She then referenced a chart for Non-Enterprise Funds, excluding transfers, showing budgeted versus actual for receipts through March 31, 2017 (budgeted: $13,482,257 versus actual: $3,848,111) which is 29% of budget; and disbursements (budgeted: $14,365,979 versus actual: $3,247,288) which is 23% of budget. The net income tax receipts show that February through April is less than it was at the same time last year. The tax losses are due to the impact of Substitute Ohio House Bill 5 and due to the impact of numerous surrounding cities increasing their income tax rates. Between Dayton and Centerville, the 2017 loss is expected to be $360,000. The overall impact over the last several years from 20 surrounding communities raising their rates is already a reduction of $450,000 annually.

Mayor Duncan noted that the 2017 budget anticipates deficit spending and $550,000 less income tax than 2016. Through April, it is about $380,000 less. Historically, the city collects about 46 – 48% of income tax receipts through the end of April. If the city is at $380,000 below tax receipts now, the tax receipts could easily jump to $700,000 less for the year. The city has had large losses in February – April and Mayor Duncan feels that we need to continue to keep our eye on this.

Mrs. Hilton asked if Ohio House Bill 5 specifically addressed local income tax.

Mrs. Stafford responded yes.

The 2016 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 three weeks.

Mrs. Stafford recognized the 100+ years of cumulative service in the Finance Department. She recognized the following members of her staff. Alice Young, Assistant Finance Director – 39 years of service; Tracy Martin, Payroll Clerk – 30 years of service (19 as a dispatcher & 11 in finance); Theresa Rushlow, Utility Clerk – 17 years of service; Linda Merker, Tax Administrator – 14 years of service; Stacy Vreeland-Mathes, Part-time Tax Clerk – 13 years of service; and, Tracy Davidson, Tax Clerk – 1 year of service.

Mr. Klopsch began by recognizing Cindy Stafford and her staff for the excellent work they perform on a daily basis. Mr. Klopsch then reported on the following items.

The 2016 Oakwood Annual Report was delivered to all Oakwood properties at the end of March. It is also available on the city’s website at www.oakwoodohio.gov.

In preparation for the Shroyer Road Project, Vectren completed gas infrastructure work along Shroyer Road, and the city replaced a sanitary sewer line between Hadley Avenue and Corona Avenue. The Shroyer Road Project is set to begin in late June and be completed in October. The city conducted two open house events in April. Additional information is available on the city’s website.

A letter was mailed to all of the Oakwood residents living on Ridgeway Road alerting them of concrete street repair that will begin next week as well as the replacement of the street lights sometime in late summer or early fall.

The leaf mulch is available for two more weeks. Mulch can be picked up at the Public Works Center at no cost to Oakwood citizens on the next two Saturdays 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.

The sidewalk repair on the northeast side of Oakwood is wrapping up. In late May/early June, the sidewalk repair will begin on the west side of Oakwood.

The Oakwood Citizen Budget Review Committee will meet on Monday, May 15 at 5:30 p.m. State Senator Peggy Lehner and State Representative Jim Butler will also be attending this meeting.

Last week, city employees gathered to celebrate anniversary milestones for Assistant City Manager Jay Weiskircher (35 years) and Payroll Clerk Tracy Martin (30 years).