Cleveland Heights Finance Committee November 18, 2025

The Cleveland Heights City Council Finance Committee meeting on November 18, 2025, focused extensively on the city's financial management, budgeting process, and upcoming fiscal challenges. Key topics included the transition in finance leadership with the appointment of an acting finance director, the status of the 2023 and 2024 audits, and the goal to pass the 2026 budget before year-end to provide operational stability. Discussions highlighted the need for adjustments in the budget, particularly regarding capital projects such as street improvements and an arts assessment for Noble Road, with considerations for funding sources including unencumbered balances and grant reimbursements. The committee also addressed the importance of maintaining a healthy unencumbered fund balance aligned with best practices, the timing and management of bond rating services in relation to audit completions, and the planned transition to a new payroll system (ADP) in early 2026. Additionally, the meeting covered the development of a grant request process to streamline funding requests from organizations and the scheduling of future committee meetings to address ongoing financial and administrative matters.