Geneva City Council Meeting: Employee Raises, Wastewater Rates, and Taser Plan Approved

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GENEVA, Ohio – The Geneva City Council convened on December 8, 2025, addressing a range of community issues and approving several key measures, including a 3% raise for non-union employees, a correction to wastewater rates, and the advancement of a police Taser plan. The meeting also saw discussions on cybersecurity, internal financial controls, and various citizen concerns.

Employee Compensation and Budget Adjustments

The council passed Ordinance No. 3397, which amends the compensation for officers and employees, effective January 2026. This ordinance grants a 3% increase for non-union positions and details provisions for wages, holidays, vacation, uniform allowances, health and life insurance, longevity pay, shift differentials, hours of work, and sick leave. The funding for these adjustments will be distributed across various departments.

Additionally, Ordinance No. 3400 was approved, amending the 2025 budget through appropriations and fund transfers. This includes a $10,000 transfer from the General Fund to Community Development and reductions in the Streets Fund due to deferred purchases.

Wastewater Rate Correction and Cybersecurity

A minor but important correction was made to wastewater rates with the approval of Ordinance No. 3401. This ordinance amends Ordinance No. 3382 to rectify a mathematical error, changing the minimum charge for premises outside corporate limits but not within a JEDD from $30.27 to $30.28, effective January 1, 2026.

In a move to bolster the city’s digital defenses, Ordinance No. 3398 was passed, amending the City of Geneva Cyber Security Program. This update incorporates a Security Awareness and Training Policy, aligning with Ohio Revised Code 9.64. The policy mandates training, simulated social engineering exercises, and outlines consequences for non-compliance.

Police Department Updates: Tasers and Trust Fund

The Geneva Police Department will be receiving new equipment following the approval of Resolution No. 3653. This resolution authorizes the City Manager to enter into an agreement for the purchase of fifteen Taser 10 Units, including associated hardware, software, services, and warranties, at a cost of $79,994.

Furthermore, Ordinance No. 3399 was adopted, establishing Internal Control Policies for the Law Enforcement Trust Fund. This is a requirement under Ohio Revised Code 2925.03(F)(2) and details procedures for property receipt, financial records, disposition of property, expenditures (including a mandate for community preventative education programs), and reporting requirements.

Citizen Concerns and City Manager’s Report

During the meeting, citizens raised several concerns, including the status of the former Rite Aid building, traffic issues at State Route 534 and Route 84, progress on West Main Street construction, snow plowing efficiency, and the placement of historical signage.

City Manager, Doug Stark, provided updates on various projects and initiatives. His report covered the ongoing West Main Street Phase 1 project, the Long Street Waterline Replacement, the Cybersecurity Policy Update, funding for police Taser replacement and body cameras, the acquisition of new police vehicles, leaf pickup and snow removal plans, and the introduction of a new Police K-9.

Other Business

The council also addressed Resolution No. 3652, appointing Phyllis Dunlap, Clerk of Council, as the designee for public records training for the term December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2027. A debate also took place under unfinished business regarding council seating arrangements, and the decision was made to keep the second December meeting on the calendar.