Toledo Council Members Propose Budget Amendments

Proposals aim to fund initiatives and increase public safety staffing

Jan. 30, 2026 at 7:15am

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After months of budget hearings, Toledo City Council members presented a series of amendments to the proposed 2026 city budget. The amendments include funding for a consultant to designate local landmarks, a legislative research position, the annual Glass City JazzFest, increased funding for the Vibrancy Initiative, a new community police station, and additional police and fire recruits. The total cost of the amendments is expected to exceed $3 million, with the majority coming from the city's Rainy Day Fund.

Why it matters

Toledo's city budget has been a point of concern for council members, who are looking to balance the needs of the community with fiscal responsibility. These proposed amendments reflect the council's priorities, such as preserving historic structures, supporting the arts, and bolstering public safety staffing levels to address anticipated retirements.

The details

The proposed amendments include: $125,000 for a plan commission consultant to designate local landmarks, $89,000 for a legislative research position, $50,000 to sponsor the Glass City JazzFest, $500,000 to restore funding for the Vibrancy Initiative, $500,000 for a new community police station, and over $1.3 million to increase the size of the next police and fire recruit classes. Council members hope to fund these initiatives through the city's Rainy Day Fund and Capital Improvement Fund.

  • The council has until March 31 to approve the 2026 budget.

The players

Theresa Gadus

Toledo City Council member representing District 3.

Vanice Williams

Toledo City Council President representing District 4.

Cerssandra McPherson

Toledo City Council member At-Large.

Sam Melden

Toledo City Council member representing District 5.

Theresa Morris

Toledo City Council member representing District 6.

John Hobbs III

Toledo City Council member representing District 1.

Michael Troendle

Toledo Police Chief.

Allison Armstrong

Toledo Fire Chief.

Melanie Campbell

Toledo's Finance Director.

Brandon Sehlhorst

Toledo's Chief of Growth.

Mac Driscoll

Toledo City Council member.

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What they’re saying

“I understand the budget is tough, but when you think about our budget, let's start to think about things that bring in revenue.”

— Brandon Sehlhorst, Toledo Chief of Growth

“From an accounting standpoint, that's coming out of the Rainy Day Fund at the end of the day.”

— Mac Driscoll, Toledo City Council member

“If we can cut anywhere, cut. If we absolutely can't, we can't, but actually really look at this because our charge is to be the budget oversight of the city.”

— Vanice Williams, Toledo City Council President

What’s next

The Toledo City Council will vote on each amendment before approving the 2026 budget by the March 31 deadline.

The takeaway

Toledo's city council members are taking a proactive approach to shaping the 2026 budget, proposing a range of amendments to fund initiatives and increase public safety staffing. However, the total cost of the amendments exceeds the available funds, requiring the council to carefully prioritize and make difficult decisions to balance the budget.