HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- In a 42-minute state-of-the-city address delivered Thursday (Aug. 22) in City Council chambers, Mayor Chuck Brunello, Jr. told of a city that is doing fine as the problems brought on by the COVID epidemic fade into the rear-view mirror.
Like most cities, Highland Heights officials had concerns during the epidemic over falling income tax collections and dwindling cash reserves. This was especially so in Highland Heights, where its largest employer, Progressive Insurance, continued to allow employees to work from home. In 2024, however, Brunello was pleased to report that revenues from 2023 were up nearly a million dollars from the preceding year.
“The city of Highland Heights remained financially strong in 2023 with a general fund balance of just over $7.9 million,” Brunello said. “Our local city taxes were up $1,033,000, or 9.
2 percent. The city received $129,481 in (federal) ARPA funds.” Expenses did increase by $213,000 from 2022, but were just over $1 million less than what was budgeted.
Brunello followed up by talking about a business moving to the city that promises to be a new revenue source, In October, he said, Park Place Technologies will be moving to Alpha Drive in Highland Heights from Mayfield Heights. “Park Place Technologies Global Headquarters & Testing Center purchased the former Progressive Insurance buildings, located at 747 and 755 Alpha Drive,” he said. “Park Place Technologies is a global data center and networking .