ONTARIO ─ Ontario City Council passed the city’s 2021 final budget at $16,143,333 on Wednesday night.
The original proposed budget was slightly over $16.1 million. After a discussion at the finance committee, the city increased the expense for the 4th of July fireworks and other special events from $10,000 to $50,000.
Dave Rehfeldt, at-large council member and finance committee chairman, said the city will have about $90,000 of the deficit “on paper” this year. But it should be able to have more revenue than projected.
He said Ontario just sold the press prep building on the former General Motor’s site to Industrial Commercial Properties for about $500,000. He believed the city would do better on the revenues throughout the year and the budget eventually will reach a zero balance.
Ontario Mayor Randy Hutchinson said the city will work on road improvements at Marshall Park this year, moving the south part of Cal Miller Lane slightly to the west and rearranging the parking lot next to the soccer field.
He also said Ontario will work with the Ohio Department of Transportation to conduct a paving project on Stumbo Road between State Route 309 and Ferguson Road.
In addition, council passed amendments to the business-district regulations. Zoning inspector Michael Morton said previously the city only allowed single-family homes and duplexes to be built in the business district before the amendment. The site plan had to be approved by the zoning inspector.
Morton said building a multi-unit residence such as an apartment complex in the business district is a better way to use the property when comparing with a construction of a single-family home or duplex. The amenities are nearby and residents can easily get the needed supplies and services.
The amendment allows the construction of storefronts with residential units above. Morton said that type of project is more common now. It has to be approved by the Planning Commission to make sure the roadways can handle the traffic flow and there are enough parking spaces.
Council also voted to authorize Hutchinson to sign a new sewage treatment contract with the City of Mansfield, bringing Ontario’s plan of building its own wastewater treatment plant to an end. Mansfield City Council approved entering the new contract at its Tuesday meeting.
Ontario had been working on building its own wastewater treatment plant. The tentative location was at the west end of Nussbaum Parkway, part of the industrial park. Hutchinson said the two cities will announce the new contract’s details after it’s signed.
“It’s beneficial for both cities,” he said of the pact.
Council president Eddie Gallo said he appreciated both Ontario and Mansfield for the diligence put into this effort over the years. He said Ontario and the city council have been under pressure about building a wastewater treatment plant. But they have always looked for the best interests of the citizens.
He said he understands those interests can sometimes collide with the interest of others. He appreciated people who shared their opinions.
Additionally, council finished the first reading of amendments to regulations for city park use on Wednesday night. The amendments will allow alcohol sales and consumption at parks during special events.
The Ontario Park Committee has been in the discussion of promoting events and encouraging more people to use the parks. Committee chairman and 4th Ward Councilman Josh Bradley said events such as Concerts in the Park have grown in popularity over the years. The regulation change will offer an opportunity for alcohol sales and perhaps attract more people to the activities.
Hutchinson said an event organizer would have to file a temporary permit application to the Ohio Liquor Control Division and get approval from the city before allowing alcohol sales at special events.
