Mrs. Stafford shared that all of the information she is reporting on this evening is also available on the city website.

Regarding the 2023 year-end financials, she referenced a chart for Non-Enterprise Funds (General City Services), excluding transfers, showing budgeted versus actual for receipts (budgeted: $16,306,353 versus actual: $16,829,017) which is 103.21% of budget; and disbursements (budgeted: $18,258,858 versus actual: $17,283,116) which is 94.66% of budget.

Mr. Stephens asked if the city would see a change in the property tax received due to increased property valuations.

Mrs. Stafford displayed a pie chart on 2023 revenue showing a breakdown as follows: 62.52% income tax; 17.45% property tax; and 20.03% other.

Mrs. Stafford answered no in regard to outside millage and explained that the city will receive what was approved with the recent levy, which was calculated to generate the same amount as the levy that expired in November 2023.

Mrs. Stafford gave kudos to city staff for being judicious on spending the city’s tax dollars.

Mrs. Stafford then referenced a chart for the Refuse Fund, excluding transfers, showing budgeted versus actual for receipts (budgeted: $1,387,100 versus actual: $1,386,143), which is 99.93% for the year; disbursements (budgeted: $1,621,368 versus actual: $1,489,441) which is 91.86% of budget.

She then referenced a chart for Enterprise Funds, excluding transfers, showing budgeted versus actual for receipts (budgeted: $4,469,400 versus actual: $4,621,249), which is 103.40% for the year; disbursements (budgeted: $6,585,297 versus actual: $6,159,069) which is 93.53% of budget. The Enterprise Funds include Water, Sanitary Sewer and Stormwater. The water and sewer fund revenues can fluctuate from year to year and are driven, in large part, by the weather and rainfall. Also, 67% of sanitary sewer costs went to Montgomery County and the city of Dayton for wastewater treatment.

The 2023 financial audit has been performed. The auditors completed their fieldwork 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 receiving the final audit report, but it is expected by the end of May. Mrs. Stafford recognized the Finance Department staff for doing a fantastic job while being short staffed.

In regard to 2024 financials through April 30, Mrs. Stafford referenced a chart for General City Services, excluding transfers, showing budgeted versus actual for receipts (budgeted: $16,785,811 versus actual: $6,917,986) which is 41.21% of budget (April and May are when a large portion of income taxes are received); and disbursements (budgeted: $19,704,554 versus actual: $8,193,668) which is 41.58% of budget. The first half of property taxes and property tax assessments are typically received in April and May. Blanket purchase orders are submitted for many purchases at the beginning of the year to cover expenses for the entire year.

She then referenced a chart for the Refuse Fund, excluding transfers, showing budgeted versus actual for receipts (budgeted: $1,380,600 versus actual: $473,043), which is 34.26% of budget; disbursements (budgeted: $1,688,120 versus actual: $830,468) which is 49.19% of budget.

She then referenced a chart for Enterprise Funds, excluding transfers, showing budgeted versus actual for receipts (budgeted: $4,600,200 versus actual: $1,348,134 which is 29.31% of budget; disbursements (budgeted: $7,463,256 versus actual: $3,488,021) which is 46.74% of budget. The Enterprise Funds include Water, Sanitary Sewer and Stormwater. She explained that most of the sanitary sewer costs are driven by Montgomery County and the city of Dayton.

Council thanked Mrs. Stafford for all her good work.

CITY MANAGER’S COMMENTS

Mr. Klopsch recognized Cindy Stafford and her staff for the excellent work they perform daily, particularly while being short-staffed. Mr. Klopsch then reported on the following items.

The leaf mulch program has been popular again this year. This Saturday is the last day it will be available.

The Far Hills Storm Sewer project is nearing completion. It is anticipated that all lanes on Far Hills Avenue will be reopened in the next few weeks. Mr. Klopsch thanked the nearby property owners for their patience with the construction work.