Saint Bernard council to put 7-mill levy before voters; energy aggregation certification recommended

Council members on Thursday agreed to place a 7-mill operating levy resolution on the ballot and to prepare related legislation for future meetings.

A council member outlined the need to place an operating levy on the ballot; that same speaker said the 7-mill levy produced $538,250 five years ago and that higher property values could increase revenue this cycle. The resolution discussed (referred to in the packet as Resolution No. 2) was placed on the table for the next meeting so voters can decide whether to approve it on the August ballot, with a November option if needed.

Finance Committee Chair Mister Morton said the committee advanced proposals on vacation payout policies and an alternate insurance option and asked council to approve placing a certification on the ballot for energy aggregation via the Ohio Energy Alliance. Several council members agreed that certification should go to voters so residents can decide whether to authorize aggregation, while leaving future contract decisions to council after bids are returned.

Treasurer Miss Darenkamp reported January 2025 revenues of $767,004.19 and expenses of $1,306,876.04, and said the Star Ohio account balance is $10,678,547.65. Tax Administrator Miss Helms reported January tax collections of $648,798 (down 4.7% or $31,987 from January 2024) and reminded residents that 2024 tax returns are due April 15, 2025, and must include required federal documentation.

Council also voted to move the February meeting date to Thursday, Feb. 20, and placed several ordinances on the table, including ordinances referenced as Nos. 3, 4 and 5, to allow staff to return with final legislation at the next meeting.

Next steps: staff will prepare ordinance/resolution language for the next council meeting; Treasurer and staff will provide required drafts and documentation for public review.