Uhrichsville’s mayor and auditor share financial concerns regarding city funds and the water park.
Mayor Jim Zucal started Thursday’s meeting with a report entitled ‘caution tough times ahead’.
“I think we should all be concerned about the city finances. The general fund is in really poor shape. I checked with Regional Income Tax about income money coming into the city, our numbers are up slightly but the biggest problem we’re facing is our expenses are way up.”
Some reasons given included the rise in material costs for any project and the increase in diesel prices. The mayor also cited a couple of police retirements coming up and three contract negotiations.
Council approved a temporary budget for 2027. Auditor Aaron Rimer says the balance and carryover will change slightly before the end of the year.
“The balance, as of right now, our carryover is about $256,000. That’s also not taking into the fact we still have payroll to pay out.”
The top three contributors into the general fund are real-estate tax, income tax, and local government distribution. Rimer adds the city’s service department is also under financial strain, and that they will lose money because of Ohio’s gas tax holiday currently in effect through January 2nd.
Additionally, Zucal says the water park had a bleak 2026 season, and the almost 20-year-old facility is starting to show its age.
“The park committee, we need to get active regarding lost revenue and expenses. We need to get a grasp on where we’re going with that water park. Maybe next year it could be an idle year. Where’s the money going to come from, I don’t know and I don’t think any of us know.”
The park was built in 2008 at $4.5 million with bonds set to expire in 2032. The city’s payment is roughly $300,000 annual. Multiple city administrators have said the water park has never made enough profit to sustain seasonal operational costs.
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