to Microsoft’s government cloud to meet CJIS requirements, and continued investment in cybersecurity, backup storage, and hardware replacement. The citywide camera upgrade is expected to finish by year-end. IT is also implementing DocuSign as a centralized contract lifecycle system; Communications said the website project is being led with CivicPlus, with no related expense in IT’s budget. Communications discussed replacing four digital signs over two years and confirmed funding to mail the Focus magazine to every city parcel twice in 2027. HR is completing its transition to ADP payroll, with a planned January 2027 go-live, and is developing performance evaluation, training, and digital benefits processes.

Planning and Development reported ongoing code updates, housing and transportation projects, and increased funding for nuisance abatement. The budget includes $50,000 for ADA transition-plan projects and funding for pedestrian safety work; the department expects to pursue grants, while noting uncertainty around federal transportation funding. Council discussed a $216,000 Nobility Court set-aside for neighborhood projects and plans to advance developer interest in the Mayfield Triangle through a future RFQ/RFP. Members also requested further information on housing and economic assistance programs and discussed whether future CDBG allocations should place greater emphasis on city services. The Municipal Court reported no major spending changes; its special projects fund holds about $2.3 million, with potential uses including community-service changes, facility improvements, and technology upgrades, while a grant request for electronic rent-escrow processing remains pending.