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St. Bernard council declines to expedite 7‑mill levy; discussion centers on voter choice and budget risk
Summary
Council considered suspending additional readings to fast‑track a 7‑mill levy renewal but voted 5–1 not to suspend; councilmembers voiced concern over possible layoffs if reserves are used and said voters should decide. A special March 13 meeting was scheduled to continue related business.
Council President opened the Feb. 20 St. Bernard Village Council meeting and the clerk read Resolution No. 2, a proposal to renew a 7‑mill property tax levy and certify it to the Hamilton County Auditor.
Councilmember Schultmeyer moved to suspend the second and third readings so the measure could be expedited to the ballot. “I’d like to make a motion to suspend the second, third reading of resolution number 2,” Schultmeyer said.
Councilmember Esteb urged the measure follow regular course so voters would have context. “I’d like to see this go regular course,” Esteb said, arguing the levy was originally placed on the ballot when finances were strained and that the village should let residents decide. Esteb added he believes current revenues are higher than in prior years and said council should consider giving something back to taxpayers.
Auditor Brickwig responded that declaring an emergency could prevent the levy from going on the ballot because the renewal is a two‑part process that requires certification and county processing. She also cautioned that the village is not collecting the $15 million figure cited during debate and warned recent business departures could create a roughly $1,000,000 shortfall that might require layoffs if reserves were used. “If you do an emergency, we can't even put it on the ballot,” Brickwig said.
After discussion, the roll call on the motion to suspend further readings was 5 ayes and 1 nay. The President announced, “Motion does not carry,” and the council left Resolution No. 2 to proceed by regular course.
The council set a special council meeting for March 13 (7:30 p.m. with a follow‑up at 7:45 p.m. if needed) where the item will be revisited along with the mayor’s proposed interim appointment for the director of public services and safety.
Why it matters: The levy would affect the village’s primary property tax rate and the council’s timetable decision determines whether voters see the question with more or less lead time and information. Council debate highlighted competing priorities: minimizing the risk of layoffs and ensuring voters have sufficient context to decide.
What’s next: Resolution No. 2 will remain on the regular course; council will revisit levy placement and related ordinances at the March 13 special meeting.
