Xenia council introduces tax‑forfeited property sales, adopts pay‑source changes and authorizes emergency street repairs

XENIA, Ohio — The Xenia City Council on Aug. 14 introduced an ordinance to sell six tax‑forfeited properties for single‑family, owner‑occupied housing, unanimously approved changes to how employee pay is charged across city funds and authorized an emergency change order to add repairs to this year’s paving contract after recent utility failures.

The meeting also included council approval of a final plat for the Xenia Market District replat, confirmation of Amy Brown as city clerk (via council president contract authorization), and adoption of a sister‑city program framework. Members heard public comments about a sewer backup that a resident said caused $13,000 in home damage and a resident who thanked the council for accessibility of meeting information.

The property sale item — introduced, not adopted, at the meeting — would permit the sale of six city‑owned parcels previously acquired through tax forfeiture under the city’s Home Preservation Program. City staff presented sale recommendations and identified the buyers and sale prices: 225 E. Third St. to Copeland Construction for $10,000; 317 E. Church St. to G.G. Custom Homes for $3,000; 147 S. Monroe St. to G.G. Custom Homes for $4,000; 93 Pru (Crew) Ave. to Emory Builders for $10,000; and 1068 and 1088 Jasper Rd. to TJD Homes for $250 each. Staff and council said deeds will include a five‑year owner‑occupancy restriction required by the council’s program rules.

City Manager Merriman told the council the properties had been difficult to market while taxes and fees exceeded market value, and that the city had worked with county officials including the prosecutor, auditor and sheriff to clear liens so the parcels could be returned to productive use.

Finance Director Ryan Duke briefed council on Resolution 2025‑40, the pay‑source policy update. Duke said the revision reallocates portions of employee wages among funds to reflect recent…