ELYRIA , Ohio— Facing the prospect of millions in deficits, Elyria City Council has chosen to maintain its municipal sanitation department while approving substantial rate increases over the next three years.

The decision came after a financial analysis by Rea Business Advisors warned that without action, the sanitation fund could fall more than $5 million into the red by 2031. The study, an update to similar research from 2018, examined current costs and projected financial needs through the end of the decade.

Adam Letera of Rea Business Advisors outlined several scenarios for council members at their Nov. 17 meeting: privatize services, implement moderate rate increases, or maintain the status quo. A 3% annual rate increase would only postpone a financial shortfall, while a 5% increase could sustain a positive fund balance. Without rate adjustments or privatization, the study projects the sanitation fund would face negative cash flow by 2026.

Despite the financial pressure, the Strategic Planning Committee voted last month to reject privatization. While privatization might offer lower rates, officials highlighted that city-run operations provide a level of service that a private contractor could not match.

On Nov. 24, the finance committee formalized the rate structure for the coming years. The approved plan implements a 5% increase annually for 2026, 2027 and 2028—matching the consultant’s recommendation for financial stability.

Safety Service Director Chris Pyanowski framed the rate adjustment as the necessary follow-up to keeping services municipal. He told the council that having voted to retain the department, members now needed to ensure it remains funded.

The incremental increases are designed to prevent service disruptions while maintaining the city’s full range of sanitation offerings.

Triodos Bank has unveiled its first integrated Climate & Nature Strategy, announcing a comprehensive approach to accelerate the energy transition, reduce financed emissions and increase investment in nature-based solutions.

The Triodos Bank energy transition strategy, ‘Dare to Act. Now.’, sets out measurable targets to drive climate and biodiversity action by 2030.

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Triodos Bank’s new four-pillar strategy marks the first time the bank has unified its climate and biodiversity ambitions.

The plan includes a commitment to cut absolute financed emissions by at least 42% by 2030, up from the 32% target set in 2022.

The focus is on three key activities that together account for 90% of the bank’s emissions footprint: business loans, mortgages, and listed equities and bonds managed by Triodos Investment Management.

Another pillar of the Triodos Bank energy transition strategy is the financing of 275 energy transition projects over the next five years. The bank aims to support next-generation, decentralised and community-led solutions, building on its “strong track record” in renewable energy finance.

The deal-count target is designed to ensure that finance reaches not only large utilities but also cooperatives, innovators and smaller community-led initiatives that often face challenges in accessing mainstream capital.

In addition to the energy transition targets, Triodos Bank plans to channel €500m ($580.39m) into high-integrity, nature-based solutions (NbS) by 2030. These projects are intended to deliver measurable ecological and social benefits, addressing both climate and biodiversity challenges together.

From 2026, the bank will begin reporting on its progress towards this investment goal, as well as on the positive biodiversity impacts of its financed projects. The aim is to provide greater transparency on how investments in NbS contribute tangible benefits for biodiversity.

Triodos Bank’s fourth strategy includes a strong advocacy component. The bank has called for systemic change in the financial sector.

It has stated that banks are still directing €650bn annually into fossil fuels, which sustains dependency on non-renewable energy sources.

The bank is advocating for international agreements such as the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to phase out fossil fuels and create robust frameworks for high-integrity NbS.

Additionally, Triodos Bank is campaigning for energy-efficient housing and bio-based building standards.

As part of its advocacy, Triodos Bank has sought for binding rules including mandatory fossil-phase-out pathways for all banks; required short-term emissions reduction targets for 2030–35, with transparent action plans; alignment of financial regulation with the Paris Agreement and adherence to 1.5°C reduction pathways; separate targets for emissions reduction and carbon removal; and robust integrity standards for nature-based solutions.

Triodos Bank CEO Marcel Zuidam emphasised the interconnectedness of climate change and biodiversity loss, stating: “Climate change and biodiversity loss are not separate crises. They are deeply interconnected. Restoring ecosystems is essential to stabilising the climate, and climate action must protect biodiversity. Our strategy is about real reductions, real solutions and real leadership.

“We invite the financial sector to join us in embracing long-term well-being and taking action for a hopeful future. Together, we can drive the systemic change needed to stay within planetary boundaries. This means aligning financial flows with the Paris Agreement, investing in nature restoration and a clear road map to end the financing of the fossil fuel industry.”

Netherlands-based Triodos Bank has branches in Belgium, Germany, the UK and Spain.

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KEARNEY – Scott Benson has been named vice chancellor for business and finance at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, pending approval from the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. He has served in the interim role since July.

Benson has been with the university since 2009 and has held a range of leadership positions in business services, procurement, accounts payable and residence life. He most recently served as human resources director.

UNK’s Division of Business and Finance oversees financial operations that support offices including Budget; Facilities Management and Planning; Finance; Human Resources; Strategic Partnerships and Operations; and the Plambeck Early Childhood Education Center. The division also manages contracts with Dining Services and the Loper Spirit Shop.

Benson earned a Master of Business Administration from UNK with an emphasis in human resources and also holds a bachelor’s degree from South Dakota State University.

He is active in the Kearney community through his service with the Kearney Housing Agency and Kearney Public Schools Foundation. He launched the Loper Employee Professional Development series, a campuswide initiative that promotes professional growth for UNK employees.