Whitehall City Council Committee of the Whole Meeting - November 25, 2025

The Whitehall City Council Committee of the Whole met on November 25, 2025, at 6:30 PM to discuss several legislative items, including proposed salary increases for 2026, the creation of a Department of Neighborhoods, a school compensation agreement, building fee updates, and zoning changes for accessory dwelling units. The meeting featured extensive debate on budget priorities, employee retention, and community engagement. No final votes were taken; most ordinances and resolutions will proceed to third readings and potential adoption on December 16, 2025.

Discussion Items

• Ordinance 129-2025 (Salary Schedule Amendments): Proposed changes to salary ranges for numerous city positions to align with the 2026 budget. Councilmember Dixon questioned large increases for certain roles (e.g., Clerk of Courts at 22.4%, Recreation Director at 21.37%). Staff explained the adjustments were based on the MORPC salary survey, union contract changes (e.g., permit specialist), and the need for competitive wages to retain talent. The director of public safety is changing from part-time to full-time, raising the salary from $30,000 to $54,900.
• Ordinance 130-2025 (Table of Authorized Personnel): Updates to position titles and authorized counts, including adding a full-time custodian, two part-time administrative assistants, and an additional firefighter (step 29). Council members clarified the change from one full-time to two part-time administrative assistants in the service department.
• Ordinance 118-2025 & 119-2025 (2026 Budget Appropriations): The general fund budget totals $44,959,351.31, and special revenue funds total $36,174,599.22. Councilmembers debated salary increases, with some arguing that the city should pay competitive wages to avoid turnover, while others expressed concern about the impact on taxpayers. Treasurer Quentzel noted the general fund is 85% funded by income tax and that the city has a projected surplus. The numbers will be adjusted to reflect the public safety director salary change.
• Ordinance 127-2025 (Creation of Department of Neighborhoods): Proposed to establish a new department with a Director of Neighborhoods and an Events and Advancement Coordinator (budgeted at $165,000). Councilman Dixon voiced strong opposition, calling it government overreach and suggesting the funds be used for code enforcement support or a council assistant. Others, including Mayor’s staff and council members, defended the need for boots-on-the-ground engagement, citing food insecurity, rental issues, and low attendance at town halls. Discussion included potential overlap with existing roles and future renter’s rights legislation.
• Resolution 048-2025 (School Compensation Agreement): Authorizes the mayor to enter into a 30-year agreement with Whitehall City Schools setting a uniform percentage of income tax sharing for tax abatement projects. The agreement also includes a flat rate payment to catch up unpaid amounts from 2021 onward. The school board approved this on November 20, 2025.
• Ordinance 128-2025 (TIF/Economic Development Appropriation): Appropriates $331,130.74 from the Etna Road TIF fund and $626,553.69 from the Economic Development Fund to cover school compensation and incentives. This resolves past miscalculations and establishes a clear payment process.
• Ordinance 131-2025 (Building Fee Schedule Update): Amends the building code to increase fees for permits (first increase in over 10 years) and simplify fee calculations with flat rates. Fees are still on the low end compared to similar cities. All fees must now be paid at time of permit drop-off.
• Ordinance 112-2025 (Accessory Dwelling Units – Zoning Change): Changes ADUs from a special permit to a by-right use in residential zones. Staff detailed six requirements (e.g., cannot exceed 50% of main house size, must meet setbacks, compatible materials, one entrance). Council debated potential for investor-owned rentals and enforcement. Supporters cited aging-in-place and housing density benefits. Staff noted that short-term rentals under 90 days remain subject to a special permit.
• Other Items: Ordinance 113-2025 (property acquisition for Etna Road), Ordinance 114-2025 (TIF appropriation of $375,000 for that purchase), Ordinance 120-2025 (special permit for Wright Patt Credit Union drive-through at S. Hamilton Road) – all discussed without objection.

Key Outcomes

• Motions to advance Ordinance 129-2025 and 130-2025 to second reading were made and seconded.
• Motions to advance Ordinance 127-2025, Resolution 048-2025, and Ordinance 128-2025 to third reading were made and seconded.
• Ordinance 131-2025 (building fees) and Ordinance 112-2025 (ADUs) were moved forward; both will have second readings before final adoption.
• Ordinances 113-2025, 114-2025, and 120-2025 are scheduled for third reading and adoption on December 2 and December 16, 2025, respectively.
• Staff will compile renter’s rights legislation options for future council consideration.
• The city successfully applied for Ohio demolition dollars for properties on Yerling and Elaine, with COSIC covering full costs.
• Broad Street phase three paving is scheduled for December 5, 2025.
• Council thanked staff and community partners for Thanksgiving food distribution events (over 1,100 turkey dinners).