Council approves Walmart grant, wastewater contracts first readings, income-tax increase on second reading and authorizes ladder-truck sale

The Bellefontaine City Council moved through a packed legislative agenda, adopting a grant resolution and advancing several ordinances affecting employee benefits and the wastewater plant.

Resolution 24-39: The council adopted Resolution 24-39 authorizing the police chief to apply for and accept a $5,000 Walmart grant to purchase disaster relief/response portable scene lights. The clerk recorded affirmative responses from council members present and the resolution passed.

Deferred compensation Roth 457(b): The council voted to pass an ordinance on first reading to allow the city auditor to execute an adoption agreement enabling the Roth 457(b) option for city employees; this item will return for subsequent readings as required.

Wastewater plant contracts (first reading): Two ordinances were introduced and passed on first reading authorizing the service safety director to contract directly with specialized vendors: RDP Technologies for replacement of lime feed equipment and related parts, and Alfa Laval for reconditioning the belt filter press (belts, rollers, hydraulics, control panels). Law Director Stott had told the council earlier that only two providers could service the existing equipment, which is why direct contracting was proposed.

Income tax amendment (second reading): Council considered an ordinance to increase the municipal income tax rate by 0.267 percentage points to fund parks and recreation operations and capital expenditures; the council voted to pass on second reading only.

1995 Smeal ladder truck (adopted): On third reading the council adopted an ordinance authorizing disposal of a 1995 Smeal ladder truck through GoDeal.com.

Votes at a glance: council members who were recorded as voting 'yes' on the items included Baker, Davis, Fitzpatrick, James, Reeser, Springs and Ehler (responses were recorded verbally during roll-call votes). No recorded 'no' votes appear in the transcript for these actions.

Next steps: items passed on first reading will return for additional readings as required; the income-tax amendment will proceed according to the council's second-reading schedule.