Gahanna residents can attend two scheduled public hearings on how the city spends their tax dollars in 2027, with public hearings set for Nov. 16 and Dec. 7.

The city announced Nov. 2 that its 2027 Operating and Capital Budget process is underway. Budget discussions will continue every Monday through Dec. 21 at Finance Committee meetings held after Regular Council or Committee of the Whole meetings. Both public hearings begin at 7 p.m. during Regular Council meetings.

The proposed budget presentation is posted on the city's website for residents to review before the hearings.

What's in the capital plan

A September draft of the 2027 capital budget requested approximately $22.1 million, according to a Committee of the Whole presentation by Senior Director of Operations Kevin Schultz.

Transportation and mobility is the largest slice at approximately $9.2 million. That includes West Johnstown Road improvements, design work for the Stygler Road, Agler Road and U.S. 62 intersection project, and the annual street and sidewalk programs. Schultz described the Stygler-Agler-U.S. 62 project as a major future undertaking, with full design estimated at $2.5 million to $3 million and construction at $20 million to $30 million.

Utility projects account for approximately $5.1 million, including $1.75 million in pump station improvements and $2.2 million for the Gahanna Lincoln High School capacity improvement project. Parks and recreation projects total about $3.7 million, covering playground equipment, park renovations, trails and pool infrastructure. The draft also included $120,000 to continue aquatics feasibility work for the Gahanna Swimming Pool facility.

Tighter revenue projections

The capital plan reflects reduced income tax growth assumptions. Finance Director Bury lowered the assumed annual income tax growth rate from 4% to 2% based on 2026 performance, Schultz told the committee. That reduction lowered projected resources for capital improvements by approximately $3.6 million across all income-tax-supported funds, including about $1.1 million within the Capital Fund.

At the Aug. 17 Finance Committee meeting, Bury noted economic headwinds including state-level property tax reform discussions, higher energy costs, tariff-related cost increases and rising inflation.

Still, the city's General Fund balance stood at approximately $48 million as of the second quarter of 2026, Bury reported. After accounting for $10.9 million in encumbrances and a $10 million emergency reserve, approximately $26.9 million remained, covering about nine months of operating expenses.

Strategic priorities shaping the budget

Finance Committee Chair Stephen A. Renner led an Aug. 3 discussion on aligning the city's strategic plan with the 2027 budget. The administration identified three priority areas: Creekside: A Strategy, Not Just a Street; Connected Service: One Call, One Answer; and Quality of Place: Safe, Sustainable and Strong.

The Creekside flood mitigation and plaza project carries an estimated cost of $23 million to $24 million. Schultz said the city had not finalized its funding package and expected to bring more information to council in early January 2027.

The city has approximately $35 million to $45 million in pending grant applications across multiple projects, Schultz said, crediting Management Analyst Sean Bock's work pursuing outside funding.

How to participate

The first public hearing is Monday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m. during the Regular Council meeting. The second is Monday, Dec. 7, at the same time. Finance Committee budget discussions continue every Monday through Dec. 21.