Plain City Council recently approved a 2022 budget that looks toward the future.
Village Administrator Haley Lupton said that planned spending will revolve around an emphasis on infrastructure, employee retention, long-term fiscal health, economic development and recreational opportunities.
“In keeping with the vision of the community’s comprehensive plan, the village strives to maintain its small town feel that makes the area attractive, while updating infrastructure and technology to support a new era of improvements and service delivery,” Lupton wrote in a letter to council and residents.
A budget overview from Lupton noted that revenues are expected to increase to $31,458,149 in 2022, including $17.5 million in loan revenue that will be received for the construction of the wastewater treatment plant.
Without the loan proceeds, there will still be a 1.21% increase in revenue over 2021, she explained.
Lupton noted that the village “took a very conservative approach in estimated revenues for 2020 and 2021 based on the COVID-19 impact to the community.”
Still, she said income tax revenue “remains strong” and is projected to increase as the village focuses on economic development in 2022.
The 2022 operating budget prioritizes the wastewater treatment plant expansion; paving projects; website redesign; construction of a new public works garage; reconstruction of Noteman, Shepper, Converse and North avenues; progress on the Uptown streetscape project and investment in village parks and events.
As far as infrastructure, Lupton said deferred maintenance “must be addressed head on.”
The budget includes funds for an expanded street paving program that will begin earlier in the season and pave more miles than in previous years.
Sanitary sewer inflow and infiltration issues throughout the community will be addressed, Lupton said, while water main valves will be repaired and replaced.
The budget also accounts for the need to increase staffing numbers as the village grows.
A 2021 compensation study completed in-house calls for the creation of three new positions in 2022, as well as five more by 2024.
Staff training opportunities will also be increased, Lupton wrote.
The budget also allocates monies to be used “to remain a competitive and attractive location for new businesses and residents,” Lupton wrote.
Economic development measures will include a rebuild and relaunch of the village’s website, along with the planning and implementation of new branding throughout Plain City.
Lupton noted that an Uptown Improvement Plan intended to guide future redevelopment and public investment will also be developed.
A rewrite of the zoning code will be put in place next year.
The village administrator said the 2022 budget allows for increased recreation offerings and community events.
It allocates funds for improved WiFi at Pastime Park, improvements to livestreaming of council meetings, construction of a dog park and continued pool and park improvements.
Funding is also set aside for community-wide events like the Fourth of July celebration, Halloween at the Park, Christmas events and the Farmers Market.
Aside from short-term projects and improvements, Lupton noted that strengthening the village’s financial health is a “top priority.”
With the exception of the planned expansion of the wastewater treatment plant, Lupton said the utilization of debt financing will be reduced in 2022 compared to recent years.
“This shift in funding strategy is driven by the need to cap the amount of annual debt service in future years and the realization of increased revenues manifested by recent development growth,” she wrote.
Overall, she said the 2022 budget is intended to meet the needs of residents and achieve council goals.
“Staff will continue to prioritize responsible fiscal management and ever-improving service delivery,” Lupton wrote.