Dublin City Council Begins Review of 2027–2031 Capital Plan and Operating Budget

Dublin City Council began weighing how the city will pay for roads, utilities, parks and public facilities needed to keep pace with growth during a work session at 6 p.m. Aug. 17, 2026, focused on the 2027–2031 Capital Improvements Program and the 2027 operating budget.

The session marked the first step in a budget process that continues with capital-focused work sessions in August, operating-budget sessions in September, a public hearing in October and adoption by the end of that month. The decisions will determine which infrastructure priorities move forward, which are scaled back and which may be deferred as the city balances new investment against maintenance of existing assets.

That balance is increasingly important as Dublin grows. The city's population increased 18.1% from 2010 to 2020, outpacing Franklin County's 13.8% growth over the same period. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated Dublin's population at 49,456 in July 2024, up 0.3% from the 2020 base. Dublin's community plan projects about 65,000 residents, more than 30,000 dwelling units and approximately 90,000 jobs at full build-out. Its daytime population is already about 65,000, creating demand for transportation infrastructure and daily services beyond what the resident population alone would require.

Five-year plan builds on rising capital spending

The Aug. 17 agenda packet included three supporting documents: Memo - 2027-2031 CIP and Operating Budget - Work Session I, 2027-2031 CIP and Operating Budget Work Session I - Project Detail Pages, and 2027-2031 CIP and Operating Budget Work Session I - Project Summary.

The Capital Improvements Program funds transportation, utilities, parks and recreation, facilities, innovation and other infrastructure, covering both long-term maintenance and future capital needs. Dublin's most recently adopted five-year plan, covering 2026–2030, totals $374.6 million and includes 144 projects — up from $325.6 million in the 2025–2029 program. Of that amount, $116.9 million is allocated to capital maintenance and $257.7 million to enhancements, new infrastructure and other assets.

Funding is closely tied to Dublin's income tax. The city dedicates 25% of its 2% income tax revenue to capital improvements, with a 60/40 split between debt service and cash-funded projects. Dublin's 2026 operating budget totaled $119.5 million and was described as balanced, with local taxes — primarily the income tax — accounting for more than three-quarters of anticipated revenue. As the city began preparing its 2027 budget, income tax revenue was up about 3.1% year to date.

Development adds pressure on roads and utilities

Major development projects are adding to Dublin's future infrastructure needs. In July 2026, City Council approved an amended economic development agreement allowing The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center to purchase about 16.3 acres along University Boulevard for campus expansion. A planned six-story, 207,000-square-foot inpatient tower at a local hospital is expected to open by 2028.

The city's existing capital plan includes water and sewer extensions along portions of the Riverside Drive corridor and drainage basin improvements. Dublin is also launching a pilot program to reduce inflow and infiltration, or I&I, in the Deer Run sanitary sewer system, addressing groundwater or stormwater entering sewer pipes that increases flow and strains capacity. Other current work includes the 2026 pavement maintenance program and shared-use path projects on Shier Rings Road and Avery Road.

Council weighs recreation, parks and transportation projects

The 2026–2030 capital plan offers a benchmark for the choices before council. Notable projects include $5 million for Dublin Community Recreation Center improvements, $11.7 million for Northern Historic Dublin Area infrastructure improvements, $2.95 million for the Riverside Crossing Park promenade and integrated perimeter security, $8.3 million for SportsOhio/Darree Fields, $1.5 million for Ballantrae Splash Pad renovations, $1.6 million for the third phase of the University Boulevard extension and $1.1 million for the Deer Run I&I mitigation pilot.

The Parks & Recreation Master Plan says the city is advancing a phased refresh of the Dublin Community Recreation Center over the next three years and recommends Riverside Crossing Park improvements based on community feedback, including upgrades to the event lawn and paths, a kayak livery and a climbing wall.

The 2027–2031 program and its accompanying project-detail pages will show which existing priorities carry forward, which new projects enter the plan and which investments may be deferred or scaled back.

The budget review is being conducted by Dublin's seven-member council: Mayor Chris Amorose Groomes, Vice Mayor Cathy De Rosa and council members Christina A. Alutto, Andy Keeler, Amy Kramb, Wendy Johnson and Greg Lam. Megan O'Callaghan serves as Dublin's city manager, while Matt Rubino is the city's chief financial officer and director of finance.

Residents can comment before adoption

City Council's next regular meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, 2026, in the Council Chambers at 5555 Perimeter Drive. Residents may submit comments online before a meeting or speak in person during the Citizen Comments portion of regular meetings, with up to three minutes per speaker. Videos, agendas, minutes and action summaries from regular council meetings are available through the city's meeting schedule page.