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Instead of us working together as partners, and recognizing the enormously important role that local government plays in providing services to the citizens of Ohio, the State chose to treat us as an expenditure to be reduced.
Under the leadership of City Council, our outstanding city staff and the advice and counsel of our 35 member Budget Review Committee, we met these challenges to our financial stability. We reduced expenses each year between 2009 and 2014. We had modest increases in spending in the last few years but that included major capital expenditures to redesign Shroyer Road and the replace our 65 year old tennis courts at the Oakwood Community Center.
Our spending in 2018 was about the same as we spent in 2011 and only 2.5% higher than our 2008 spending. We now offer a 90% credit for city taxes paid to other jurisdictions. This important action reduced our continuing loss of revenue when surrounding cities raise their tax rates and ensures that all Oakwood residents with taxable income pay at least 0.25% to Oakwood.
A New Relationship: We congratulate our newly elected Governor Mike DeWine and Lt. Governor Jon Husted. They have publically stated their interest in improving relations with local governments and we will support them with their efforts.
We also support the Ohio Municipal League's 2019 Public Policy Agenda. It includes:
Restoration of the Local Government Fund
Preservation of Home Rule
Respect Municipal Income Tax Authority
Invest in Public Infrastructure, and
Partner to fight the Opioid Crisis
Well Governed, Well Managed and Financially Strong: Steve, you and I made a good decision when we moved to Oakwood so many years ago. Rob, Anne and Chris made good decisions to stay in Oakwood.
When I joined City Council in 2003, it was my belief that Oakwood was well governed, well managed and financially strong. I still hold that belief and will continue this tradition.
With the help of City Council, city staff and the citizens of Oakwood, we will continue to be well governed, well managed and financially strong.
Thank you again for the opportunity to serve you."
Citizen Committee Appointments – Mayor Duncan explained that there are several vacancies on citizen committees. City Council and City staff are in the process of identifying citizen volunteers for appointment at the March City Council meeting.
VISITORS – There were no visitors wishing to address Council.
LEGISLATION
A copy of the ordinance, having been placed on the desks of each member of Council prior to introduction, was read by title.
Mr. Stephens explained that this is the first reading of an ordinance to update the City's regulations for administering public utilities located in City rights-of-way. These are the rules that must be followed by electric, gas, and telephone companies, and any other utilities that may have facilities located in the public right-of-way.
This ordinance would amend the rules to address so-called "double poles." Double pole situations happen when a utility company installs a new replacement pole but does not remove the original pole within a reasonable timeframe. Often, the original pole is cut short or topped but not removed because other utility providers still have facilities on that original pole, and communication among the utility providers is not always optimal.