Mr. Klopsch added that income tax receipts year-to-date through April are 6% below this time last year. It is about timing, as previously mentioned.

Mayor Duncan added that the City is also dealing with the increase of tax rates from other cities, such as Dayton and Moraine, which will be addressed with the 2019 Budget.

Mrs. Stafford shared that monthly financial statements are available on the City’s website. The January financial statements show a $300,000 – $400,000 increase in Property taxes collected in December, but by the end of the year it will even out.

Mayor Duncan stated that this is in response to the federal government changing the tax law by limiting the deductibility of state and local taxes to $10,000 beginning in 2018.

She then referenced a chart for Enterprise Funds, excluding transfers, showing budgeted versus actual for receipts (budgeted: $3,117,800 versus actual: $2,470,537), which is 79% for the year; disbursements (budgeted: $3,438,984 versus actual: $3,100,588) which is 90% of budget. The Enterprise Funds include water, sanitary sewer and stormwater.

The 2017 financial audit is being performed by Plattenburg & Associates. The auditors have completed their field work in the city’s administrative offices. There were no items noted by the auditors so the city anticipates an unqualified “clean” opinion, which is the best opinion. There has been no timeline given for completion of the audit, but it is expected within the next eight weeks.

In regard to 2018 financials through April 30, Mrs. Stafford referenced a chart for Non-Enterprise Funds, excluding transfers, showing budgeted versus actual for receipts (budgeted: $12,357,823 versus actual: $5,134,567) which is 42% of budget, primarily because April is when a large portion of income taxes are received; and disbursements (budgeted: $13,382,240 versus actual: $3,882,259) which is 29% of budget.

She then referenced a chart for the Refuse Fund, excluding transfers, showing budgeted versus actual for receipts (budgeted: $1,229,600 versus actual: $427,060), which is 35% for the year; disbursements (budgeted: $1,274,744 versus actual: $456,593) which is 36% of budget.

She then referenced a chart for Enterprise Funds, excluding transfers, showing budgeted versus actual for receipts (budgeted: $3,265,800 versus actual: $1,062,410), which is 33% for the year; disbursements (budgeted: $3,543,997 versus actual: $1,015,584) which is 29% of budget.

The Oakwood Finance Department has started working on the 2019 Budget. The Oakwood Citizen Budget Review Committee will hold their first of four meetings on Thursday, May 24 at 5:30 p.m.

Mr. Klopsch began by recognizing Cindy Stafford and her staff for continuing to do a fantastic job for the City. Mr. Klopsch then reported on the following items.

Preliminary work began on the Shafor Park Tennis Courts about a week ago. Major construction, including demolition, will take place this week. There will be a lot of activity around the Oakwood Community Center area over the next three or so months. City staff is keeping a close eye on the project. The City hopes to have the project completed by the time the Oakwood High School Tennis team begins their 2018 season.

Vectren gas line work is scheduled to begin at the end of May on East Drive between Shroyer Road and Shafor Boulevard. There will be a large trench dug and a new pipe installed.

The annual Sidewalk, Curb and Driveway Apron Project will start mid-June and go through the rest of the summer into early to mid-September.

The Asphalt Paving Project is scheduled to start at the beginning of July for about two weeks. Residents that are affected by the asphalt work have already received notification.

This Saturday is the final day for leaf mulch. Mulch can be picked up at the Public Works Center at no cost to Oakwood citizens from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. For those who want mulch delivered, the City offers 3 cubic yards for $90 and 6 cubic yards for $130.

Oakwood residents will begin seeing the Oakwood Public Safety Department on bike patrol. This provides a unique opportunity for public safety officers to interact with the community.