Bellbrook council asks county to certify 2.2‑mill public‑safety levy after earlier ballot language rejection

Bellbrook City Council voted unanimously on April 14 to request Greene County Auditor certification for a proposed 2.2‑mill continuous levy to fund fire apparatus, rescue equipment, ambulance services, police personnel and related public‑safety needs. If approved by voters, the levy would raise 2.2 mills — the resolution said that equals 22 cents per $100 of taxable property — and first appear on the 2025 general‑election ballot for collection beginning in 2026.

Councilman Ashley introduced the resolution. City Manager Rob told council the action is a procedural step to ask the county auditor to certify the city’s current tax valuation and the revenue the levy would generate. Rob said the item is a repeat effort after a prior submission was rejected by the Greene County Board of Elections, which the city was told returned the ballot language because the tax‑collection year listed on the form was incorrect.

Rob said the city has requested records to understand the board’s reasoning. He told council that the Greene County Board of Elections’ deliberations reportedly included discussion in executive session and that a legal memorandum from the county prosecutor was not released to the city because of attorney‑client privilege. Rob added that the Secretary of State’s office reviewed the matter, called communication “key” and encouraged the county to notify local political subdivisions when decisions affecting ballots are made.

Rob said the failed submission requires the city to restart the certification process so residents can have the chance to vote on public‑safety funding. He also told council staff will prepare two budget scenarios — one that includes the levy revenue and one that does not — so the city’s 2026 budget process can proceed regardless of the election outcome.

Council members questioned the record‑keeping and notification process at the county board and asked whether legal action might be possible; Rob said the city was seeking clarity and would continue fact finding but was not pursuing litigation at the meeting. Deputy Mayor Havens said she was “very unfortunate” that the Board of Elections’ handling had left residents without access to the earlier ballot language.

The resolution directs the clerk to forward the city’s request to the Greene County Auditor, who must certify the total current tax valuation and the dollar amount expected from the proposed mills within 10 days. Council recorded a unanimous vote in favor of submitting the certification request.

Why it matters: The proposed levy would fund fire and emergency medical services, police personnel and equipment, and related public‑safety functions. Council said timely certification is required so the measure can appear on the November ballot and allow voters to decide whether to approve additional public‑safety funding.

What’s next: City staff will forward the request to the county auditor for certification, continue seeking records about the prior ballot rejection and produce budget scenarios that show the financial effects with and without the proposed levy.