Cleveland Heights Council Committee of the Whole November 9, 2026

Cleveland Heights City Council Committee of the Whole met on November 9, 2026, primarily to review the proposed 2027 budget department by department. No contracts or procurements were awarded and no budget approvals were voted on; the appropriations ordinance was expected to receive its first reading on November 16. Council discussed a proposed $1.142 million fire engine acquisition, planned as a capital lease, and debated whether cash reserves could be used instead, while noting that reserves may be needed for future personnel increases and the city’s financial position. Public Works reported that current-year road work totals about $5.3 million, including $150,000 in CDBG funds, and discussed a proposed $3.25 million road allocation, project capacity, utility coordination, and the possibility of identifying additional funds early in 2027 for an early bid. The director said the final street list would depend on bidding, winter conditions, and coordination with water and gas projects.

Council questioned the Law Department’s $475,000 outside-counsel budget but deferred detailed discussion pending the law director’s return; no change was made. Members also discussed a possible future city contract for wildlife-related animal-control services, with further exploration planned for a public safety committee discussion and a future budget. Planning staff said the Noble Road comprehensive plan could be completed within the available budget, with a Third Space community-engagement contract expected to be covered by the current-year budget; streetscape planning and related implementation funding were also discussed. The meeting additionally reviewed housing-program funds, including about $1.3 million in accumulated HOME program funds, and nuisance-abatement allocations, but made no procurement decisions.