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Covington council approves redevelopment grant application, backs county tax-rate cut; schedules budget and salary readings
Summary
At its Dec. 1 meeting the Covington Village Council approved a grant application to redevelop the former Sellman’s Warehouse with a $40,000 local match, unanimously supported a 0.55‑mill county tax-rate reduction, amended the salary ordinance to clarify a 3% COLA effective Jan. 1, 2026, and set several third readings for Dec. 15.
Covington Village Council on Dec. 1 approved a resolution authorizing village staff to submit a grant application to the Ohio Department of Development to support demolition, reconstruction and redevelopment of the former Sellman’s Warehouse, and unanimously backed a county-requested property tax-rate reduction.
Village Administrator Jordan Hodges told council the grant application includes a $40,000 local match. He said the funds would be used for “the demolition, reconstruction, and redevelopment of the old Sellman’s Warehouse property” and that with council support staff aimed to submit the application by the Dec. 5 deadline. Council voted to waive the three‑reading rule and approve Resolution R44‑25; the waiver was moved by Jesse Reynolds and the approval was moved and seconded by Dawn Duff and Martin Leistner respectively. The minutes record the vote as “All ayes.”
The council also approved Resolution R45‑25, which expresses support for a 0.55‑mill tax-rate reduction proposed by the Miami County Budget Commission and Miami County Auditor. Hodges described the request as being “in the best interest of village taxpayers.” Council moved to waive the three‑reading rule and approved the resolution by unanimous vote.
On personnel matters, Hodges noted Section 3 of Ordinance 12‑25 was amended to clarify that a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) will be effective Jan. 1, 2026. Amy Welborn moved the amendment; Jesse Reynolds seconded and the motion passed. The ordinance is scheduled for a third reading on Dec. 15, 2025.
The council also reviewed Ordinance 13‑25, the appropriations ordinance for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2026. Hodges presented the appropriations and the minutes record that there were no questions; third reading was scheduled for Dec. 15. Hodges additionally summarized Resolution R42‑25, a proposed three‑year Fire and Emergency Medical contract with Covington Fire and Rescue, Inc., noting payment would come from levies net of collection fees; that item likewise moves to third reading.
Routine business included approval of the consent agenda (Nov. 17 minutes), moved by Jesse Reynolds and seconded by Julie Blumenstock, and a brief mayoral report thanking volunteers from the village’s Hometown Christmas event. The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
The council’s next scheduled meeting on items requiring further action is Dec. 15, 2025, when the third readings and formal votes on pending ordinances and the fire contract are expected.
