Union council cancels May 26 meeting; discusses failed police and fire tax, potholes and budget review

The City of Union council voted unanimously on May 11 to cancel the May 26, 2026 meeting and set the next regular meeting for June 8.

Council members also discussed the recent failure of a proposed income tax increase intended for police and fire services. Clerk Denise Winemiller told council that the Ohio Board of Elections required ballot language combining the proposed 1% increase with the city’s existing 1.5% income tax; that presentation resulted in a disclosed total rate of 2.5, which Councilmember Mr. Brookover said may have contributed to voter confusion and to the measure's defeat.

Road maintenance was another item raised: Mrs. Black relayed an email from Monroe Township Trustee Mr. Siefring about recurring potholes at County Line Road and Peters Road, and that prior cold-patch repairs had not held. Winemiller said the roadway has been repeatedly patched but needs more extensive repair because of its age; she said construction phases are still underway with completion expected later this year, that semi-truck traffic is being redirected from Old Springfield Road, and that she had inspected the location and reported the issues to Service Superintendent Mr. Bergman.

Mr. Brookover also asked for a copy of the budget; Winemiller said the City Manager planned to meet with him to review budget documents and a meeting date was set. The meeting closed with a reminder from Mr. Bruns about Memorial Day services at Post 707 and a unanimous motion to adjourn at 8:24 p.m.