What's Happening in Dublin, OH…

Dublin is considering capital projects it could undertake in the next five years, which could cost more than $200m.

The expenditures are part of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for the city. The program provides guidelines for monies to be spent by Dublin during the period 2016 to 2020, and the first year becomes part of the city budget.

Requests for project approvals come in from all the city's departments, and typically include petitions for new equipment, new vehicles, improvements to facilities, new roads, and maintenance to take care of them. In the next five years, Dublin could potentially spend as much as $233m on facilities like sanitary sewer linings and a pedestrian bridge across the Scioto River.

Most of the funding for the CIP comes from Dublin's income tax, which stands currently at 2%. A quarter of the tax collected goes to the CIP, with the other 75% designated for the general fund. Projects are also funded via Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) districts. The city expected to receive about $81m in tax revenue, with approximately $20m going to CIP. Instead, revenues are up, and Dublin anticipates it will receive $20.8m in 2016, enabling it to go ahead with projects.

City officials might consider working with brochure printers to create a booklet or other colorful presentation for residents explaining the planned improvements.