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 the rates for Oakwood’s water and sanitary sewer utility services, which is needed in order to meet operational and upcoming capital needs. The city last raised water rates in January 2017 (seven years ago) and sanitary sewer rates in January 2018 (six years ago). The increases would take effect in January of 2024.
The typical residential customer in Oakwood uses between 300 and 900 cubic feet of water per month. Based on that usage, the typical residential bill would increase by approximately $7 to $13 per month for water and $7 to $14 per month for sanitary sewer services.
These rate changes were presented to the citizen Budget Review Committee as part of the 2024 budget briefing on September 12 and October 16, 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.
OF A TAX LEVY IN EXCESS OF THE TEN-MILL LIMITATION FOR
CURRENT EXPENSES AND THE GENERAL OPERATION OF THE CITY.
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 ordinance is the second and final legislative step toward placing a new levy on the ballot in March 2024.
Council had originally planned to place a levy on the ballot for the election that took place on November 7. It would have been a renewal of an existing 3.75 mill levy that was first approved by Oakwood voters in 2013. Unfortunately, the issue was not approved for the ballot by the Board of Elections due to a clerical error. As a result, the existing 3.75 mill levy will expire at the end of 2023. Council is placing a new replacement levy on the ballot in March of 2024. Based on a determination by the Montgomery County Auditor, and strong property values in Oakwood, the new levy will be at the rate of 2.41 mills instead of 3.75. This will generate the same amount of revenue as the expiring levy, meaning it will not raise property taxes above what we pay today.
Thereupon, it was moved by Vice Mayor Byington and seconded by Mrs. Hilton that the second reading be waived and that the ordinance be passed tonight.
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.