Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Local Government topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sharonville council approves emergency salary amendment and authorizes Byrne JAG grant application
Summary
Council unanimously approved emergency ordinance 2025‑34e to amend the 2025 salary ordinance (adding a custodial position) and emergency ordinance 2025‑36e authorizing the safety service director to apply for an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant through the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services, seeking roughly $90,000 for recruitment and wellness programs.
Sharonville City Council voted unanimously on July 8 to approve two emergency ordinances: 2025‑34e, amending the 2025 salary ordinance to add custodial staff at the convention center, and 2025‑36e, authorizing the safety service director to apply for an Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) through the Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services and to accept funds if awarded.
During a presentation before the vote, Safety Service Director Lucas said the salary amendment would add a part‑time custodial position transitioning to full‑time staffing to reduce contractual labor and overtime costs at the convention center. Lucas told council the cost is within this year's budget and that next year’s budget impact is expected to be roughly $75,000 before offsets from reduced contractual and overtime expenses.
Lucas also described the Byrne JAG application the police department seeks to pursue. He said the department expects to request approximately $90,000 to fund recruitment advertising, signing bonuses, wellness checkups, training, and some contracted services. Lucas noted that awards are reimbursement‑based and that past awards for the same program have varied widely. "If you give us any amount within what we're asking for, I doubt they would give us more than what we're requesting," Lucas said. He added that applying could help offset advertising and hiring costs estimated at about $25,000 annually.
Council made the motions and approved both emergency ordinances by roll call vote; Mr. Tankersley, Mrs. Sharpshire, Mr. Cook, Mr. Lovett, Mr. Cox, Mrs. Knight and Mr. Schmidt each voted "yes" on both measures. The ordinances were recorded as emergency measures during a single meeting and were therefore approved on first reading.
Both ordinances were approved without amendment. Staff indicated the Byrne grant, if awarded, will require departments to front costs and submit reimbursement documentation as required by the grant program.
