Cleveland Heights · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cleveland Heights public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Senior home repair loan program equity
Council approved $400,000 more for the Home Repair Resource Center's exterior repair program — up to $8,000 per homeowner for households at 80–120% of area median income. Funds come from ARPA dollars already earmarked, and there's already a queue of homeowners waiting.
Declining city fund balances in Q3 2026
The unencumbered General Fund balance is about $17.5 million, roughly $2.5 million under the $20 million target, partly from an unanticipated workers' comp payment. Council is being warned to scrutinize every new spending request that draws from Fund 101.
Board and Commission Vacancies
There's one open seat on the Transportation and Mobility Committee and three on the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board that council needs to fill.
ARPA spending at 86% with Noble corridor investments detailed
With 89% of $30.8 million spent, about 11% of ARPA money remains, some of it unencumbered and likely headed to Cain Park restrooms. Council member DeWitt-Foy pressed for something — possibly lighting or maintenance — for the Cedar Fairmount and Lee Road districts that got nothing from the original business assistance allocations.
2026 Tax Levies and Appropriations
The council was scheduled to consider accepting the Budget Commission's tax rates and certifying levies to the county, plus an ordinance amending 2026 appropriations. These set the city's property tax rates and spending adjustments for the year.
2026 City Appropriations Ordinance
An amended ordinance adjusting the city's 2026 spending plan was up for second reading. These mid-year tweaks keep department budgets aligned with actual needs.
Semi-annual city administrator report
The city administrator's report showed real progress: 38 streets repaved this year versus 13 last year, tripled pothole crews, more snow plows, the Denison splash pad open, and audits caught up with a bond rating reinstatement hoped for in early 2027. Residents were most dissatisfied with roads and code enforcement in the city's satisfaction survey — and the 2027 budget is being drafted with that in mind.
Unexpected expenses straining the 2026 budget
The city's finances look healthier than last year — spending exceeded revenue by about $1.7 million through July versus $6.6 million at the same point in 2025. Court fine reporting is behind due to a system transition but should catch up by end of September.
Declining resident satisfaction survey results
A scientific survey found satisfaction dropped significantly in 66 of 69 areas since 2020. Street maintenance and code enforcement are the top priorities residents want fixed, and 57% aren't satisfied with the value they get for their tax dollars.
ARPA Funds Update
88% of the city's federal pandemic money is spent, with the rest due out by year-end. Council flagged the slow-moving surveillance camera project and asked whether popular home-repair programs should become permanent budget items.
Leopardo sustainability contract debt
Utility costs rose even after the city's energy contract with Leopardo, and the city has hired Energility to independently verify promised savings. Council wants a follow-up meeting once the assessment is done.
Ward-based representation charter amendment
Multiple residents demanded a charter review commission to look at whether the at-large council structure gives neighborhoods real accountability, and criticized the lack of Black representation on council and in leadership.
Bond rating recovery and fiscal restraint
Members agreed the city should stay frugal and defer large funding requests — including a potential $200,000-$300,000 immigration-related request — until the bond rating is restored and audits are complete.
2023 and 2024 City Audits
The 2023 audit is finished and awaiting state release, and the 2024 audit is being compiled. Clean audits matter for the city's effort to rebuild its bond rating, which affects borrowing costs.
Contract Reporting Requirement Over $7,500
The city is behind on publicly posting contracts over $7,500, a transparency requirement in effect since June 2025. A weekly cross-department team and a new tracking system aim to catch up and prevent future gaps.
Appointment of Director of Finance
The mayor picked John Brodzinski to run the city's finances, and council was set to confirm the choice right after this meeting. The finance director oversees the budget, spending, and city audits.