Operating budget, companion legislation fails at Tipp Council meeting

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TIPP CITY — The 2022 Annual Operating Budget and companion legislation failed at Monday’s meeting of Tipp City Council.

The operating budget failed in a 2-3 vote with council members Mike McFarland and Logan Rogers and mayor Joseph Gibson voting against the legislation. The operating budget had been a point of discussion at the Dec. 6 study session of council, where a $500,000 general fund deficit had been the central discussion point. Solutions such as covering the deficit by reserve funds the city has built up over the last several years and eliminating the vacant human resource specialist position could help with reducing the deficit, but council had wanted to explore other options.

At Monday’s meeting, McFarland said he couldn’t support the current budget with its deficit.

“All we’re doing is asking for trouble,” McFarland said.

The companion legislation that failed in a 1-4 vote was an ordinance making appropriations for expenses and other expenditures of the city during fiscal year 2022. Council member Mike Jackson, McFarland, Rogers and Gibson voted against the motion.

The new council in 2022 can vote on the budget and companion legislation without any changes made to either document.

Two items were unanimously approved at Monday’s meeting:

• A resolution authorizing City Manager Tim Eggleston to enter into a collective bargaining agreement between the city of Tipp City and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); and

• A motion to request or not request a public hearing on the issuance of a new C1 liquor license to the Dollar General at 3285 S. County Road 25A.

Several outgoing members of council were also honored for their service on council at Monday’s meeting.

Outgoing Council President Katelyn Berbach has served on council since 2009 and has spent her last four years serving as president.

Gibson has served on council since 2009, starting out as a member and being appointed as council president in 2014. In January 2018, he began his service to Tipp City as mayor.

“I don’t focus on the half-full stuff, and I need to do that more. Serving on council as a council member, as president, and now as your mayor, it has been my honor,” Gibson said.

Council Member Jackson has served two years on council, beginning in January 2020. He remarked that his term seemed “so short.”

Council Members Rogers and Frank Scenna have both served on council since January 2018.

“The phrase ‘it’s been a privilege’ is something of a cliche, but I can’t describe my feelings about having served on Tipp City council in no other terms. This is my hometown, this is home,” Rogers said.

The 2022 council will consist of current council members McFarland and Kathryn Huffman, and new council members Joanna Pittenger, Doug Slagel, Greg Enslen and Ryan Liddy.

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