Mr. Stephens asked how many delinquencies Oakwood had about 5 – 10 years ago.

Treasurer Rice responded that she was not sure. She explained that when a property has been delinquent for more than three years, the property owner often ends up owing more than what the property is worth.

Mrs. Hilton asked what role the Montgomery County Land Bank plays with the Dayton Arcade to help move the project forward.

Treasurer Rice shared that the Montgomery County Land Bank will acquire the Dayton Arcade to help move the project forward.

City Council thanked Treasurer Rice for her presentation.

LEGISLATION

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 is a supplemental appropriation ordinance to authorize the expenditure of forfeited funds, and it was introduced with a first reading at the May Council meeting.

Between 2015 and 2016, Oakwood Detective Steve Norris led a multi-jurisdictional investigation into possible drug crimes in the area. That investigation resulted in the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of over 160 pounds of marijuana, numerous vehicles and firearms, and over $300,000 in US currency.

Federal law provides for the forfeiture of money related to illegal drug activity, and upon forfeiture the money is distributed among the law enforcement agencies involved in the case. In this case, the forfeited money was distributed among nine agencies and Oakwood’s share is $27,480.66.

The Director of Public Safety has recommended that a portion of this money should be used to replace the City’s detective vehicle, which is nearing the end of its useful service life and is frequently in need of repair. The entire cost of the replacement vehicle will be paid from forfeiture funds. However, a supplemental appropriation is necessary because that vehicle was not originally budgeted for replacement in 2018.

The Safety Department and especially Detective Norris were instrumental in this investigation, and Council believes this is an appropriate use for the money. This supplemental appropriation will provide an additional $20,000 from the Law Enforcement Fund.

Thereupon, it was moved by Vice Mayor Byington 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.