Hilliard City Council approved an approximately $17.8 million capital improvements budget at its Monday night meeting, funding major projects for 2019 ranging from transportation and parks improvements to the start of installation of a citywide fiber optics network.
The budget has been discussed and reviewed at numerous public meetings since last fall. Council OKed the CIB by emergency action Monday night to allow departments to avoid delays that could cause project costs to escalate or even prevent the City from finding contractors.
The capital improvements budget (CIB) pays for current year projects and equipment that have an extended lifespan, typically at least five years. That includes everything from infrastructure projects and land acquisition to the purchase of police cruisers and streets vehicles. The budget reflects current-year expenditures that are part of the longer-range, five-year capital improvements plan (CIP).
“The CIP is a critical part of the City’s long-range planning process,” said Mayor Don Schonhardt. “It not only sets out priorities for 2019, but it outlines tentative projects for the next five years. While that long-range plan is always subject to change, the City uses the CIP to help identify and set priorities as we move forward.”
A copy of the 2019 CIB is available for review here.
“These funds represent significant investments in our community,” Council President Albert Iosue said. “The CIP lays the groundwork for priorities such as transportation improvements, projects that enhance the safety and quality of life for our residents, and economic development opportunities.”
Transportation
As is common with the CIP, the largest expenditures encompass significant improvements to transportation.
Nearly $1.4 million was included for the City’s annual street rehabilitation and right-of-way management program. Other major projects included:
- Intersection improvements at the Scioto Darby and Walcutt roads, Scioto Darby and Leppert roads, and Cosgray Road (Scioto Darby to Baldwin.)
- Modifications at City roundabouts, to include raised crosswalks at Scioto Darby and Leppert roads and at Scioto Darby and Veterans Memorial Drive.
- Improvements on Franklin Street near Old Hilliard.
Recreation and Parks
In addition to approving $2.1 million for improvements at Hilliard swimming pools, Council also OKed funds for other Recreation and Parks projects. These funds will go toward land acquisition for future parkland, work on the Miracle League baseball field for children with disabilities at Grener Field, and other improvements in Hilliard’s parks.
Increasing Safety
Council approved funding for several capital projects that will enhance safety in the community. Those investments include funding for new police cruisers and other personal safety equipment for officers, as well as upgrades to technology and facilities at the Safety Services Center.
Citywide Fiber Network
Council approved $2.9 million for the first phase of a citywide fiber optic network. This network will promote economic development and business expansion and retention by expanding existing data and communication resources. The network also will eventually provide additional data communication capacity for other area organizations.
Other Infrastructure
The CIP also includes funds for a variety of infrastructure projects, including sanitary sewer construction and maintenance, water line installation and replacement, and the ongoing detention and retention basin rehabilitation program.
