The Akron Budget & Finance Committee met at 3:00 p.m. and took three actions: it granted time on a proposed surplus potable water agreement with the city of Tallmadge, approved time for a temporary appropriation ordinance covering January–March 2026, and voted to suspend the rules and give a favorable report on a compensation and health‑care benefits ordinance for city employees.

Service Director Chris Lehi presented a negotiated replacement water agreement with Tallmadge. He said the new draft is a 50‑year agreement with a 20‑year minimum and a five‑year opt‑out notice for either municipality. Lehi described the arrangement as a long‑standing partnership: "We pump about 33,000,000 gallons a day," he said, and Tallmadge "use[s] about a little over a million gallons a day." He asked the committee for time so Tallmadge could coordinate its reading and vote schedule.

Deputy Finance Director Mike Wheeler described a temporary appropriation ordinance that would allow city operations to continue by copying the 2025 budget for the first quarter of 2026 (Jan. 1–Mar. 31, 2026). Wheeler noted that state law requires a temporary appropriation if a 2026 operating budget is not adopted in time and recommended asking for time rather than suspending rules.

On compensation and benefits, Brian Angeloni and Wheeler outlined proposed cost‑of‑living increases and standardized premium contributions. The measure authorizes a 3.5% COLA for classified employees and a 3% COLA for unclassified employees for 2025, and a 2.5% COLA for both groups in 2026. Angeloni said health‑care contribution rates will be standardized to mirror the FOP contract so roughly half the city's employees will have consistent premium contributions. After discussion, the committee moved to suspend the rules and issued a favorable report by voice vote.

The committee adjourned and the items will appear at subsequent council proceedings for final action.