Saint Bernard council approves 7-mill levy renewal, utility aggregation measures and interim public services director

At a March 13 special meeting, the Village of Saint Bernard council adopted Resolution No. 2 to place a renewal 7-mill property tax levy before voters and approved ordinances to ask residents about municipal electric and natural gas aggregation, and to contract with Timothy Williams as interim director of public services and safety.

The council voted 5–1 to adopt Resolution No. 2, which authorizes certification of a renewal 7-mill levy to the Hamilton County auditor and declares an emergency to advance the measure. Finance Committee chair Councilman Morton said the committee unanimously endorsed advancing the measure to let voters decide and recommended placing it on the August ballot to reduce voter fatigue and improve turnout.

Auditor Brickway asked council to place an additional-appropriations ordinance on the agenda at the next meeting to record two unbudgeted items: $3,264.88 for ambulance supplies (account 7A3), funded by an EMT grant, and $70,000 for master plan contract staff (MP1B) for the building department. "This was not budgeted at the full amount at the beginning of the year," Brickway said, adding council can reduce the line later if plans change.

The council also suspended readings and adopted Ordinance No. 6, enabling a governmental electric aggregation program with opt-out provisions and directing the Hamilton County Board of Elections to submit a ballot question. The ordinance passed 6–0. Similarly, Ordinance No. 7, authorizing a governmental natural gas aggregation ballot question, was adopted 6–0.

In personnel business, the council adopted Ordinance No. 9, authorizing the mayor to enter a contract with Timothy Williams as interim director of public services and safety for a six-month term commencing March 26. Mayor Jonathan Stutchell described the role as an interim appointment with possible renewable consulting terms and said Mr. Williams would overlap with the outgoing director for a brief transition period. "He will be serving as the interim director of public services and safety for a 6 month period commencing March 26," Stutchell said.

Treasurer Daren Kim reported February year-to-date expenses of $3,002,387.09 and revenues of $1,655,009.32. Tax administrator Michelle said February tax collections were $653,492, up 7% ($42,764) from February 2024; refunds for the month were $3,503.

Council also voted to place on the table — for action at a future meeting — (1) an additional-appropriations ordinance tied to the auditor’s request and (2) an ordinance to allow the director of public services and safety to enter into a contract for the Langley Avenue project once bidding concludes. Safety and service director Tim Wharton said the Langley Avenue bid opening is Feb. 28 and asked staff authority to contract with the successful bidder.

What passed and next steps

Votes at a glance - Resolution No. 2 (renewal 7-mil property tax levy): adopted, roll call 5 ayes, 1 nay. Certified to Hamilton County auditor; council declared an emergency to advance the timeline. - Ordinance No. 6 (governmental electric aggregation ballot question pursuant to Ohio Rev. Code §4928.2): adopted, roll call 6–0. - Ordinance No. 7 (governmental natural gas aggregation ballot question pursuant to Ohio Rev. Code §4929.26): adopted, roll call 6–0. - Ordinance No. 9 (contract with Timothy Williams, interim director of public services and safety): adopted, roll call 6–0; contract terms described as six months beginning March 26 with potential renewal/consulting arrangements.

Council moved to place the additional-appropriations ordinance and the Langley Avenue project ordinance on the table for consideration at a subsequent council meeting. The clerk said the next Committee of the Whole will be scheduled for April 10; the additional appropriations and Langley Street ordinances are expected on the council meeting agenda in two weeks for final passage and contract authority.

The meeting record shows the council conducted routine committee reports and community announcements before adjourning.