The Budget & Finance Committee of the Cincinnati City Council convened on August 4, 2025, to discuss several financial matters, with a significant focus on the city's poet laureate program. The program, initiated under former Mayor John Cranley, has been managed in partnership with the Mercantile Library since 2021.

Vice Mayor Kearney highlighted the importance of the program, noting that it has not received funding from the city for the past two years, totaling an outstanding obligation of $10,000. She emphasized the moral responsibility of the city to fulfill this financial commitment, which includes a stipend for the poet laureate. Kearney expressed her hope that the program would continue and be included in future budgets.

Council Member Albee expressed his support for the program, sharing his personal connection to poetry. He inquired about the reasons for the missed payments and the process for funding the program. City officials explained that the payments had not been consistently made due to the need for council appropriation and authorization. Historically, funding has been sourced from the general fund, either through budget adjustments or contingency funds.

The discussion underscored the need for the council to authorize the continuation of the poet laureate program and ensure that the necessary funds are allocated in the upcoming budget. The committee's deliberations reflect a commitment to supporting cultural initiatives within the city, while also addressing past financial oversights.