Riverside city leaders are wrestling with a projected $4 million deficit in the 2027 operating budget. The proposed budget would increase spending beyond expected revenues to fund additional public‑safety personnel and a new fire‑truck bay.

Public‑safety additions drive costs

The budget calls for hiring one police officer and three firefighters. The fire chief explained that these hires would bring the department closer to the staffing standards recommended by the National Fire Protection Association, which suggests the city maintain roughly 25 firefighters. A new bay for a fire truck on Harshman Road is also included, intended to improve response times and protect equipment.

Finance director outlines payment plan

Finance Director Larry Hartlaub told council members the fire‑truck bay project will be financed over a two‑year phase, with the first portion funded in the current fiscal year and an additional half‑million dollars allocated for the second year. Hartlaub emphasized that the phased approach is designed to spread costs without overburdening taxpayers.

Resident raises concerns about fiscal responsibility

Local resident Tim Gosnell voiced strong opposition to the budget’s deficit. “I understand the need for new equipment and more officers, but we can’t keep taking money out of taxpayers’ pockets,” Gosnell said. He warned that continuing to spend beyond revenue could leave Riverside “broke” within three years, potentially forcing the city to rely on neighboring municipalities such as Beavercreek, Huber and Dayton for essential services.

Gosnell urged council members to reconsider the proposal and explore cuts before final approval. “We have to take a hard look at what we’re doing as far as personnel,” he added.

Council to revisit budget next week

The city council is scheduled to discuss the budget in detail at its next meeting. Council members will weigh the public‑safety benefits against the fiscal concerns raised by residents and the finance director’s payment schedule.

While the proposed additions aim to align Riverside’s fire department with regional standards and enhance police coverage, the looming shortfall highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing community safety with responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

Original reporting: WHIO-TV Dayton (local) — read the source article.