Over the last several months Medic 27 has experienced a complete failure of its ABS brake module, and it cannot be repaired. Unfortunately, the part is no longer manufactured or commercially available, new or used, and Medic 27 can no longer be used for emergency medical services.

The City Manager has recommended the purchase of a used ambulance. The Safety Director has located one that is in excellent shape for about one-third of the cost of a new ambulance. It has enough remaining useful life to serve as a primary ambulance through 2024, and then to serve as a backup ambulance when we purchase a new one at that time.

This supplemental appropriation will authorize an additional amount of $120,000 to be expended from the Equipment Replacement Fund for the purchase of the ambulance.

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.

Finance Report: Finance Director Cindy Stafford referenced a PowerPoint presentation and updated Council on the following topics: 2021 year-end Audit; 2021 Auditor of State’s StaRS Program; and 2022 Financials through September 30, 2022.

The Oakwood Finance Department was again awarded the Auditor of State Award for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the 2021 Audit. Mrs. Stafford recognized the efforts of the Finance Department. She noted that this award not only represents the hard work of all city employees, but also City Council in overseeing the use of public resources.

The Ohio Auditor of State uses a Stars Rating System (StaRS) to measure compliance with Sunshine Laws and to share best practices for governments to improve the transparency within their organizations. Mrs. Stafford displayed the city of Oakwood’s StaRS results. The City scored four stars, which is the highest achievement in open and transparent government. The Ohio Auditor’s Office shared a new best practice of recording public request acknowledgements, which was implemented immediately. Mrs. Stafford explained that in addition to reviewing financial statements, the audit also reviews the operations of the city to ensure compliance with the Ohio Sunshine Laws.

There are many resources available on the City’s website (www.oakwoodohio.gov) including annual financial audits, annual city budgets, monthly financial reports, income tax forms, utility billing forms and vital records forms. Mrs. Stafford thanked Ms. Stacel for managing the information on the city’s website.

Mrs. Hilton asked how many public records requests are usually received.

Mrs. Stafford shared that the number of requests varies. City staff records and tracks all of the public record requests in a log.

In regard to the 2022 financials through September 30, 2022, Mrs. Stafford referenced a chart for General City Services, excluding transfers, showing budgeted versus actual for receipts were: $15,652,995 and $14,017,562; and disbursements were: $16,255,194 and $12,903,687. Receipts are 90% as a result of the following three main reasons: income generated by the additional people living at Pointe Oakwood; an increase in Oakwood residents working from home, thereby directing their local income taxes to Oakwood rather than other jurisdictions; and, the timing of real estate tax collections, which is currently 99% of budget. Mrs. Stafford shared that she anticipates that by the end of the year disbursements and encumbrances will be close to what was budgeted. Mr. Stephens asked how many more people are working from home.

Mrs. Stafford explained that while she does not recall the number of people, there has been an increase. She shared that she is unable to determine the dollar amount associated with the increase in people working from home.