Franklin council adopts emergency ordinance shifting 2018 appropriations to cover refunds, inspections and testing

The Franklin City Council on Oct. 15 adopted Emergency Ordinance 2018-18, approving targeted increases to 2018 spending accounts to cover refunds, testing and inspection costs.

City Manager Sonny Lewis told council the Finance Committee reviewed the adjustments at a committee meeting held earlier that night and had approved them. The ordinance increases General Fund appropriations for income tax refunds by $15,000, Civil Service testing by $5,000, Planning Commission meetings by $500, extra building inspections by $15,000, and Police expenses for Safety Town by $9,069 (expenses the city says were reimbursed to it through a State of Ohio grant). The ordinance also increases transfers into the Building Standards Fund by $2,000 and raises the Water Fund appropriation by $6,500 to cover additional water refunds.

Mr. Denny Centers said the Finance Council Committee reviewed and approved the adjustments unanimously. Mr. Matt Wilcher moved to adopt Ordinance 2018-18; Mr. Denny Centers seconded the motion. The motion carried on a roll-call vote with six yes votes and Mayor Todd Hall recorded as absent.

The ordinance takes effect as an emergency measure for the 2018 fiscal year and alters only the listed line items; council did not attach other policy directives to the vote. Council members did not raise additional amendments during the meeting.

The council meeting record indicates the Finance Committee vetted the figures before council action; any subsequent changes to appropriations will require future council action.