Bellefontaine City Council approved emergency legislation Monday night, Feb. 24, authorizing a new electric service agreement for municipally owned and operated facilities, while also advancing the city’s 2026 budget and adopting ordinances related to airport improvements and municipal court staffing.
Council adopted an ordinance authorizing the Service-Safety Director to enter into a 48-month electric service agreement with Dynegy Energy Services East, LLC for city facilities only. The agreement locks in an electric supply rate of 0.08128 per kilowatt hour, compared with AES Ohio’s current 0.0945 rate.
Service-Safety Director Wes Dodds said the contract will help stabilize utility costs for city operations amid continued volatility in the energy market. He noted that wholesale electric prices can change daily, making timing critical.
Because of that volatility, council voted to waive the 48-hour notification requirement and the three-reading rule, allowing the ordinance to pass on first and final reading.
Law Director Joshua Stolly said the situation illustrates why emergency language is sometimes necessary.
Council also passed on first-reading only the city’s 2026 permanent appropriations ordinance, which sets spending authority for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2026.
City Auditor Fred Brentlinger reported the 2026 general fund budget totals approximately $15.5 million, up from $14.7 million in 2025, an increase of about 5.1 percent. Brentlinger said the increase is driven primarily by wages and personnel-related costs, reflecting a citywide pay adjustment.
Across all funds, the city’s total 2026 budget is approximately $47.4 million, compared with about $45 million last year. Brentlinger noted that the increase is largely tied to capital spending rather than expanded day-to-day operations.
Roughly $7 million of the 2026 total is dedicated to the Hoffman Pool project. When that one-time capital expense is removed, Brentlinger said the city is actually operating on less overall funding in 2026 than in 2025, underscoring a conservative approach to operations.
On third reading, council approved legislation authorizing the Service-Safety Director to seek bids and enter into contracts for runway, taxiway lighting and signage improvements at the Bellefontaine Regional Airport. The project carries an estimated cost of $2.92 million, with full funding provided by the Federal Aviation Administration and state grant sources.
Councilwoman Jenna James noted the airport project is unusual in one respect in that bids are advertised and contracts are entered into before grant funding is received.
Council also approved, on second and final reading, an ordinance creating a full-time deputy bailiff/probation officer position for Bellefontaine Municipal Court, authorizing the municipal judge and clerk of court to proceed with hiring. Officials said the position is needed to support court operations and caseload demands.
Mayor David A. Crissman reported the city recently completed three days of firefighter interviews, resulting in a new eligibility list. Fire Chief Brian Wilson said 13 candidates ultimately completed interviews, marking one of the strongest applicant pools the department has seen in years.
Dodds also reported that city officials conducted five police candidate interviews. Police Chief Chris Marlow said the department is preparing for four retirements over the next year, including supervisory and specialized positions, and emphasized the lengthy training process required for new officers.
Dodds also updated council on renewed black vulture activity at the former Mills Brothers home on the corner of Eastern and Columbus avenues.
He said the city is coordinating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and working with affected residents on consistent, non-lethal harassment methods such as “bird banger” flare-style guns to encourage the birds to relocate.
Parks Superintendent Rick Reed, who began his role Feb. 2, provided updates on multiple projects. Reed said underground work at Harmon Field is nearing completion, with above-ground construction to follow.
Reed said the Hoffman Pool will operate a shortened season, opening May 23 and closing Aug. 1, weather permitting. Because of the abbreviated season, pool pass prices have been adjusted.
He also announced a reciprocal agreement with the Hilliker YMCA. When the pool closes in August, Hoffman Pool passholders will be able to swim at the YMCA. During a three-week YMCA closure in June, YMCA members will be able to use Hoffman Pool.
Olivia Covey, Downtown Bellefontaine Partnership event coordinator, reported the recent Chocolate Walk event drew more than 140 participants, with businesses reporting strong sales. Covey said preparations are underway for St. Patrick’s Day festivities on March 14, as well as summer events and an America 250 parade planned for September.
Council also appointed Council President Ben Stahler and Dodds as the city’s representatives for a tax incentive review council meeting in March, where city and county officials will review enterprise zone agreements, tax increment financing districts and community reinvestment areas.
The next regular city council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Ordinance and resolution action
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26-07 — Permanent appropriations (2026 budget)
Ordinance making permanent appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures during the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2026.
Passed on first reading only. -
R26-08 — Logan County Cooperative Power & Light support
Resolution supporting Logan County Cooperative Power and Light Association to provide electric power to properties on Wren Avenue, Michigan Street, East Lake Avenue and Ludlow Road.
Passed on first reading only. -
26-09 — Electric service agreement (municipal facilities only)
Ordinance authorizing an electric service agreement with Dynegy Energy Services East, LLC for city-owned and operated facilities.
48-hour rule waived; three-reading rule waived; passed on first and final reading. -
26-04 — Deputy bailiff/probation officer position
Ordinance creating a full-time deputy bailiff/probation officer position for Bellefontaine Municipal Court.
Three-reading rule waived; passed on second and final reading. -
26-02 — Airport runway and taxiway lighting project
Ordinance authorizing bids and contracts for runway and taxiway lighting improvements at the Bellefontaine Regional Airport.
Passed on third reading.
