BEXLEY — Council members and city staff used the Nov. 18 meeting to probe revisions in the proposed 2026 budget and to tabling further action to allow deeper review.

City administration described corrections to revenue projections and proposed transfers to infrastructure and capital funds. Recreation Director Mike Price outlined a shift to bring pool management in‑house and proposed adding a recreation coordinator for pool operations; he also cited a proposed membership increase from $50 to $55 and projected 2026 recreation revenues.

Service and public works staff reviewed capital requests including equipment replacements, an alley enhancement pilot and vehicle fleet updates. Staff said the sewer fund is temporarily pausing major improvements while the city updates a sewer study; that pause created a near‑term surplus in the sewer fund but the project pipeline will resume after the study.

Council members sought specifics on potential staffing constraints for expanded pool seasons, the expected net cost of bringing pool management in‑house (staff estimated up to $50,000 net in year one), the handling of EV charger revenue reconciliation and the refuse fund’s operating philosophy. Administration said the refuse fund had accumulated a significant balance in prior years and that 2027 contract renegotiation will require re‑examination of rates.

After department Q&A and public comment, Councilmember Saad moved to table Ordinance 25‑25; the motion carried on roll call. Staff said directors will attend the Dec. 9 meeting for a fourth reading and a planned vote.