Bellbrook council approves resolution to seek federal funds for Little Sugar Creek Road work

The Bellbrook City Council on Sept. 22 adopted Resolution 2025-R-17 authorizing the city manager to apply to the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) for federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) transportation funds for two projects on Little Sugar Creek Road.

The resolution, introduced by Councilman Forrest Greenwood, lists two priority project applications: an infrastructure improvement project with an estimated local share of $600,000 and a transportation and pedestrian access improvement project with an estimated local share of $500,000. The council voted to adopt the resolution by recorded roll call; all seven members present voted in favor.

The city manager told council that Little Sugar Creek Road had been added to a classification plan that made it eligible for federal transportation funding and that the IIJA funding cycle is a five‑year review process. He said detailed engineering and a refined cost estimate will follow if the city is selected for further review.

Council members and staff discussed the likely local match and timeline. The city manager said federal programs often require a minimum local match of about 30 percent and that competitive applications commonly identify a 50 percent match. He also noted the city may pursue other sources, such as Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) funds, to support the match. Council members reminded colleagues that an $8 million local match would represent roughly a year’s general fund budget for Bellbrook and that the city must weigh funding options carefully.

City officials said the resolution commits the city to submit the applications and to provide required local contributions and reporting if selected; it does not bind the city to incur costs beyond what the council later approves. The text of Resolution 2025‑R‑17 also includes a declaration that the formal actions were taken in open session and cites Ohio Revised Code 121.22 regarding open‑meeting requirements.

Votes at a glance: the council adopted Resolution 2025‑R‑17 by roll call with seven yes votes. The measure authorizes the city manager to submit and execute required documents, comply with reporting requirements, and attest to the city’s commitment to local contributions identified in the applications.

Council members said they hope the project will improve safety and walkability for neighborhoods — including the Vineyards, Highview Terrace and Sable Ridge developments that rely on the road — but cautioned the engineering and match requirements could be substantial and take years to complete.