ONTARIO — Ontario City Council approved its 2026 permanent appropriations Monday evening during a special meeting.

The budget totals $21,227,596, a decrease of $116,708 from the 2025 total of $21,344,304.

Fourth Ward Councilman and finance chair Jason Bilyj said the city continues to prioritize responsible spending.

“Ontario always operates within its means,” he added. “That’s a good thing because we only spend money on what we need to.”

Leaders emphasize flexibility, taxpayer focus

Bilyj said the council keeps taxpayers at the center of budget decisions.

“That also shows you we have the potential of doing something bigger,” he added. “If we have plans to expand or a major priority for residents or businesses, we have that ability.”

He noted the recent unanimous rejection of a rezoning proposal on Walker Lake Road as an example of resident input shaping decisions.

“We know now that Walker Lake Road is going to have to be expanded,” Bilyj said. “I want to answer the concerns residents raised, and I’m glad we have savings to rely on.”

Bilyj said the current budget closely mirrors last year’s spending plan.

Major expenses, projects outlined for 2026

The largest single-line appropriations include $1,970,000 for police salaries (up from $1,908,000 in 2025), $1,965,000 for Mansfield sewer payments (up slightly from $1,957,000), and $1,400,000 for self-insurance claims (down from $1,800,000).

Council also included funding for the 2026 waterline replacement project.

The Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) waterline looping and replacement project totals $566,768 in the 2026 budget.

During Monday evening’s meeting Council voted for the Mayor, or his designee (Service Safety Director), to sign a contract with Underground Utilities, Inc. for the project.

“I think the dollar amount went up because when the designer came back with the bid package, we awarded it at a higher amount and adjusted the budget to reflect that,” Bilyj said.

He added the budget reflects updated priorities from current leadership.

“The temporary budget came before new members were sworn in,” he added. “Now we have new people, new priorities and a different leadership style – these numbers reflect what we need today.”

Bilyj said he had spoken with Mayor Josh Bradley about starting budget discussions earlier this year.

Reports beginning in June could help the council evaluate needs and prepare for the 2027 budget, he said.

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