The Ottawa City Commission adopted the 2027 budget on September 2 by a 4–1 vote. Commissioner Tim Van Leiden cast the lone no vote. The mill rate will rise from 44.136 to 45.000. Before the budget vote, commissioners agreed unanimously to go above the revenue neutral rate, which the Franklin County Clerk calculated at 42.209 mills.

Finance Director Melanie Landis pointed to rising costs, building and equipment repairs, vehicle replacement and contract obligations. Each mill brings in about $163,934. Spending is set at $76,743,688, with $7,377,095 coming from property taxes.

At the hearings, several residents asked whether money that seemed to be sitting idle could offset the increase. Commissioners also adopted a $46,538,457 capital plan for 2027 to 2031, including replacement of the traffic light at 15th and Main.

For details, see KOFO's report on the budget vote and the September 2 commission minutes.