[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6483157,"mediaKeyId","5671820-9095801351db733fdff6eae28623dc85","parentId",5671820,"title","City manager outlines 2.2‑mill public safety levy, says it would raise about $610,000 annually to shore up police and fire funds","audioSeconds",758,"startMs",3732000,"endMs",4490000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5671820-9095801351db733fdff6eae28623dc85&start=3732&end=4490","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5671820-9095801351db733fdff6eae28623dc85/thumbnail_3732000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6483157/Ohio/City-manager-outlines-22mill-public-safety-levy-says-it-would-raise-about-610000-annually-to-shore-up-police-and-fire-funds","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6483157-aeb76f31a8eff838b37cd34b1114f76e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437985&Signature=XKQmRgCJk~nidOtehHqhkPS9LTSkZKCKdVGIMOOHHCfzaIYlPRzUHWWyw0Jhz1u-5BuBb2KrFcRUoB2agrtalnsNf1cH2D~QIcKSXrK~ohuv37TJaKznBkBWADH72sGZqBn84j~DMd5NBlINCT4hvzisPmJs-1dYwWGdX5l9ZQxYhFPf0iKMNhcK0-y9LgxTNgxYx~G6kwfF1mRP8YgMCT7FQACUs2qEW1WaMln4A~bpUNIMcPOKj-1w3BLaiaEoSAmS0ympEU7B3rxykrQwaVFE2iTGW2WYpK7ostYOU45OuPXLof6uf9te3VkdRDG-QVCxF0i9t3FBl3mdOT4lxg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bellbrook","date","2025-08-25T00:00:00Z","article","City Manager Rob reported to the Bellbrook City Council on Aug. 25, 2025 that the city will place a 2.2‑mill public safety levy on the November ballot (Issue 3), estimating the levy would generate $610,198.43 per year if approved.

Rob explained the levy’s purpose is to end subsidies now being taken from the general fund to cover shortfalls in the police and fire funds. He said the city has relied on reserves and transfers for several years and that without new revenue the city faces a choice of continuing to deplete reserves or reducing service levels.

Rob provided a plain‑language explanation of millage: a mill is one‑thousandth of a dollar. Based on the city’s assessed valuation, 2.2 mills equates to about $77 per $100,000 of appraised value (Ohio’s assessed calculation uses 35% of appraised value). Using those figures, the manager said a home appraised at $300,000 would pay roughly $231 annually, or about $19.25 per month, for the 2.2‑mill levy.

He said the levy proceeds would be dedicated to a public safety fund and “can only be used for police and fire” and therefore could not be shifted to other purposes. Rob noted the city receives only about 19.6 cents of every property‑tax dollar paid locally, with most going to the school district and other taxing districts.

Rob said the city’s police fund is projected to be depleted after this year and the fire fund will have about a year of subsidy remaining if nothing changes. He described three basic options municipalities face when revenues fall short: use fund balance, increase revenue, or reduce services; Bellbrook has been drawing on fund balance and will need to seek the additional revenue or cut services.

The manager told council the 2.2‑mill levy would raise approximately $610,198.43 (the administration cited the assessed valuation and mill calculation in the presentation). He said the city has been conservative with operations and has not had an operating levy increase since 2009, and that Bellbrook is one of a small number of Ohio municipalities that do not levy an income tax.

Rob said the administration will expand public outreach and provide information on the city website’s “Get the Facts” page, including FAQs and breakdowns of how the levy would affect taxpayers. Councilmembers asked clarifying questions; one member noted the timeline and another emphasized that levy proceeds must remain dedicated to public safety.

Rob concluded by urging outreach and transparency and saying staff will produce additional materials and public presentations ahead of the November election so residents can judge the proposal. No formal council action on the levy itself occurred at the Aug. 25 meeting; the discussion was an informational report.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bellbrook - August 25, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","City Manager Rob told the council the proposed 2.2‑mill public safety levy (Issue 3 on the November ballot) is intended to stop annual subsidies to police and fire funds and produce an estimated $610,198.43 per year. He presented background on municipal millage, explained the city’s fiscal position and outlined next steps for public information.","taxTitle","Bellbrook City Council, Bellbrook, Greene County, Ohio","taxId",72802,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6483161,"Bellbrook introduces ordinance to permit low‑speed and utility vehicles on city streets; debate centers on seat‑belt and inspection rules",1575,2270000,3845000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5671820-9095801351db733fdff6eae28623dc85&start=2270&end=3845","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5671820-9095801351db733fdff6eae28623dc85/thumbnail_2270000.jpg","/articles/6483161/Ohio/Bellbrook-introduces-ordinance-to-permit-lowspeed-and-utility-vehicles-on-city-streets-debate-centers-on-seatbelt-and-inspection-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6483161-f1c8c5bc6f0b70a99b0ca97aebd13429/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437985&Signature=J5qat7H4Pk2ckokck5RKPpUQZj2A9wW5UvLTyIQN1B33CrJ4EO~EuF-4hIZuOTvNe81Yn2Hi-UfugKMecilJXhb3JCFR2iqGahlMpQco55YEUvOj9MneyxOhsxnc8GFXjZfZqZZLYxs43pYVBLpUA11EVOR0UQVYxHZ~7zCkXkbNW6PigHQ6~w5aKou8THb4-AB2iSOeVi3KrWucToS3ajjYct9QhPsoZpnEJ2gIlKe691jIH1Clw0Fp3lhCO27vQvb9Gb4-nmiOfNHhzi5XEzouuKe2mKjx9T3hQjOqWH2wmSjnNOPckDPPNEtO3bbv1iqI6M8PZesFWN7psBGlbw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bellbrook City Council on Aug. 25, 2025 introduced Ordinance 2025‑O‑14, a proposed chapter to permit operation of under‑speed, low‑speed, utility vehicles and mini trucks on City streets subject to inspection and local restrictions.

Council members and staff discussed the scope of the ordinance at length, focusing chiefly on inspection requirements and whether the city should require occupant‑restraint devices (seat belts) as a condition of local inspection and operation. The ordinance was introduced as drafted and will go to a public hearing at a later meeting.

Councilman Oak read the ordinance’s title: it would add Chapter 4.41 (Operation of Low‑Speed, Under‑Speed or Utility Vehicle or Mini Truck) to Title 6 (traffic code) and adopt Exhibit A specifying inspection and operational rules. City Manager Rob said state law permits municipalities to authorize operation of these vehicles on local streets but requires a municipal ordinance and an inspection process if local operation is to continue.

Staff explained the local proposal largely aligns the city with current practice and that most city speed limits are 35 mph or lower, which would allow operation on most streets; the proposed draft would prohibit operation south of Lychester on Wilmington because of safety concerns in that area. The city would generally accept inspections conducted by local law enforcement on the state form (DPS 13‑73) but can require additional features as part of a municipal inspection.

Discussion focused on occupant‑restraint devices. Several council members suggested requiring seat belts as a safety measure; others raised concerns about consistency with the state inspection form (DPS 13‑73) and the Ohio Revised Code and about practical enforcement. Councilmember Brady Hardy noted that adding the requirement could force owners who move into Bellbrook to retrofit vehicles; other members said most “street‑ready” packages include seat belts. The council also discussed vehicle equipment (lights, brakes, windshields, mirrors) and whether inspections performed in other jurisdictions should be accepted by Bellbrook.

After debate, a motion to introduce Ordinance 2025‑O‑14 as drafted passed on a roll call vote with one councilmember recorded as opposed. Roll call: Logan Ashley — yes; Catherine Cyphers — no; Forrest Greenwood — yes; Brady Hardy — yes; Deputy Mayor Ernie Havens — yes; Councilman Oak — yes; Mayor Michael Schweller — yes. The mayor declared the motion carried and scheduled further process including a public hearing.

City staff said next steps include publishing the draft ordinance and establishing an inspection procedure for the police department to use; staff also said it may accept out‑of‑jurisdiction inspections in certain cases and will return with detailed administrative procedures. Council members signaled differing preferences on a seat‑belt requirement; some favored adding an occupant‑restraint clause now, while a majority preferred to move the ordinance forward and consider amendments after public input and staff recommendations.

The ordinance introduction does not change existing law; it begins the formal process that includes public notice and a subsequent hearing before final adoption.","Council introduced Ordinance 2025‑O‑14 to allow operation of under‑speed/low‑speed vehicles, utility vehicles and mini trucks on city streets with an inspection process. Council members debated whether local rules should require occupant‑restraint devices (seat belts); the ordinance was introduced as written and will return for public hearing.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6483166,"Bellbrook council adopts ordinance allowing small livestock on single‑family lots with rules for permits, setbacks and manure",611,1620000,2231000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5671820-9095801351db733fdff6eae28623dc85&start=1620&end=2231","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5671820-9095801351db733fdff6eae28623dc85/thumbnail_1620000.jpg","/articles/6483166/Ohio/Bellbrook-council-adopts-ordinance-allowing-small-livestock-on-singlefamily-lots-with-rules-for-permits-setbacks-and-manure","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6483166-6b5e9c86ffed8cfeef39aba16f86a2fe/orig.mp4?Expires=1770437985&Signature=F1AP-toUqIH3Y0ZkGaOlHgu3qQXXMTmNHKNbLcXCP6KGqrH7QuI7GcmGEo4-7RiPMXRCh9hCyW6OytPvh2PvpSdLFY~5Sd1YfrEEvB-EiwU3kzkyK4TLp9xtmt6PquwJh9NzDKI89odgy~FRp4VJRPsJmGAu~ao25tfYeXceu1pOkIXSmuSRgCymqFP51rYXBS0n-3muoSdIgJBdIVFRywp5IzbgdJrQy2nBRzN~CsG6pmVGdzkC4GwM7FBdfIswIujhpcW3MnTfO-4zaciD0hmTUHPJtaXvYXOX3t1Q~-XvqeI7fMnEZ~ySqhzKoGuoWpOOtdjnYMwjYoo5LmEW~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Councilman Logan Ashley presented and the Bellbrook City Council adopted Ordinance 2025‑O‑12 on Aug. 25, 2025, amending Article 18 of the Bellbrook zoning code to add section 18.41, which allows residents to keep “small livestock” on single‑family residential lots under specified conditions.

The ordinance creates a zoning permitting requirement, sets density limits, prescribes animal shelter and setback standards, and forbids commercial sales of animal products from residential properties. The council adopted the ordinance after a public hearing and roll‑call vote; the motion carried on a unanimous vote.

The new section requires a zoning permit before keeping small livestock and restricts the principal use of the lot to a single‑family dwelling. Density limits in the ordinance set a maximum of six small livestock animals on lots smaller than 1 acre and up to 12 animals on lots of 1 acre or larger; the code allows a temporary transition period when changing stock with no more than an additional half of the allowable number for a “reasonable amount of time.”

Sheltering and setback rules are detailed: animals must have an outdoor, covered, predator‑proof shelter that is ventilated, accessible and kept in sound condition; the shelter must allow four square feet per animal. Outdoor structures must be in the rear yard and may not be closer than 50 feet to a residential property other than the dwelling where the animals are kept, and not closer than 25 feet to an abutting property line. Structures and appurtenances for small livestock may not be located in front or side yards.

The ordinance requires feed to be stored in rodent‑proof containers and prohibits feeding practices likely to attract rodents. Animals must be kept in a fully enclosed fenced yard unless attended by the keeper; the code references the city’s existing impoundment provisions (section 6.18.14). Manure must be disposed of by household trash (bagged and placed in a waterproof container), be composted on‑site in rodent‑proof containers located in the rear yard at least 8 feet from any property line, or applied on‑site in a way that prevents nuisance or polluted stormwater runoff. Finished compost may be applied on‑site.

The ordinance states small livestock must be kept for personal or household use only; the sale of animal products such as meat, eggs or fur in a residential district for commercial or regular retail purposes is prohibited. On‑site slaughter and butchering are permitted only out of public view, and all waste must be bagged and disposed of with household trash to prevent nuisance or health hazards.

City Manager Rob explained the zoning amendment establishes a zoning allowance for small livestock and that related amendments to the animal code (Bellbrook Municipal Code chapter 6.18) would follow to define specific animals and enforcement details. A resident who spoke during the public hearing, Aline Buxton of 2229 Creek View Place, thanked the council “for taking time to discuss this over the span of so many meetings” and said the ordinance “looks agreeable” while urging streamlining of the permit/variance process.

The council voted by roll call: Logan Ashley — yes; Catherine Cyphers — yes; Forrest Greenwood — yes; Brady Hardy — yes; Deputy Mayor Ernie Havens — yes; Councilmember [first name Hoke/Hope recorded in roll call] Hoke — yes; Mayor Michael Schweller — yes. The mayor declared the motion carried.

The ordinance includes cross‑references to the Bellbrook zoning code and to Ohio law; during the hearing the text cited section 121.22 of the Ohio Revised Code regarding open‑meeting compliance. The council directed staff to bring related updates to the municipal animal code back to a future meeting so definitions and enforcement procedures can be finalized.

With adoption, residents who want to keep small livestock will need to apply for a zoning permit and comply with the new site, shelter and waste‑management requirements. The council did not specify a timetable in the adopted ordinance for when staff will present the companion animal‑code amendments.","The Bellbrook City Council approved Ordinance 2025‑O‑12 to add a new Article 18.41 to the zoning code permitting limited small livestock on single‑family lots subject to a zoning permit, density limits, setbacks, shelter and manure-disposal rules. The measure passed unanimously after a public hearing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

City manager outlines 2.2‑mill public safety levy, says it would raise about $610,000 annually to shore up police and fire funds

Bellbrook introduces ordinance to permit low‑speed and utility vehicles on city streets; debate centers on seat‑belt and inspection rules

Bellbrook council adopts ordinance allowing small livestock on single‑family lots with rules for permits, setbacks and manure