2024 FINANCIAL AUDIT: The City’s 2024 financial audit, conducted by Plattenburg & Associates, is pending release by the State Auditor. No items were noted, and an unqualified “Clean” opinion is expected.
2025 FINANCIALS – THROUGH AUGUST:
General City Services receipts through August are at 73.47% of budget, while disbursements and encumbrances are at 69.14% of budget.
Refuse Fund receipts through August are at 68.85% of budget and disbursements and encumbrances are at 66.11% of budget.
Enterprise Fund receipts through August are at 64.52% of budget and disbursements and encumbrances are at 65.55% of budget.
GENERAL FUND RECEIPTS – FIVE-YEAR HISTORY: Mrs. Leonard presented an overview of the five-year history of general fund receipts. She highlighted key components, including income tax, real estate tax, net investment revenue, and other revenue streams.
2026 CAPITAL PROJECTS/EXPENSES: The following capital expenses are in the 2026 Budget. Ms. Leonard provided a brief overview of some of the items.
Miscellaneous Vehicle Replacements to support Public Safety, Public Works, and Leisure Services
Fire Engine, to replace 1996 unit: $950,000
Old River underground irrigation system: $150,000
Orchardly Park Playground Renovation Project: $850,000
Shafor Park Playground Renovation Project: $850,000
Water Meter and AMR Transmitter Replacements (2027, 2028, 2029): $1,000,000 **
Valve Exercise/Replacement Program (100 Valves in 2027): $1,000,000 **
Water Tower Painting – Exterior (2027): $690,000 **
** Several studies/analyses of the water system are being performed, which may alter the timeframe of these 2026 capital improvements.
2.72 MILL PROPERTY TAX LEVY RENEWAL:
The tax issue was approved in May 1991.
It has a five-year term and started generating revenue in 1992.
The current effective mills is 1.27.
The tax issue raises about $460,000 annually.
The tax on a $100,000 value home is about $84 annually.
Voted on in 2026.
LEGISLATION TO WATCH
House Bill (HB) 96 – House Bill 96, which absorbed House Bill 28, seeks to eliminate the authority to levy replacement property tax levies and has been vetoed by Governor DeWine; however, the House successfully overrode the veto, while the Senate has not yet reconvened to take action. Additionally, the Cybersecurity Program, as stipulated in ORC 9.64, will require each political subdivision to adopt a cybersecurity program by January 1, 2026. This program also mandates notification of any cybersecurity or ransomware incidents.