**Englewood City Council Approves 2026 Budget and Key Purchases**
At its December 9 meeting, the Englewood City Council passed a resolution approving the city’s 2026 budget and appropriations, totaling more than $47.9 million.
**Capital Improvement Plan Highlights: Radio Equipment Replacement**
As part of the 2026 Capital Improvement Plan, the city included the replacement of mobile and portable radios at a cost of $280,000. The police department recently learned from Motorola that purchasing the equipment before December 15 could save Englewood $18,700.
The department’s current radio equipment, acquired in 2014, is out of warranty, experiencing increased maintenance needs, and approaching end-of-life. Director of Police Corey M. Follick stated, “Replacing this equipment with current generation Motorola APX N70 portable radios and associated mobile equipment will ensure reliable, secure, and modernized mission-critical communications for the next decade or longer.”
Motorola APX-series portable and mobile radios serve as the primary communication tools for dispatch, police officers, and other public safety agencies. With the regional P25 communication system continuing to evolve, upgrading to modern equipment ensures long-term compatibility and compliance with updated standards and technology enhancements, according to Follick.
**Additional Budget and Equipment Approvals**
Council also approved Bill 25-15, which revises appropriations for current expenses and other expenditures for 2025.
Furthermore, council passed a resolution authorizing the purchase of snowplows, hydraulics, controls, lights, and other equipment for two dump truck chassis ordered last month. The total equipment cost, including installation, is $94,407—$53,769 less than the cost of trucks ordered two years ago. This savings was achieved by reusing stainless steel beds from obsolete trucks.
**Labor Agreement and Council Updates**
An agreement with the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association (OPBA) was authorized for full-time public safety dispatchers. This contract, resulting from negotiations between the OPBA and the city, totals $1,120,474.
Recently re-elected council members Andrew Gough, Brad Rarick, and Courtney Rietman were sworn in. Council also voted to re-elect Brad Daugherty as vice mayor and Marla Goodrich as clerk of council.
https://www.registerherald.com/2025/12/22/englewood-approves-2026-budget/
