By Rick Palsgrove
Southeast Editor
The city of Groveport’s proposed 2016 budget reflects the city’s growth and includes funding for several projects.
“This is a budget that is very controlled on operational costs, but strong on capital projects and programs benefiting our residents,” said Groveport City Administrator Marsha Hall.
The proposed budget estimates about $16 million in the city’s general fund for 2016, which is up from $15.5 million in 2015.
“The general fund is what funds the operation of the city. It’s what makes the city tick,” said Groveport Finance Director Jeff Green.
The city’s 2016 income tax revenue is estimated to be $15.5 million compared to $14.8 million in 2015.
Budget highlights
•The budget features funding for $914,000 worth of projects at The Links at Groveport golf course, including $454,000 for the hillside project, $100,000 to reconfigure and move golf hole #9 (including reconfiguring the cart path), and $360,000 to add 58 parking spaces to the golf course parking lot.
Hall said the hillside project entails cutting down the hill and reconfiguring the path leading from the parking lot to the building to be ADA accessible, rebuilding the steps from the lot to the building, adding new lighting to both the path and the steps, reconfiguring the cart storage area at the top, adding ADA entry to the clubhouse and adding a small patio with separation from the cart storage area.
According to Groveport Golf Director Tom Walker, reconfiguring golf hole #9 involves shortening the par 3 hole by 30 yards. Work on hole #9 could begin in the spring of 2016 and be completed by the spring of 2017. Walker said that while the work is being done hole #9 will remain in play with a temporary green.
While the majority of city council approves of the hole reconfiguration, Councilman Shawn Cleary said he is opposed to it.
“I understand why the reconfiguration is wanted, but I prefer keeping the hole the way it is. I love the challenge it presents,” said Cleary.
•The budget also includes $130,000 for the completion of the sidewalk from Heritage Park to Main Street along the south side of Wirt Road.
•An amount of $350,000 is slated for the city’s annual street maintenance program, which will continue repairing streets within the core of the city. Streets scheduled for maintenance in 2016 include: Cherry Street east of West Street; College Street south of Main Street; Walnut Street south of Main Street; restriping Saltzgaber Road and Commerce Center Drive; and crack sealing subdivision streets.
•Funding of $75,000 is marked for an annual program of city park improvements included in the city’s master park plan.
•Other funded items include: $50,000 for the Fourth of July festival; $16,000 for the Apple Butter Day festival; a $25,000 grant for Motts Military Museum; and $50,000 for the sidewalk replacement program.
Groveport City Council could vote on the 2016 budget ordinance at its third reading on Nov. 9.
