Finance, tax deadlines, and Shelby projects highlight updates
At the recent Shelby City Council meeting, officials provided key updates on the city’s financial status, the appropriations process, and important reminders for the upcoming income tax filing deadline.
Speaking at the Feb. 20 meeting, Councilman Nathan Martin and City Finance Director Brian Crum highlighted the city’s financial standing as of Jan. 31.
“The general fund has a cash balance, as of Jan. 31st, of $1.7 million, less encumbrances is $1.4 million,” said Martin, Finance and Personnel Committee chairman.
He noted the early point in the year did not provide enough information to identify trends but affirmed the importance of transparency by moving to make financial statements available to the public.
“Our cash on hand treasury is at $14,117,945,” Martin added, proposing that the combined financial statement and cash investment reconciliation statement, both dated January 31st, 2024, be received, placed on file and posted to the city website.
The motion, seconded by Councilman Derrin Roberts, was put forward and approved 5-0 to ensure these documents would be accessible for public review, reinforcing the council’s commitment to transparency.
Later, Crum provided further insights into the city’s financial operations, particularly focusing on the intensive appropriations process.
“Appropriations have really consumed my life for the last several weeks,” Crum said, expressing gratitude towards council members and city staff for their dedication.
Referencing City Council members and members of the municipal government administration, Crum invited suggestions on last-minute budget adjustments, emphasizing the collaborative effort in financial planning.
“I’d love to hear it in the next day or so, so that way I can get some projections for you guys” on Feb. 24, Crum said, highlighting the ongoing nature of the budget process.
Crum also shared that the state auditor was conducting the city’s annual audit and noted the beginning of city income tax returns coming in.
He took the opportunity to remind residents of the April 15 deadline for filing or extending tax returns as well as first quarter estimates.
“If you’re talking to anybody about taxes, please let them know that,” Crum urged
Beyond financial updates, Councilman at-large Steve Mclaughlin discussed key city projects slated for 2024.
The street paving projects for 2024 include West Smiley Avenue, Glenwood Drive, East Madison Avenue, East Gaylord Avenue, East Maxwell Drive, Independence Drive, and Seneca Drive. The estimated paving cost is $485,000.
City of Shelby project coordinator Joe Gies said he had spoken with the city’s engineer about the street repaving project.
“He’s finalizing the plans for all the curb ramps,” Gies said. “We hope to have that at the first (council) meeting in March for approval.”
Earlier, Mclaughlin also addressed the planned Mickey Road reconstruction.
“The reconstruction of Mickey Road from Mansfield Avenue to South Gamble Street would install storm sewer, under drains, curbs, gutters, drive aprons and pavement,” said Mclaughlin, Utilities and Streets Committee chairman.
The estimated project cost is $3,810,000, which will be split 80/20, he said. The city’s contribution is $762,000, and the estimated federal/ state contribution is $3,048,000.
Shelby’s project cost in 2024 for this is $61,000 for engineering fees. Construction is estimated to start in the fourth quarter of 2027. The construction end date estimated is the third quarter of 2028, he said.
“On a side note, the (administration) is working on a strategic plan to place a temporary surface coat on Mickey Road,” Mclaughlin said.
His final update was on the video surveillance project to install cameras.
“The final step is installing cameras and setting up on the network,” Mclaughlin said.
The anticipated completion date is April. Camera locations will be Black Fork Commons Park, Mcbride Park, Rabold Park, Seltzer Park North, Seltzer Park South, Veterans Park, and then both reservoirs 2 and 3.
Some of Shelby’s parks have been hit by widespread vandalism in recent years, prompting the camera project that’s been years in the making.
Separately, Mclaughlin provided new information on Shelby’s effort to become part of the Purple Heart Trail.
Outside research shows that the number of Purple Heart recipients in the area is up to 188.
“It includes more than just the city of Shelby” the review of Shelby Daily Globe information, “obituaries and all, which includes folks from the area such as Pymouth and Shiloh,” Mclaughlin said.
Shelby Mayor Steve Schag said the city is working on securing signs to mark the pending Purple Heart Trail designation.
“So we’re trying to get those here as soon as we can and continue to move forward with the posting
of that signage and kind of a little bit of a ceremony with that,” he said.
Schag addressed the City Council on Feb. 20, spotlighting a series of engagements and accomplishments within the community, including recognizing local businesses and resolving a decades-old missing person’s case.
During the council meeting, Mayor Schag took the opportunity to outline his recent activities, which ranged from attending key community events to celebrating the achievements of Shelby’s citizens and businesses.
On Feb. 6, Mayor Schag participated in the monthly board of health staff meeting. The following day, he joined local business leaders and community partners at the Richland Area Chamber and Economic Development Annual Dinner.
It was there that Lloyd Rebar was honored as one of the three economic excellence awardees in Richland County.
“I was so pleased to see our own Lloyd Rebar recognized...so congratulations to (owners) Jared and Lindsey Mawhorr and their hardworking
team,” Schag remarked, underscoring the significance of local enterprise and community support.
The mayor’s engagements continued with his participation in a Zoom meeting with the Board of Trustees of the Community Action Commission of Erie, Huron, and Richland County on Feb. 8. This was followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 9 for Whispering Willow Way, a farmhouse chic boutique. This new business venture at 41 E. Main St. adds to the uniqueness of downtown Shelby, the mayor said.
Highlighting a significant achievement in local law enforcement, Mayor Schag shared the resolution of a missing person’s case dating back to 1945, solved by Shelby police detective Adam Turner.
“So kudos to detective Turner for his fine work. If you ever know somebody’s that missing, you know the guy to turn to,” Schag said.
“He can find them if anybody can,” Schag said of Turner.
Go to shelbydailyglobe.com to read about the case of Mary Jane Croft Vangilder and how it was solved.