Slices, Not Squares. The World of Finances and Pizza from our new CFO
Ever wonder how a city keeps world-class services humming with a 2% income tax? We sat down with our new CFO, Matt Rubino, to open the books—literally and figuratively—and walk through the choices that power Dublin’s awesome daily life. Matt brings a rare blend of financial rigor and public-service storytelling from Solon, Cleveland, Shaker Heights and Cuyahoga County, and he’s refreshingly clear about what matters: income tax as “pure energy,” transparent reporting that earns trust, and long-term planning that turns big ideas into real places.We dig into the difference between operating and capital budgets and why moving them through City Council on a concurrent timeline strengthens accountability. Matt explains how benchmarking keeps us sharp and why parks, trails and green space are not line-item luxuries but core infrastructure for livability and economic strength. He lays out the planning horizons behind the West Innovation District and Metro Center, and how a mix of smart development, business retention and thoughtful services can expand revenue without raising the rate.Along the way, we talk about the city’s unique position as Ohio’s only community with four AAA ratings, what that means for borrowing and resilience, and how fund balance targets guide steady decisions in busy budget seasons. You’ll also meet the human behind the ledger: a Cleveland sports fan, music diehard with a soft spot for Pearl Jam and Radiohead, a backyard birder and a strong advocate for pizza cut in slices, not squares.If you care about how public dollars become public value, this conversation with Lindsay, Bruce and Matt is for you. Listen, share with a neighbor, and tell us what you think. Subscribe for more candid, behind-the-scenes looks at how Dublin plans, invests and grows — and leave a review to help others find the show, too!
USA