also provide routine repair of our asphalt and concrete streets and alleys, provide snow and ice removal and maintain our traffic signals and street signs.
Public Works also operates our water system, sanitary sewers and storm sewers. They are on call 24/7 for storm events, snow events and water main and other broken pipe events. Please thank them for their service to our city.
Leisure Services
Where else will you find in a community of 2.2 square miles the parks, gardens and green space found in Oakwood?
We offer four neighborhood parks, Cook Park, Fairridge Park, Orchardly Park and Shafor Park. Our natural areas include Loy Gardens, Elizabeth Gardens, Houk Stream and Centennial Park. Our recreation facilities include the Oakwood Community Center and Gardner Pool, the Dog Park at Creager Field, Irving Field, Hollinger Memorial Tennis Center, Old River Sports Complex and Mack Hummon Stadium.
Oakwood also features beautiful public gardens including Smith Gardens, donated to our city 49 years ago, and Francine's Garden. We have been a Tree City USA for 40 years as designated the National Arbor Day Foundation and have planted over 3,200 trees through our Johnny Appleseed Street Tree Planting program. We also sponsor numerous community events including the New Resident Breakfast, the Ice Cream Social, the Family Fall Festival and the Holiday of Lights.
Other Important Events
We celebrated several notable anniversaries last year. CARE Walk celebrated its 20th and final fundraiser for breast health of women in Dayton. They raised over $300,000 over their 20-year run for breast cancer research. The Oakwood Register celebrated its 30th anniversary. Ashley's Pastry Shop, the best bakery in the Miami Valley, celebrated their 40th anniversary. Oakwood and Le Vésinet, France celebrated the 50th anniversary of our twinning with our first Sister City. The Oakwood Club, the best steakhouse in the Miami Valley, celebrated their 60th anniversary. In 2023, Dorothy Lane Market, the best grocery store in the Miami Valley will celebrate their 75th anniversary. We also commemorated the 150th anniversary of the platting of the “Town of Oakwood” with a historical marker placed in front of our City Building.
We mourn the loss of former city manager Michael Kelly. Mike served our city for over 33 years including nine years as city manager. He was the consummate professional in every sense of the word. He will always be remembered for his dedication to the betterment of Oakwood and as a man of the highest integrity. His grace and class are the primary reason I chose to become involved in public service.
Mary Jo Scalzo passed away on Christmas Day 2021 and we celebrated her life last June. She retired from Oakwood City Schools in 2013 as Superintendent after 41 years in public and non-public education including 21 years with the Oakwood City School District. It was my honor in 2013 to present her with the first “Key to the City” award for her career of service to our community.
Financial Stewardship
Under the leadership of City Council, our outstanding city staff and the advice and counsel of our 32-member citizen Budget Review Committee, we met the challenges to our financial stability. Our revenues exceeded our expenses in both 2021 and 2022. This year, as well as in 2022, we plan no increase in income tax, property tax or refuse, water, sanitary sewer, or stormwater fees. In fact, our water rates are now the second lowest of any jurisdiction in the region.
We plan to have a property tax renewal levy on the ballot this November. This levy generates about $1,100,000 annually for city services and was last renewed by our voters with a 70% yes vote in 2018. And, as you know, only 8% of your property taxes go for city services. The remainder goes to Oakwood Schools, Montgomery County agencies and Wright Library.
The 2023 budget includes $2.2 million for the Far Hills Storm Sewer Reconstruction Project and $220,000 for the Far Hills Resurfacing Project in 2024. The Far Hills Storm Sewer Reconstruction Project will be the third largest project that the city has completed in the past 30 years. Maintaining our city infrastructure, both above and below ground, is a top priority of City Council and city staff.