The Bellbrook City Council unanimously adopted a resolution on Nov. 10 establishing Fund 400, a public safety fund to receive revenue from a 2.2‑mill levy approved by voters on Nov. 4 that the county auditor estimates will generate about $610,000 annually.

City Manager Rob Schomer told the council the new fund must be kept separate from the general fund and that expenditures will be limited to the uses described in the ballot language, including salaries and equipment for police and fire personnel. "We have to allocate expenses directly related to how the fund was legally created," Schomer said, adding the city will report these revenues and expenditures independently so voters can see how levy funds are spent.

The resolution recites requirements in the Ohio Revised Code and the ballot language; it says the 2.2 continuous levy is estimated to collect $610,000 annually at a rate not exceeding 2.2 mills, with revenues first due in calendar year 2026. Schomer said the separate accounting means the city cannot transfer those funds to the general fund and must appropriate expenditures that are directly related to public safety.

Council members said the dedicated fund honors voters' intent after a campaign of public outreach. The council moved and seconded the resolution and recorded a unanimous vote to adopt Resolution 2025‑R‑20.

The next step is to incorporate the new fund into the city's budget process: Schomer said the city will introduce the initial budget and a capital improvement plan at the Nov. 24 meeting, and that an emergency ordinance in December will allow the city to have the levy revenue available sooner than the standard 30‑day waiting period. "So once it's approved, then we can calculate that fund into the budget overall," he said.

No additional public action on the fund was required at the meeting; councilmembers said they will continue to provide transparent reporting on how the levy proceeds are spent.