disbursements (budgeted: $3,794,161 versus actual: $1,291,748) which is 34.05% of budget. The Enterprise Funds include Water, Sanitary Sewer and Stormwater.

Mrs. Stafford recognized the Income Tax Department, which is part of the Finance Department. The Income Tax Department consists of Income Tax Administrator Linda Merker, Income Tax Clerk Tracy Davidson and part-time Income Tax Clerk Stacy Vreeland-Mathes. She shared that working in this department is not the easiest of jobs because they are tasked with collecting city income taxes. Mrs. Stafford thanked the Income Tax Department employees for doing an excellent job helping people with Oakwood income taxes. Over the last 15 years, the department processed an average of 13,643 returns per year. Mrs. Stafford noted that the due date for filing 2020 City of Oakwood income tax return has been extended to May 17, 2021. Requests for a federal extension by filing Form 4868 will automatically approve an extension with the City to file Oakwood returns. As a reminder, extensions do not extend the time to remit 2020 taxes, only to file the returns.

Later this year, the City will begin offering online tax filing of some Oakwood municipal income tax returns. The online filing will be limited to individuals with W-2 wage income only. The e-filing will available via a link on our website.

The City website provides information and the necessary forms to assist residents with city finance services. City payments such as utility, income tax, and many other payments can be made online through the finance website portal. Mrs. Stafford encouraged residents to receive monthly invoice statements electronically. She explained that just because you get an electronic statement does not mean that you are required to pay online. In addition to online payments, the City accepts payment by check, cash and utility payments via electronic funds transfer. Payments dropped off in the City’s secure drop boxes goes directly to the Finance Department.

Mr. Stephens asked how many tax returns include only W-2 wages.

Mrs. Stafford shared that approximately 50% of the returns are just W-2 wages.

Mayor Duncan thanked Mrs. Stafford for everything the finance department did last year during the pandemic to prepare for the unknown. Mayor Duncan shared that as a CPA, he has worked with Income Tax Administrator Linda Merker. Ms. Merker is very professional and knowledgeable. He thanked the Finance Department and the Income Tax Department for everything they do to secure the finances of the city.

CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS – Mr. Klopsch provided an update on the following items:

Mr. Klopsch shared that he enjoys listening to the staff reports because they demonstrate the outstanding work that is done by the department heads. He shared that he often feels that his two primary responsibilities are to ensure that the department heads have the resources they need to do their jobs, and to remove any obstacles to help them shine.

The basketball courts at Orchardly Park and Shafor Park opened on Monday, April 5. Aside from a couple reports of late-night basketball activity, the court use is going smoothly. The Public Safety Department will continue to closely monitor the parks and respond if needed.

The rubber surface playground area at Orchardly Park is being replaced. It was originally installed in 2008. Weather permitting, the playground should be open later this week.

In a few weeks, the Shafor Park Tennis Facility will be resurfaced. The work is being done under warranty, and was originally planned for 2019. The work will fix flaws that occurred with the original project in 2018 and at no public expense. The contractor has done a great job in honoring the contract and warranty. The facility will be closed for a period of 6 –8 weeks, but will be open in time for the high school tennis team to begin their practice in late July, early August.

Mr. Klopsch thanked City Council for approving the appropriation ordinance for the refuse packer. The price for packers has already increased by 12% since the other packer was ordered last fall. The two packer trucks, aside from the fire engines, are the most mission-essential vehicles. They are on the street four days a week, 52 weeks a year. The vehicles being replaced are 2000-year models and are very much worn out. One of the vehicles is completely out of service. The new packers should last for 15-20 years.

He also thanked City Council for approving the appropriation ordinance for the recycling center improvements. There will be a new circular traffic design at the entrance of the Public Works Center. The recycling center will be available 24-7.