Council accepts donations, discusses finances

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EATON — First quarter revenue for the City of Eaton was down approximately $80,000 from the same period in 2015, according to a report Fiscal Officer Stephanie Risner presented council during a Monday, April 18 meeting.

According to Risner’s report, income tax revenue receipts for the period were $29,373 less than first quarter last year. Based on past data, however, Risner pointed out that income tax receipts are cyclical, and receipts may actually exceed the original budget by approximately $200,000 for the year.

The city’s property tax revenue was up $7,816 for the first quarter, and for the year, may exceed the city’s original budget by $40,000, Risner noted.

The financial report goes on to note that intergovernmental monies received were down $2,199 from last year’s first quarter receipts. Those funds included cigarette tax, liquor permits, local government funds, etc.

An area of concern is ambulance removal fees, which were down nearly 50 percent for the first three months of the year. This revenue is expected to fall short of the budgeted $400,000 for the year. According to Risner, average collections through March for the past seven years was $120,168.

So far, in 2016, ambulance fee collections total only $62,885.

While a decrease in mileage reimbursement due to the closeness of the new Kettering Emergency Room facility plays a part in the reimbursement decline, Medicare and Medicaid funds, decreased by legislation, are playing a large role in the decreased revenue, according to officials.

During the meeting, Risner noted, it is yet to be seen how much savings may be realized on the decreased “wear and tear” on the ambulances due to the lower mileage and less travel. It is also yet to be seen how much funding in income taxes will be generated by the new hospital facility.

Officials said it may take two or three years for such savings to cycle through and be evident.

The discussion regarding cuts made in Medicare/Medicaid funding and allowable removal costs/charges is an ongoing one, as is the effect on local public safety of these decreases in available monies.

In other business, City Manager Brad Collins reported on two donations recently received.

According to Collins, the St. Clair Foundation via the Brooke Gould Memorial Trust is providing approximately $63,000 for the water slide complex for the new Eaton Community Pool. Collins also later reported progress at the pool complex is on schedule for completion in May.

Collins also reported on a donation from the Bobby Ball Foundation for the Eaton Police Division. Sandy Ball, wife of the late former mayor and officer Bobby Ball, presented a $1,500 check in Bobby’s memory. Sandy requested the funds be used for police equipment, according to Collins.

Collins also reported:

•Eaton planning board has approved the site plan for the new Twin Valley Bank branch which is planned for construction on Washington-Jackson Road.

•He met with Heidi Bortel of Preble Trails regarding bike racks which will be placed around town. The racks should be in place by June, prior to the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure overnight stop.

•The YMCA is marketing the new pool complex, and mailers will be going out with the regular water quality reports.

Council:

•Approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a contract with the YMCA of Greater Dayton for managing the Eaton Community Pool. The YMCA has managed the daily operations at the pool since 2006.

•Awarded a bid for casualty and property insurance to Simon Insurance Agency of Eaton, at an 8% reduction in cost for the city.

•Awarded the annual rock salt bid to Cargill, North Olmstead, Ohio, at a cost of $84.11/ton.

•Authorized the city manager execute a purchase of a new rotary lift for the Eaton Maintenance Division at a cost not to exceed $34,500.

•Amended a resolution from February authorizing the city manager to purchase a replacement vehicle (a 2016 Ford Utility Police Inceptor.) The vehicle was originally intended to be purchased from Statewide Ford Lincoln Mercury of VanWert, but the model year was no longer available. The amended resolution authorizes the purchase from Lebanon Ford, Lebanon, at a cost not to exceed $27,800.

Council’s next meeting will be Monday, May 16, at 7 p.m. at the Eaton Municipal Building.

On Monday, April 18, Sandy Ball presented Acting Police Chief Eric Beeghly a contribution of $1,500 to the Eaton Police Division from the Bobby Ball Foundation, for purchase of equipment in memory of her late husband Bobby, a former Eaton mayor and law enforcement officer.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/41/2016/04/web1_1Eatondonation.jpgOn Monday, April 18, Sandy Ball presented Acting Police Chief Eric Beeghly a contribution of $1,500 to the Eaton Police Division from the Bobby Ball Foundation, for purchase of equipment in memory of her late husband Bobby, a former Eaton mayor and law enforcement officer.

By Leslie Collins

[email protected]

Reach Leslie Collins at 937-683-4055 or on Twitter @lcollins_RH.

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