Police and Fire Overtime Budgeting (2758-2026)
At a glance
- What: Emergency ordinance 2758-2026 directing the City Auditor to supplement the annual Estimate of Available Resources for the 2027 budget with historical data on police and fire overtime expenses, to inform council on the 2027 operating budget. Sponsored by Hardin; moved on the floor by Finance chair Bankston.
- Why: Overtime was underbudgeted by an average of 26% in an earlier period and by 75% from 2021 through 2026 (as stated in the meeting). Last year the gap was $15.6 million and this year's spending is projected to exceed appropriations by at least $23 million.
- Where it stands: Approved 9-0 on 10/19/2026, seconded by Day-Achauer, after a morning finance hearing. Hardin said it does not dictate what the administration must propose; council keeps authority to amend the budget. Cost: $0.00.
- Next: The auditor's data arrives ahead of the administration's 2027 operating budget proposal.
Sources
- Columbus City Council minutes, 10/19/2026 (final): https://legistar3.granicus.com/Columbus/meetings/2026/10/6217_M_Columbus_City_Council_26-10-19_Minutes_-_Final.pdf
- Columbus City Council 10/19/2026 meeting video and agenda (columbus.legistar.com).
Discussion time
About 4 minutes across 1 meeting (from transcript timestamps; approximate).
| Meeting | Minutes |
|---|---|
| 2026-10-19 - Columbus City Council | 4 |
Log
2026-10-19 - Columbus City Council
- Hardin explained the ordinance and the overtime gap; no questions; approved 9-0.