Clermont attorney outlines plan to shift Wayne Township fire levy to taxpayers, draft ordinance provided

Town Attorney Bob Lutz told the Clermont Town Council on April 16 that Wayne Township representatives have expressed interest in applying the Wayne Township fire levy directly to taxpayers rather than collecting it through Clermont and remitting funds to the township.

Lutz said the town's financial adviser, Baker Tilly, reviewed the potential fiscal impacts and concluded the change "would reduce the amount of Clermont revenue directed to Fire Protection by approximately 50%." He added that most town houses already are near their tax-cap limits, so the levy shift to residents is expected to be minimal in practical effect. Lutz provided the council with a summary of impacts and a draft ordinance enabling the levy change and said, "This change would need to be filed by July 1st to allow it to take effect in 2027." No motion or vote was taken on the draft ordinance at the meeting.

Councilors discussed the timing and administrative steps needed to pursue the option, but did not direct staff to adopt the ordinance. Attorney Lutz also noted that Wayne Township representatives have expressed interest in the approach but that further intergovernmental and public-notice steps would be required before any policy change.

Why it matters: shifting the levy collection method could materially change Clermont's budgeted revenue for fire protection and requires adherence to municipal filing deadlines; council members asked for more detail before taking formal action.

What happens next: the draft ordinance remains under review. If council moves forward, the town would need to finalize and file the ordinance by July 1 for a 2027 implementation; no vote was scheduled at the April 16 meeting.