Mr. Klopsch highlighted the following 2019 events and projects:

• New City Website: Oakwood launched a new and improved website in June 2019. The new website includes a mobile-friendly interface that adapts to all devices (phones, tablets, laptops, desktops) creating a better user experience for all users.
• 45^th Anniversary of Smith Gardens: Smith Gardens was donated to the City 45 years ago. Several events were held to celebrate this incredible gift to Oakwood.
• Concrete and Asphalt Street Repairs: The City completed a number of street projects and will continue to invest in roadway infrastructure.
• 2^nd Annual Citizen Police Academy: The Oakwood Public Safety Department hosted its second successful Citizens Police Academy (CPA).
• ACORN Program: The Public Safety Department offers the ACORN (Assisting and Contributing to Oakwood Resident Needs) Program. The program is designed to assist residents in times of emergency, and provide peace of mind through proactive community outreach, implementing safety plans, and advocating for the well-being of Oakwood’s senior and at-risk population.
• Russell Wealth Management: Construction of the Russell Wealth Management office building was completed this year. The business is now operating at Sugar Camp.
• Element Oakwood: The Element Oakwood condos are almost completed. The first group of residents is scheduled to move in early next year. Hills Developers, Inc. projects that the condos will be at full capacity as early as summer 2020.
• Fire Inspections at Oakwood Businesses: Formal fire inspection processes were put in place this year for all Oakwood businesses. The inspections focus on fire education and safety.
• On-Line Bill Payment System: The online bill payment system was implemented during the first week of March and is already heavily used by Oakwood residents.
• Upgraded Cardboard Recycling Center: The City made significant improvements to the cardboard drop off by the Creager field parking lot. Oakwood recycles large amounts of cardboard and the City does not pay any recycling fees for cardboard.
• Assessment of City Parks: Leisure Services Staff completed a detailed assessment of city parks and is developing a plan for major capital improvements.
• Water Tower & Water Plant Improvements: The Public Works Department completed improvement projects at the water tower and water softening plant totaling around $125,000. The City will continue to maintain the water system infrastructure to provide the best quality water.
• Oakwood Historical Society: The Oakwood Historical Society continues to thrive with their different event offerings.
• Festival of Trees Event/Smith Gardens Fundraiser: In conjunction with celebrating the 45th anniversary of the city receiving Smith Gardens, the Leisure Services staff created a new event called the “Holiday Festival of Trees Auction”. Residents, businesses and professionals participated with 34 trees donated for the silent auction. This event raised over $4,000 in donations that will be used toward the upkeep of Smith Gardens.
• Rotary Hazardous Waste Collection: The Oakwood Rotary Club continues to offer a quarterly program where volunteer Rotarians travel the community to collect and dispose of hazardous waste. This program has operated for over ten years.
• Oakwood Farmers’ Market: The Oakwood Farmers’ Market had another successful year.

Mr. Klopsch displayed graphs for Income Tax receipts and Property Tax receipts.

The municipal income tax typically grows each year, helping to offset annual cost increases. The 90% credit factor approved by City Council is expected to raise about $600,000 in new revenue, revenue that replaces money lost over the years as numerous communities raised their tax rates.

In regards to property taxes, there was a decrease as a result of a property tax levy expiring in 2008, and an increase with a new levy approved by Oakwood voters in 2013. The minor changes from year to year are a result of increases in the total valuation of Oakwood property.

About 64% of the local municipal income tax paid by Oakwood residents is remitted to the city of Oakwood. About 36% is remitted to the taxing jurisdictions where Oakwood citizens work. Prior to the 10 % credit reduction, about 55% of local taxes went to other jurisdictions.

The Property Tax breakdown consists of 68.4% to Oakwood Schools; 1.7% to Montgomery County; 0.3% to Developmental Disabilities; 2.0% to Five River MetroParks; 13.7% to Human Services; 4.0% to Sinclair; 8.5% to the city of Oakwood; and, 1.4% to Wright Library.