Riverside city leaders are weighing a 2027 budget proposal that would spend about $4 million more than the city expects to collect, according to WHIO. The extra funding is earmarked primarily for public‑safety staffing and equipment.

The proposal calls for hiring one additional police officer and three new firefighters. The fire chief explained that the added personnel would bring the department closer to the staffing standards recommended by the National Fire Protection Association, which suggests Riverside should have roughly 25 firefighters. In addition, the budget includes constructing a new bay on Harshman Road to house a fire truck.

Finance Director Larry Hartlaub told council members that the fire‑truck bay project would be financed over a two‑year phase, with “half a million in year 28” allocated to complete the work, according to WHIO’s coverage of the council meeting.

Resident Tim Gosnell voiced strong opposition to the plan, saying, “I get you have to have new equipment, I get you have to have officers, I get ya have to have firefighters,” but added, “You can’t keep taking money out of taxpayers’ pockets… In three years, we’ll be broke.” Gosnell warned that the city could run out of money within three years if the proposed spending continues at the current rate.

City Council members have not yet voted on the proposal. WHIO reported that council will reconvene next week to continue discussion of the budget and consider possible cuts before final approval.

What’s next: Riverside’s City Council is scheduled to meet next week to further debate the 2027 budget. Residents who wish to voice their opinions are encouraged to attend the meeting or submit comments to council officials before the session.

Sources: whio.com