The Parma City Council unanimously approved the city’s 2026 budget on Mar. 26, with officials highlighting its focus on sustainability and minimal increases compared to previous years.
The passage of the budget is important for maintaining city services while ensuring fiscal responsibility. The approach taken this year aims to keep expenses manageable and prepare for potential changes in operational costs.
Mayor Tim DeGeeter said, “I appreciate City Council doing their three budget hearings and everybody going up before them.” He added, “We always use the word sustainable, to the point that we’ve joked it should be put on banners around City Hall. Again, this budget reflects being sustainable, with minimal increases.”
Parma Auditor Brian D. Day reported that the total approved appropriation in this year’s general fund is $78,353,471—a $2.5 million or 3.4 percent increase over the 2025 budget. “It’s pretty much in line with what we expected,” Day said. “We knew we had contractual salary increases—mostly around 3 percent for everybody. We’re making sure that we’re meeting the needs of the community through efficient safety and services. The budget speaks toward our approach of making sure that we’re looking at our fiscal stability and sustainability as we move forward.”
Compared to last year’s general fund appropriation of $75,810,513—which was an almost eight percent increase from 2024—the current rise is more moderate. Last year’s larger jump was due to a one-time purchase of six new plow trucks costing $1.42 million.
DeGeeter reflected on those purchases: “Boy, was that forecasted correctly from the Service Department to get trucks for the horrendous winter we had this year.” He explained that department heads were asked to limit requests last year in anticipation of these expenses: “This budget is much better,” he said. “There aren’t too many wish list items in this budget because of the fact that we’ve been doing that as we move along… That’s so we’re not caught flat-footed and where we have huge expenses.”
One area noted as uncertain is fuel costs due to nationwide increases; DeGeeter commented: “We’re going to be watching, but that’s why I always call the budget a workable document… If fuel costs continue to rise, we’ll have to appropriate additional funds and figure out where to transfer some money… And we always do that collectively.”
Looking ahead, city officials say they will monitor economic factors like fuel prices but believe keeping growth at a modest level allows flexibility if adjustments are needed.
