Dover Council approves temporary appropriations, hears project updates

Dover Council voted to approve Ordinance 54-25 which outlines temporary appropriations for expected city expenses in 2026 at their meeting Dec. 15. The amount set totals $73,962,694.01 for all city departments and services. Any adjustments to the city’s budget will be made before council votes on permanent appropriations in March.

“I've already had all the departments to give me their wish list, what they thought they were going to need for the budget. I've sat down with the departments that we weren't able to meet all their obligations, and I've also sat down with the mayor, and I think this is pretty close to the whole full year budget now,” Auditor Nicole Stoldt said.

With that Mayor Shane Gunnoe reviewed $7,286,083 in projects for 2026. Some are funded or partially funded with grants and donations. The list includes a total of 44 projects that include Geottge Run debris removal, alley and street paving, city hall development, police and fire department renovations, a project at Canal Dover Park, north end construction, pickleball courts, picnic shelter, bocce courts, splash pad, Towpath engineering, a drone, new police cruisers and SWAT gear.

In his report, Gunnoe updated council on the day’s peak power event, the time when power requirements are at their highest due to morning’s frigid temperatures.

“I'm proud to report that not only did our plant cover 100% of the city's electric needs during that time, but we also sold 12 megawatts of power back to AEP,” Gunnoe said. “These peak events are important as they impact transmission and capacity costs for purchased power in the following year. As an example, over the last two winters, we've improved our systems performance during these winter peak events, and it has saved our residents an additional $900,000 in 2025 transmission costs.”

Gunnoe also welcomed a new business to Dover when he helped with their recent ribbon cutting and grand opening. The retail business, which sells clothes, jewelry, furniture, vintage items and more is located in the former Smash Restaurant on South Wooster Avenue.

“Uplifted Boutique partners with Advocates for Success to provide valuable skill development and hands on work experience for individuals in our community,” Gunnoe said. “Their mission brings meaningful opportunities to Dover and we're grateful for the impact they are already making in the community.”

Gunnoe shared updates from the city’s planning commission meeting Dec. 9. The commission reviewed and provided feedback on a preliminary sketch regarding the subdivision development on the previously announced St Peter's Church Road. The development will be completed in two parts.

“One side will be condominiums and duplexes that will be owned and not age restricted,” Gunnoe said. “The other side will be single family homes. The two sections will be divided by a common area that is expected to have pickleball courts, a basketball court and pavilion.”

The commission reviewed a preliminary plat for the Earley Woodlands Addition located on Winkler Drive and Jennifer Drive. The builder plans to build six additional homes and will begin in the spring.

Gunnoe announced an update on the Iron 24 project along Iron Avenue. Builder Bros., the original developer of the project, has sold the development to KSMG Sugarcreek.

“We have met with the new owner, and they are actively working on the first six units now with a goal to complete all 24 units by the end of 2026,” Gunnoe said.

The final 2025 meeting marked the departure of council-at-large members Julie Leggett and John Correll, who will not serve in 2026. Leggett has served council for 17 years, 15 as clerk of council and two as a council member. Correll has served for 10 years.

The next Dover Council meeting will be held Jan. 5, 2026, in council chambers, 121 E. Second St., Dover.