GOLF MANOR (9/26/2018) – This coming General Election Day on Tuesday, November 6, 2018, two issues effecting the Village of Golf Manor will be on the ballot for voter consideration:

First is Issue 22, a proposed renewal of a 2.o MIL existing tax levy that will not raise taxes should it be approved. The renewal of this tax generates funding of current operating expenses (COE) at a rate not exceeding two (2) MILS for each one dollar of property valuation, which amounts to twenty cents ($0.20) for each one hundred dollars of valuation, for five (5) years, commencing in 2018, first due in calendar year 2019. The proposed text on the ballot can be found here.

Second is Issue 23, a proposed revision to the Village Charter. The Charter is the guiding document that allows for operation of the Village and from time to time requires review for updating of certain specific components. A Charter Review Commission was convened by Mayor Greg Schwartzberg (see article) which recommended to Council a number of updates. In summary:

• A comprehensive update to include gender inclusive language such as him/her or Council Member.
• Transitioning from an elected Clerk/Treasurer to a Village Fiscal Officer model of governance as permitted by R.C. 733.262. The Village Fiscal Officer would be appointed by the Mayor with a consent of Council. With the transition, Council may also appoint a Clerk of Council to administer the record of proceedings.
• Recognizing the position of Village Administrator which position also is to be appointed by the Mayor with consent of Council.
• Updating the procedure to remove a Council Member by requiring more advance notice unless it is an emergency.  Similarly, Article XI, is updated to recognize the procedure for a Recall petition.
• Requiring that, if possible, when a  Council Member appoints another Council Member to designate his or her successor in the event of a vacancy, the designee should be an elected Council Member. A similar provision applies to the appointment of the Vice Mayor by Council.
• Requiring a minimum of one Council meeting per month with a calendar of meetings set the first meeting in January of each year.
• Merging the responsibilities of the Board of Zoning Appeals with the Planning Commission and clarifying the terms and appointment process for Planning Commission Members.
• Clarifying that it is not a conflict for a Council Member or the Mayor to serve on a County or State Central Committee.
• Recognizing the Solicitor must be licensed to practice law in Ohio, but not necessarily a resident of Hamilton County.
• Removing updated sections of the Charter such as the requirement to appoint a Plumbing Inspector, Building Inspector or Engineer as these services typically are provided by professionals under contract to the Village.
• Aligning the deadlines and legal requirements for Council candidate petitions, budgeting and tax levies with State law.
• Clarifying the petition requirements for the Initiative Referendum or Recall.