McDonald stated that her first year in office has focused on visiting jurisdictions throughout the county to offer support, share updates on county initiatives, and strengthen partnerships. She expressed appreciation for Oakwood’s collaboration and affirmed her commitment to assisting the City in any way possible, inviting officials to contact her with specific needs or requests.
A copy of the ordinance, having been placed on the desks of each member of Council prior to introduction, was read by title.
Mrs. Turben explained that this is the second reading of an ordinance to increase water and sanitary sewer rates, which is needed to meet operational and upcoming capital needs. The increases would take effect in January of 2026.
The typical residential customer in Oakwood uses between 300 and 900 cubic feet of water per month. Based on that usage, a typical residential bill would increase by approximately $7 to $12 per month for water and $3 to $10 per month for sanitary sewer services, or an overall increase of between $10 and $22 per month.
These rate changes were presented to the citizen Budget Review Committee as part of the 2025 budget briefings on October 14 and November 18, and their response was positive.
Thereupon, it was moved by Mrs. Turben and seconded by Mr. Stephens that the ordinance be passed.
Upon call of the roll on the question of the motion, the following vote was recorded:
There being five (5) yea votes and no (0) nay votes thereon, said ordinance was declared duly passed and it was so ordered.
A copy of the ordinance, having been placed on the desks of each member of Council prior to introduction, was read by title.
Vice Mayor Byington explained that this is the annual budget ordinance, which appropriates the city’s funding for 2026. This ordinance is required under Section 6.05 of the City Charter and, when adopted, provides formal authorization to the City Manager to spend public dollars in providing city services.
Our total city budget is divided into five primary parts, with budgeted spending in each as follows:
| General City Services: | $ 21,603,029 |
| Refuse Services: | $ 2,171,209 |
| Water Services: | $ 2,239,667 |
| Sanitary Sewer Services: | $ 2,780,667 |
| Stormwater Services: | $ 367,510 |
Oakwood has a citizen budget committee that includes 33 members and is represented by residents from each of our eight voting precincts. That committee met four times this year and at its November 18th meeting, voted to endorse this 2026 budget.