Delay of proposed 2.2-mill levy would force cuts to Bellbrook police and fire services, officials say

The Bellbrook City Council safety committee met on April 28, 2025, to review how postponing a proposed 2.2-mill operating levy from May to November would affect police, fire and general city services. City staff and department chiefs outlined specific budget cuts tied to the delay and described program reductions that would follow if the levy does not pass.

Committee members and department leaders said the levy was projected to provide $285,500 to the police fund, $189,500 to the fire fund and $125,000 to general or capital purposes. City staff presented a “Get the Facts” memo summarizing likely reductions tied to those figures.

Police impacts would include elimination of scheduled equipment replacements and vehicle purchases, cuts to investigative tools and a reduction of training to mandatory levels only. Department leaders said two part-time positions would go unfilled (the equivalent of one full-time position), the dedicated detective post would be removed and many investigative duties would shift to patrol officers. Police staffing cuts would also likely eliminate the city-funded half of a second…