Our revenue exceeded our expenses in 2019 and we believe this will also be the case in 2020. We now offer a 90% credit for city taxes paid to other jurisdictions. This important action reduced our continuing loss of revenue when surrounding cities raise their tax rates and ensures that all Oakwood residents with taxable income pay at least 0.25% to Oakwood.
Well Governed, Well Managed and Financially Strong
As I begin my 17th year on Oakwood City Council and my 11th year as Mayor, I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of former Mayor Jeff Ireland, Mayor Gretchen Bullock, and my mentor, Mayor Judy Cook. I am also honored to serve with my fellow members of Council. Steve Byington begins his 13th year as a member of Oakwood City Council and his 11th year as our Vice Mayor. Council members Rob Stephens and Anne Hilton begin their 11th year on City Council and Council member Chris Epley begins his seventh year on City Council.
This Council, like those that preceded it, operates in a collegial style and everyone believes in doing the right thing for the citizens of Oakwood. We listen to one another, no one has hidden agendas, and we believe in community service. Our representatives in Washington DC should follow our example.
When I joined City Council in 2003, it was my belief that Oakwood was well governed, well managed and financially strong. I still hold that belief and will continue this tradition.
With the help of City Council, city staff and the citizens of Oakwood, we will continue to be well governed, well managed and financially strong.
Thank you again for the opportunity to serve you.”
Citizen Committee Appointments – Mayor Duncan presented the following list of reappointments and appointments to various citizen committees:
The reappointments of Dr. Dave Denka to the Board of Health; Nina Anglin to the Personnel Appeals Board; Dan Ferneding (A), Jeff Woeste (B), Mark Risley (C), Michael Vanderburgh (D), Heidi Edwards (D), Bill Rieger (F) and Mike Ruetschle (G) to the BRC; and the appointment of Kristina Marcus (A), Amanda Malusky Krauss (A) and A.J. Lewis (C) to the BRC, Jacob Fromholt to the Beautification Committee, Dr. Tom Hardy to the ADA Compliance Committee, and Polly Petricola (D) to the Property Maintenance Board.
It was moved by Mayor Duncan and seconded by Vice Mayor Byington that the aforementioned appointments be confirmed. Upon a viva voce vote on the question of the motion, same passed unanimously and it was so ordered.
Health District Annual Report – Mr. Klopsch encouraged citizens to watch the March 2 Oakwood City Council meeting where Board of Health members will speak publicly about suicide prevention programs. He then explained that per the City Charter, Oakwood has its own Board of Health. Oakwood operates the only local health district within Montgomery County. All other jurisdictions within the county are served exclusively by the combined health district known as Public Health – Dayton & Montgomery County. The Ohio Revised Code requires that local health districts publish an annual report with vital statistics. Oakwood submitted this report to the State, and the report will be available on the City’s website.
VISITORS
Mayor Duncan recognized Andrea White, Kettering Clerk of Courts, in the audience. He explained that Mrs. White is running for the Ohio House to fill the 41st District seat that will be vacated with the departure of Representative Jim Butler.
Wright Memorial Public Library, Kristi Hale – Wright Memorial Public Library Director Kristi Hale began her presentation by thanking City Council, and recognizing the following individuals in the audience: Wright Memorial Public Library Fiscal Officer Mary Hopton, Wright Memorial Public Library Board of Trustees President Joe Fulford, and Wright Memorial Public Library Board of Trustee member Bob Eling.
She then provided the following information about library services and a 1.5 mill property tax levy on the March 17, 2020 ballot.