Tuesday, March 16, 1999
Glendale wants levy feedback
Water, sewer repairs sought
BY MARIE McCAIN
The Cincinnati Enquirer
GLENDALE — Village officials want feedback from residents about a proposed resolution to place a 2.5-mill levy on the Nov. 2 ballot.
A town meeting will be held during council's April session so residents and council members can discuss the proposal.
Introduced earlier this month, the tax increase would pay for repairs to the sewer and water-main systems and roadways.
If put on the ballot and approved by voters, the levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 house about $74 per year and generate $160,000 annually for the next 10 years, said Walter Cordes, village administrator.
“We think it's the right thing to do,” Mr. Cordes said. “The village has struggled with these problems for decades. I've been here for 11 years and we've done almost 12 (sewer or water main) proj ects in that time.”
Two independent studies of the village's infrastructure determined that bringing the system up to adequate condition would cost about $3.6 million.
Village officials broke this number down to about $360,000 per year for 10 years.
Currently, the village does one project a year, spending about $200,000 on the repairs.
That money is derived from various sources, including the Village Plan and General Improvement fund, a $1.5 million reserve used for emergencies or specific purchases, and license plate and gasoline taxes.
Every year, underground repairs become more and more expensive, Mr. Cordes said, adding that while officials “see a light, getting to the end of the tunnel” has been slow.
“We need to put more oomph into this and get it done,” he said, adding that once repairs are completed, the village's infrastructure will only need regular maintenance.
Councilman Ephriam Swafford said residents' complaints about backups in their base ments have become more frequent in recent years.
Councilwoman Monica Alles-White said she wanted to hear from residents.
She said she hasn't formed an opinion as to the best way to finance the improvements.
“There is no question this has to be done. But there is also no question the work has been getting done over the last several years,” she said. As chair of the village Finance Committee, she hopes to set up a meeting with the village Utility Committee to further discuss the issue.
Councilman Craig Wolf favors the improvements, but isn't sure this is the right year to propose such an increase.
“As of right now, I'd like to see our levy put off until next year,” he said. “I fully support doing all of the projects ... but the issue is how you finance it and when you ask for more money.”
Village leaders expect to vote on whether to try a ballot issue following a third reading of the resolution in May.
The council meeting will be at 7 p.m. April 5 in the Town Hall, 80 E. Sharon Road.
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