Green · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Green public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Utility permit fee schedule update
New fees — $300 for linear utility runs regardless of length and $100 for single-lot road opening connections — replace outdated $40 parcel-based charges, with clarifying wording still to come.
The Core recreation center finances
Residents praised The CORE at a recent council meeting, and staff stressed the facility is meeting its mission even if revenues aren't huge. Membership is growing, youth fees are being adjusted slightly, and new promos (birthday parties, Parker's Challenge trail access, volleyball at The CORE) are rolling out.
Employee service awards amendment (Ordinance 2026-26)
The city wants to swap its 1992-era system of pins, clocks, and plaques for flexible gift options employees actually choose — at roughly the same cost. A November luncheon is the target for the new approach.
Service Department equipment surplus and replacement (Resolution 2026-R52)
The city's 2019 sewer jet has spent more time in the shop than in service, and parts come from Italy on 14-16 week waits. The $50,000 trade-in toward a versatile $324,672 hydro excavator would let crews do catch basin cleaning, vault cleaning, and safer excavation around fiber lines in-house — but it means spending contingency dollars that won't be available for 2027 paving projects.
2026 Bond Issuances for Streets and Refunding
The amended appropriations request is really about $3.77 million, mostly book entries to fund the escrow that pays off refunded bonds — saving the city $237,000 in interest.
Auditor of State Award with Distinction
The finance department earned a rare clean-audit award — fewer than 4% of audited entities get it — recognizing tight budget discipline under Finance Director Shelley Goodrich.
Tax levies and inside millage certification
The annual resolution certifying tax rates was adopted, with council noting Green's 2.4-mill inside millage is among the lowest in Summit County — keeping property taxes comparatively low.
Charter review of parks board role and funding
The Charter Review Commission recommended a 60/40 split and cleaner language describing the park board's advisory role. Council takes it up next; if approved, voters decide.
Restroom and pavilion capital projects
The Creekbend prefab restroom finally opened after inspection delays; Boettler's restroom is slated for August; the pavilion/playground project is moving forward but concrete bids came in high.
Summit County property tax reappraisal
County completed its six-year reappraisal; homeowners who got letters can challenge values informally until August 27, with in-person sessions in Green. Higher values don't automatically mean proportionally higher taxes.
Charter amendments headed to the ballot
Seven proposed charter changes will go before voters or council, including adding 'strong' to the mayor's form of government, email notice for special meetings, electronic publication, parks board duties, parks income tax allocation, and five-year charter reviews.
Shared bus garage lease with Green schools
The city and schools will each pay $1 to lease portions of the new shared bus garage and storage facility, which also includes public restrooms for Kleckner Park and space for Blessings in a Backpack.
Outsourcing income tax collection to RITA
Green is moving to hand its income tax collection to RITA, saving an estimated $300K–$350K a year but with a one-month cash-flow gap in 2027. Residents get better online tools, but tax department jobs are affected and uncollected taxes get pursued more aggressively using federal data.
Flat Income Tax Revenues and Budget Pressure
Collections are basically flat and business profits are down 12.5%, raising questions about whether spending may need to be pulled back later in the year.
7% Parks Income Tax Set-aside Change
The commission locked in charter language spelling out how the 7% parks income tax allocation can be spent — at least 60% for capital projects, and up to 40% for running parks. This gives the parks department flexibility to use some tax money for operations while protecting most of it for building and fixing things.
RITA Income Tax Collection Contract
The city is moving toward outsourcing income tax collection to RITA. A second reading was taken after an executive session, but action was postponed — Brent Trask's emailed questions on the legislation were also read into the record.
Dispatch cost allocation between Green and New Franklin
The two cities hadn't recalculated their dispatch cost shares in years. Green's share rises from 59% to 60.38% and New Franklin's drops to 39.62%, effective with the 2027 budget, with a review every two years going forward.
Public records commission compliance
State law requires public entities to review their records policies twice a year. The COG will hold its public records commission meeting right after the September 3 gathering, and needs a citizen member — ideally someone with government experience.
LEEDS computer replacement costs
Two outdated law-enforcement LEEDS computers need replacing, and the Green–New Franklin contract puts that cost on New Franklin (about $4,000 for both). The board agreed New Franklin will pay this time, but wants future contracts with Springfield and Lakemore to share the cost.
Dunkin' Donuts TIRZ Exemption on Arlington Road
A 30-year, 100% tax exemption on $1.5 million of Dunkin' Donuts improvements, with the TIF money funding Arlington Road corridor upgrades.
Non-bargaining employee salary adjustments
Non-union city employees are set for an average 3.25% raise costing about $113,100, already accounted for in the budget. Some employees could get slightly more to cover duties from a departed director's position.
NOPEC Early Access Grant Funds
A $20,000 NOPEC grant, thanks to the city joining electric aggregation, is likely headed toward upgrading the EV charging stations at the administration building.
Competitive bidding and procurement rules
A proposal to let the city bypass state competitive bidding rules and set its own procurement system sparked pushback from the law director and finance director, who say bidding protects the city from favoritism and lawsuits. It wasn't adopted — it just goes to council as a suggestion for future study.