City Council received a comprehensive overview of the proposed 2026 operating budget on November 3rd, with staff presenting highlights from various departmental budgets and major initiatives planned for the coming year.
High-Level Budget Priorities
City Manager Robyn Stewart outlined several key priorities in the proposed budget:
Major Capital Transfer
In addition to the standard $500,000 annual transfer to the capital improvements program, the budget includes a $1.2 million transfer from the general fund to help purchase a new fire engine. Stewart explained that the Capital Improvements Program (CIP) is "constrained sufficiently that we felt that it would be appropriate to use some other reserves from the general fund to help with this purchase."
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Housing Initiatives
The budget sets aside $500,000 for housing initiatives, though specific programs have not yet been determined. This follows summer discussions with City Council about potential housing strategies the city may want to pursue in the coming months.
Policy Agenda Implementation
With City Council's two-year policy agenda nearing completion, the budget includes $50,000 to support implementation of an updated policy agenda expected to be adopted following a planned council retreat in early 2026.
Deer Management
Continued funding is included for the city's deer management program, which is expected to launch in early 2026.
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No New Positions
Notably, the proposed budget does not include any new staff positions. Stewart cited the scheduled departure of a major employer from Worthington in about a year as the reason for this conservative approach, noting that new positions represent an ongoing financial commitment.
Departmental Highlights
Legislative and Clerk
- Implementation of deer management program
- Support for outdoor pool construction project
- City Council retreat and updated policy agenda
- America 250 celebration planning, including an elevated Fourth of July celebration potentially featuring a band
- Hosting delegation from sister city Sayama, Japan (tentatively July 1-5, 2026)
- Budget Addition: $17,000 for America 250 celebration
Mayor's Court
- Onboarding new court clerk
- Hiring new prosecutor to replace longtime prosecutor retiring at year-end
Administration and Economic Development
- Support for Worthington Together comprehensive plan
- Completion of outdoor pool project
- Policy agenda development
- Hiring new management assistant for economic development support (position closed last week with encouraging candidate pool)
- Supporting CIC's project on East Wilson Bridge Road
- Attracting new employers and investment, particularly for key sites including 6700 North High (former Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield building) and High North Project at Worthington Mall
- Housing strategies development
- Northeast area plan implementation and marketing
- Budget Addition: $100,000 for consulting assistance to evaluate Huntley Bowl, Rush Run, and other potential public amenities in the Northeast area
Personnel
- Continue hiring efforts
- Expand employee recognition program
- Continue citywide and departmental training programs
- Budget Addition: $10,000 to explore expanded employee assistance program offerings
Police
- Enhance employee training program with "Tomorrow's Program" looking at future evolution of law enforcement
- Expand volunteer opportunities through Police Citizens Academy alumni
- Budget Additions: Additional funding for investigative tools and reallocation of an unfilled position to create part-time property and evidence technician position
Service and Engineering
- Launch one-stop recycling/convenience center (SWACO grant recently accepted)
- Bid process for residential solid waste collection contract
- Incorporate LinkUs funding into capital projects
Parks and Recreation
- East Granville Road Park and trail system development at Moses Wright Nature area
- Community center improvements
- Support for outdoor pool foundation and construction
- Age-friendly initiatives
- Budget Addition: Additional funding for America 250 Fourth of July celebration
Planning and Building
- Wayfinding implementation
- Northeast area plan recommendations and zoning code changes
- Comprehensive plan follow-up and zoning code evaluation (expected mid-year 2026)
- Managing anticipated redevelopment projects
- Budget Addition: $75,000 to begin planning and zoning code evaluation based on comprehensive plan recommendations (expected to continue into 2027)
Fire and EMS
- Preparedness planning for community events
- Comprehensive review of emergency operations plan
- Begin delivery and training for new engine and ladder
- Update departmental operating procedures
- Budget Change: Shift funding to allow for future expansion of social service coordinator from part-time to full-time (though actual conversion will be delayed due to revenue uncertainty)
Next Steps
The budget process continues with these upcoming meetings:
- November 10: Community groups presentations (McConnell Art Center, Historical Society, Partnership, Chamber, Veterans Alliance)
- November 17: Final budget check-in and introduction of budget ordinance
- December 1: Budget adoption vote
Stewart encouraged council members to submit any additional questions or requests they may have as staff finalizes budget details, including updated estimates for various costs that were estimated in the initial proposal.
Community Group Funding
The budget continues funding for nonprofit organizations that serve the Worthington community, including an additional $20,000 for the community grant program that takes place every year in the first quarter.
Northeast Area Planning
Multiple departments referenced implementation of the Northeast Area Plan, with emphasis on both private development incentives and public infrastructure investments. The proposed consulting funding will help the city outline and begin designing recommended public amenities, setting the stage for future funding and implementation.
The budget reflects a balance between maintaining existing city services while positioning Worthington for future opportunities and challenges, particularly as the city anticipates changes in its employment base and continues comprehensive planning efforts.