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 school resource officer (SRO) position; department leadership said half the SRO cost normally comes from the school and the other half from the city.

Police officials warned that reductions would slow response times and curtail extra staffing for large public events. The police department highlighted uncertainty about its vehicle lease program with Enterprise, its primary way to obtain newer patrol SUVs; officials said the department will evaluate lease residuals and maintenance costs at the end of the next contract year. Police leaders also noted first-year outfitting costs for any new officer — weapons, vest, uniform and related equipment — would be substantial if hires are needed later.

"It would be very nice to have another, full time SRO," Police Chief said of a second school resource officer, adding that without the city contribution "that position would probably be [lost], unfortunately." Police Chief also outlined that existing detective duties would be absorbed back into road patrol if cuts proceed.

Fire-department impacts identified in the memo include elimination of some equipment replacements (including delaying major apparatus purchases), a reduction equal to one full-time firefighter position in staffing and cuts to training and community programs. The fire department said it would stop providing CPR and first-aid classes, child car-seat installations, home and business safety inspections (which the department said would be deferred to Greene County at additional cost to residents) and some community events and services.

Fire officials said the city's primary ladder truck is 30 years old and replacement cost if purchased immediately would be about $1,300,000. "We're looking at a $1,300,000 ladder truck if we were to purchase today," Fire Chief said. Fire staff also said the department recently received a medic unit and a command vehicle after long lead times, and that continued delays in planned capital purchases risk higher prices and continued equipment age-related maintenance challenges.

Both departments described potential new or expanded user fees and billing to offset costs. Fire officials said the city would consider billing for nontransport extrication or cleanup services and nuisance false alarms as potential revenue sources.

Citywide cuts the committee reviewed included a $125,000 reduction from general or capital funds that would reduce the city's contribution to street paving, stormwater projects, information-technology equipment and maintenance and some human-resources and finance functions. Staff warned that reduced finance capacity could lower efficiency and potentially affect the city’s bond rating.

City staff summarized the city’s current reserves as ‘‘$2.85k projected fund balance in fire and $65k in the police fund’’ and said the city’s target reserve is roughly $500k for each fund. Staff and chiefs said those low balances mean there is little margin for error if the levy is delayed.

No formal action or vote took place at the safety committee meeting; the discussion was informational. Committee members concluded the levy delay increases the risk that the city will need to implement the described service reductions before a November ballot could restore funding.

The meeting adjourned after committee members offered no additional changes to the memo or new direction for staff.