Jami Bailey

The Finance Committee meeting primarily addressed Ordinance 2024-0000, concerning the amendment of permanent appropriations to incorporate a mosquito grant of $155,000. The committee discussed whether the ordinance was necessary as the appropriation appeared already covered according to the auditor's data, but ultimately decided to proceed with a first reading approval to ensure documentation compliance. The committee then discussed 2024 sanitation rates, reviewing community feedback which overwhelmingly supported maintaining the current service level, including curbside recycling, and favored a proposed $3 increase to cover operational costs like vehicle replacement and increasing costs for recycling services, such as the growing Kimble recycling fee. Alternative rate structures from other cities were presented for consideration, though the consensus leaned toward supporting the current service structure with the proposed modest rate adjustment.

The meeting featured a report on the Inclusive Playground Project funding status, concerns regarding the potential elimination of property taxes, updates on the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District's new facility, and a recognition award for Gradall Industries. The Service Director presented on the deteriorating condition of the city's General Services fleet and requested reconsidered funding for cemetery improvements. The Safety Director provided departmental call statistics, discussed strategic planning for police and fire services, and addressed the medical retirement of a canine officer. The Law Director reported on the successful demolition of abandoned trailers following fire code violations. Additionally, the Health Commissioner presented the 2025 Communicable Disease Report, and a State Representative discussed state-level property tax legislation and budget priorities.

The council discussed various operational reports, including tree removal projects, electrical issues, fire and police department statistics, and strategic planning initiatives. Concerns were raised regarding the budget process and the timeliness of financial information provided to council members. Additionally, the council reviewed correspondence, executive session matters regarding potential litigation, and authorized the annexation of city-owned property. A discussion was also initiated regarding the potential legalization of marijuana dispensaries within the city.

The meeting addressed two primary agenda items. The first item involved authorizing a city property auction by the police department for unneeded, unclaimed, and confiscated property, scheduled for October 23rd. The second major discussion concerned a proposal to acquire a strategic response tactical vehicle, an armored vehicle used by SWAT teams, through collaboration with the City of Dover. The cost, estimated around $400,000, would be financed and split 50/50 with Dover, including maintenance. The committee granted preliminary approval for the Safety Director to move forward with seeking quotes and researching financing options, including seeking local bank loans and pursuing grants, noting that the vehicle has a projected useful life of 25 to 30 years. There was also a brief discussion regarding the existing joint SWAT team structure and its relationship with the county sheriff's department.

The meeting addressed several ordinances, including Ordinance 11-2022, which contained typos, and Ordinance 12-2022 concerning nuisance abatement, proposing the use of the existing housing appeals board instead of establishing a new one. The committee discussed proposed Resolution 2021 regarding an allocation of $20,000 for the refurbishment of the track at Woody Hayes Quaker Stadium, contingent on a healthy income tax balance. Discussion also occurred regarding proposed Resolution 22-2022 for a purchase agreement concerning a parcel of land identified as Reservoir Hill, including associated equipment like a generator and propane tank, and its potential for future use for wireless infrastructure. Furthermore, the committee reviewed a memorandum detailing supplemental appropriation requests, specifically a $45,200 increase for police equipment (related to leased police cars) and another $45,000 for fire capital equipment, as well as additional funding needs for water department items (meter extensions and construction).