Ravenna Council Meeting: Finance Audit, New Water Plant Vehicle, and Downtown Safety

Council got good news on the city's books, switched a vehicle order to a local Garrettsville dealer to save about $4,000, and weighed in on downtown safety and ward redistricting.

Ravenna City Council met on May 4, 2026, to discuss the city's fiscal health and infrastructure needs. Finance Director Tami Lorence delivered a positive finance audit report, noting that the city's internal controls have significantly improved and the annual audit is expected to conclude ahead of schedule. The audit highlighted a strong General Fund balance of $7.8 million and a projected 1.8% increase in income tax revenue for the year.

Improving Internal Controls and the Finance Audit Process

During her presentation, Finance Director Tami Lorence emphasized the city's commitment to fraud prevention and reporting accuracy. She reported that the current finance audit is progressing smoothly thanks to seasoned office staff and stricter segregation of duties.

Lorence also introduced the possibility of hiring a municipal adviser to manage the city's $21 million investment portfolio, which currently consists largely of U.S. Treasury obligations. The council also explored transitioning portions of the portfolio to other instruments to capture additional yield.

Water Treatment Plant Vehicle Purchase Amendment

The Council moved to amend and approve Ordinance 2026-73 regarding a new vehicle for the water treatment plant. While the original legislation named Olathe Ford Sales in Kansas, Councilman Paul Moskun pointed out a more cost-effective local option.

The final ordinance authorizes the purchase of a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD from Sarchione Chevrolet in Garrettsville. By switching to the local dealer, the city saved approximately $4,000 compared to the state-purchase price — and kept the dollars circulating in Portage County.

Downtown Safety and Community Initiatives

Mayor Frank Seman and several council members addressed recent concerns regarding downtown safety. The Ravenna Police Department has initiated increased foot patrols, a move that has drawn "gratitude" from local business owners, including the proprietor of a new downtown bookstore.

Councilwoman Amy Michael also announced that the police department successfully secured a safety intervention grant. In other community news, Council President Rob Kairis noted that a premiere community event is on the calendar for the coming weeks.

Ward Redistricting and Legislative Efficiency

Councilwoman Carmen Laudato discussed the ongoing ad hoc committee work regarding ward redistricting. Laudato noted that the committee is working with the League of Women Voters to evaluate several map proposals, including a discussion on whether the downtown area — currently split between four wards — should have a single dedicated representative.

Council President Rob Kairis announced upcoming special meetings for May 11 and May 18 to discuss personnel items and legislative efficiency.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Council heard a positive finance audit report from Finance Director Tami Lorence, amended and approved an ordinance to buy a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD for the water treatment plant from a local dealer, addressed downtown safety with new police foot patrols and a safety intervention grant, and updated residents on ongoing ward redistricting work.

The city's General Fund balance stood at $7.8 million, with income tax revenue projected to grow 1.8% for the year. Finance Director Tami Lorence reported that internal controls have significantly improved due to seasoned office staff and stricter segregation of duties, and the annual audit is expected to finish ahead of schedule. She also raised the possibility of hiring a municipal adviser to manage the city's $21 million investment portfolio, which is currently weighted toward U.S. Treasury obligations.

The original Ordinance 2026-73 named Olathe Ford Sales in Kansas, but Councilman Paul Moskun pointed out that Sarchione Chevrolet in Garrettsville offered a better deal. Switching to the local dealer for the 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD saved the city approximately $4,000 compared to the state-purchase price.

An ad hoc committee led by Councilwoman Carmen Laudato is working with the League of Women Voters to evaluate several proposed ward maps. One key question is whether the downtown area — currently split between four wards — should have a single dedicated representative. Council President Rob Kairis also announced special meetings on May 11 and May 18 to discuss personnel items and legislative efficiency.