Toledo City Council Approves $1 Billion Budget for 2025 with Focus on Youth, Public Safety, and Infrastructure

Toledo, OHIO – Toledo City Council approved a budget exceeding $1 billion for the 2025 fiscal year during a meeting on Tuesday. The total operating budget came in at $949.5 million, with a capital budget of $52.4 million. The council also passed six amendments totaling approximately $2 million, which were incorporated into the general fund of the operating budget.

One of the most notable amendments was an additional $1 million allocated to youth programming, following concerns over a drastic reduction in funding for such initiatives. In the previous year, over $2 million was invested in youth programs, but the original proposal for 2025 slashed that amount to only $250,000. Councilmember Cerssandra McPherson, who spearheaded the amendment, voiced strong support for investing in young people. “When we invest in our young people, we’re investing in our community. We’re investing in our neighborhoods. We’re investing in our families,” she said.

The budget also included $610,000 to increase the number of police cadets from 30 to 45, a move aimed at bolstering public safety. Toledo’s police department has faced staffing shortages, and this funding will help address that issue by expanding the upcoming training class. The increase in cadet numbers is seen as a step toward ensuring a stronger police presence across the city.

Another amendment focused on supporting local businesses. The council approved an additional $200,000 to enhance signage for small businesses, on top of the $500,000 already allocated for this purpose. This funding aims to improve visibility and help local businesses thrive, especially in a challenging economic environment.

Cultural support was also prioritized in the budget, with $50,000 allocated to sponsor the Glass City JazzFest, a popular event that draws both locals and visitors to Toledo each year. The funding is part of the city’s broader effort to promote local culture and tourism.

In terms of infrastructure, the council approved $34,000 for an emergency water main removal on Nebraska Avenue, as well as $55,000 to improve the websites for both the Toledo Municipal Court and Toledo Housing Court.

Despite a largely unanimous vote, the budget and amendments were not without some dissent. Council President Carrie Hartman and Councilmember Sam Melden voted against an amendment that would allocate $5,000 for improvements to the council’s lobby, citing concerns over the allocation of funds. Additionally, Councilmember Theresa Gadus was absent from the meeting.

At the close of the meeting, members expressed concerns over the potential impact of federal funding cuts under the Trump administration. The city’s lawmakers voiced uncertainty regarding how a freeze on federal funds would affect local projects and services. In a press release, Council President Hartman assured the public that Toledo would continue to focus on critical community projects, regardless of federal funding fluctuations.

“Regardless of what the state and federal governments do to our funding, we have important work to complete for our community, including street improvements, youth programming, and basic city services,” Hartman stated.

The 2025 budget reflects Toledo’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety, supporting youth development, and fostering local businesses, even as the city navigates potential financial challenges from external funding sources.