Hello Worthington! Here's your recap of what happened at Monday's City Council meeting. Below are brief summaries of the most significant discussions. For those interested in the full details, we've included links to longer articles where appropriate.
First Look at the 2027 Budget
City Manager Robyn Stewart and Finance Director Scott Bartter gave council its first look at the city's proposed 2027 operating budget, which plans to spend 4.72% more from the general fund than this year's budget, including a $2.5 million transfer toward capital projects. The city expects to spend more than it takes in over the next five years, drawing its reserves down each year through 2031 while keeping them above its target. Council Member Glen Pratt pressed staff on whether the capital spending is enough to catch up on decades-old water and sewer infrastructure, and separately floated delaying a planned park shelter project to help fund food composting, an item council takes up again at its Oct. 19 meeting. Council also saw funding for a long-sought study of the city's water and sewer surcharge, which hasn't increased since the 1950s.
The city's general fund balance peaks in 2025, then declines each year through 2031 while staying above 35% of the prior year's spending (red line), the low end of the city's target. From the video at 45:46.
In Other News
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Money & Spending
- September financial report. Income tax collections topped $27 million for the month, essentially flat compared with last September. The city's second-half property tax distribution, normally received in August, is expected Oct. 23 and will appear in next month's report.
- Where the city's income tax really comes from. Council asked Finance Director Scott Bartter how much of the city's income tax, 66% of all revenue, actually comes from Worthington residents versus people who work in the city but live elsewhere. Bartter didn't have the resident-only breakdown on hand but agreed residents account for a small share; most of it comes from people who work in Worthington but live elsewhere, plus corporate net-profit filings.
Policy Agenda Updates
- Comprehensive plan feedback push. With the Worthington Together comprehensive plan coming to council for a presentation Oct. 19, council members pushed for one more round of public outreach beforehand; as of the meeting, only one resident had emailed feedback directly to council (years of comments have come in separately through the community committee and the Municipal Planning Commission).
- E-bike and e-scooter rules. Council didn't take new action on its proposed e-bike and e-scooter ordinance, which remains scheduled for a vote Nov. 2. Members agreed the city's social-media push should now focus on the comprehensive plan rather than e-bikes, saying e-bike outreach has already drawn a strong response.
- License-plate cameras. A council member reiterated interest in revisiting the city's Flock camera program, already scheduled to return to council in December.
Notable
- A push to honor Thomas Worthington's field hockey champions. Council Member Pete Bucher raised a request from parent advocates to add city signage honoring Thomas Worthington's four-time state champion field hockey team, potentially using new pool-fence frontage. Other council members said the request should go to the Worthington school board first, since Thomas Worthington is only part of the larger district, and raised budget concerns about new spending during projected deficit years; council agreed to informal outreach to gauge the school board's position before any further discussion, possibly at a joint meeting early next year.
- Outdoor pool construction update. Council members toured the new outdoor pool under construction and reported the project remains on track, with pools going in and no major weather delays, ahead of next year's swim season.
Boards & Commissions
- Council Member Pete Bucher reported on COTA's upcoming board retreat with a fuller report to come at the next meeting.
- Council met in executive session to discuss the appointment and compensation of public officials; no public action was taken.
Upcoming Dates
Monday, October 19, 6 p.m. — Ribbon-cutting at Wilson Hill Park celebrating the new playground and resurfaced courts, 1025 Ridgedale Dr. E.
Monday, October 19, 7 p.m. — Next City Council meeting, with departmental budget discussion.
Tuesday, October 20, 6 p.m. — Parks & Recreation Commission, Worthington Community Center.
Monday, October 26, 6 p.m. — Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Board, Planning and Building Training Room, 374 Highland Ave.
Wednesday, October 28, 7 p.m. — Community Engagement Fair, Community Center North Gym — meet local groups and explore volunteer opportunities.
Tuesday, November 3 — Election Day: Worthington voters decide four proposed City Charter amendments Issues 35–38.
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Thanks for reading this summary of the City Council meeting, you can watch the original full video here