Saint Bernard council adopts 7-mill levy renewal and accepts estimated 2026 budget

The Saint Bernard Village Council on June 26 unanimously adopted Resolution 9-2025 to renew a 7-mill real-property tax levy and accepted the village's proposed 2026 tax budget.

Clerk read Resolution 9-2025, which "authorizes renewal of the 7 mil tax levy on the current real property tax rate for real property located within the village of Saint Bernard," and the council voted 7-0 to suspend the second and third readings and to adopt the resolution. Connor Morton said the renewal would "bring in $599,038 per year to Saint Bernard." The resolution will be certified to the Hamilton County Board of Elections for placement on the Nov. 4 ballot.

During a public hearing on the proposed 2026 tax budget, billing figures were presented to council: estimated general fund revenue of $15,283,200, including $12,600,000 from the village's earned income tax and $1,100,000 from property taxes; state and county revenue-sharing and other receipts were listed at $223,200, with additional charges for services and miscellaneous revenues bringing the total to the $15.28 million figure. Expenditures were estimated at $14,664,319, producing an estimated general fund surplus of $618,881 for 2026.

Following the presentation, Mike Schultmeyer moved to accept the proposed estimated 2026 budget; the motion passed by roll call 7-0.

Mayor Stu Chil used the meeting to remind residents of July 5 Independence Day events at Vine Street Park, and staff noted that the budget and resolution will be forwarded to county election officials as required.

The council also scheduled an executive session later in the meeting to discuss pending litigation and adjourned after returning from that session.