Cambridge City Council is poised to adopt the 2018 budget.
Meeting Monday, Council’s Finance Committee examined the final draft of the document.
"There are no major changes in any of the departments," said city Auditor Suellen Johnson. "Revenue is going to stay flat in the General Fund."
The proposed budget slots in at $29,715,340.55. Johnson praised department heads for their frugality regarding spending.
On a related note, the committee approved the non-union salary ordinance for 2018. To mirror the raises granted union employees, 50 more cents per hour was approved for most staff.
Raises were configured differently for those taking on additional duties.
In other action, city Engineer Jeff McConaughy received approval to apply for and enter into contract with the Ohio Department of Transportation for three programs.
Through the Small Cities funding, ODOT would pay 95 percent of construction costs for a project to resurface Clark Street from Edgeworth Avenue north to the city corporation limit, including pavement planning, west side sidewalk replacement and the application of thermoplastic pavement markings.
Total cost is $206,960, with ODOT paying $196,613. The project is slated for 2021.
The city previously received funding for the Steubenville Avenue project, to be performed in 2021. However, this did not include provisions for new sidewalks and lighting, McConaughy said. If Transportation Alternatives funding is received, seven-foot sidewalks and decorative lighting would be added to the project, which carries a total price tag of about $1.7 million.
The full cost (up to $400,000) of work through the Safe Routes to School funding would also be paid by ODOT. McConaughy is eyeing pouring new sidewalks along North 10th Street between Steubenville and Foster avenues, and installing two flashing beacons along Gomber Avenue and North Seventh Street.
A contract for the year with the ciy band was approved. The $4,000 has reportedly remained unchanged for several decades.
The committee agrred to reappoint Dennis Doutt and Eric Johnson to two-year terms to the Income Tax Board of Review. The mayor’s appointment is Mike Sikora. The board meets as needed to examine and resolve issues.
All committee-approved items must meet with approval by the full council before they become law. Council is scheduled to next meet at 6 p.m. Feb. 12.
ddavis@daily-jeff.com