Columbus, Indiana Development News

City Council Approves Multiple Budget Ordinances for 2026, Addressing 911 Operations, Insurance Claims, Capital Projects, and Grants

The City Council approved ordinances for additional appropriations and fund transfers for the budget year 2026. Ordinance Number 2026 (Item A) involves an additional appropriation of $370,000 from the general fund for 911 operations capital expenditures, including a Motorola Core radio system replacement and a UPS system. Ordinance Number 2026 (Item B) provides an additional appropriation of $325,000 from the public safety lit fund for 911 operations and Central Square technology services. Ordinance Number 2026 (Item C) addresses the insurance non-reverting fund, requesting an additional appropriation of $5.5 million for high medical claim expenses and a $2.6 million transfer from the general fund to maintain a comfortable fund balance. Ordinance Number 2026 (Item E) is for an additional appropriation of $114,000 from the general fund for a City Hall glass repair ($100,000) and chair purchases ($14,000). Ordinance Number 2026 (Item F) is an additional appropriation of $103,192 from the general fund for MPO carryover funds. Ordinance Number 2026 (Item G) is an additional appropriation of $70,000 from the motor vehicle highway fund for unforeseen vehicle repairs. Ordinance Number 2026 (Item H) is an additional appropriation of $294,000 from the Streetscape Non-Reverting Fund for downtown trash/recycling receptacles ($125,000), banner/flag holder repairs ($19,000), and landscaping for parking lot 10 ($150,000). Ordinance Number 2026 (Item I) appropriates $529,460 from park bond proceeds for various Nexus Park projects, including HVAC system adjustments, skylight repairs, roof replacement, corridor lighting, and fitness center build-out, while setting aside $80,000 for arbitrage rebate to the Department of Revenue. Ordinance Number 2026 (Item J) requests an additional appropriation of $3,503,750 in R.E.A.D.Y. grant dollars for the animal care shelter ($1,753,750), Columbus Gateway project ($500,000), Lincoln Park turf ($1,225,000), and transit bus shelters ($25,000).