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Mason Matters April / May 2012
Inside This Issue: 2 3 4 5 5 6 6
Tax Filing Information New Assistant Police Chief Fire Department News Business News Solicitor Information Community Garden Common Ground Playground
Credit Rating Helps City Successfully Manage Debt
Why Use Debt?
Issuing debt for a project means that the users of the improvement are the ones paying for it. Consider the city’s Water Reclamation (sewer treatment) Plant. If the city could not borrow money for construction, it would have to reserve money from utility fees, which might take years and probably cause the capacity of the old plant to be exceeded.
An alternative would be to raise sewer fees for several years even though no benefit would be received. By issuing debt, the project can be completed when it’s needed and the payments will come from future fees paid by those who are benefiting from the use of the new plant. Debt can also be used to manage a city’s growth curve. During rapid growth, longterm investments keep growth balanced and economically viable. Improvements financed by debt ensure that the business-friendly environment so necessary to financially sustain the community can be maintained.
Outstanding Debt by Type December 31, 2011 (millions)
Revenue Bonds: $37.8
Leases: $28.2 General Obligations: $31.1
This chart shows the city’s outstanding debt by type. “Revenue Bonds” have a specific source of revenue to apply toward payment of the debt, such as sewer or stormwater fees. “Leases” are for debt for specific buildings (Mason Municipal Center and Mason Community Center.) “General Obligation” debt is subject to legal limits. Mason’s General Obligation debt has been used for road projects, property purchases, and recreational facilities outside the community center.
How is the Debt Paid?
Debt is paid back several different ways, depending on the type of debt. • A little less than a third of Mason’s debt is paid back through fees charged for the use of a service. For example, your sewer payments are used to pay back the funds borrowed to build the wastewater
treatment plant. Therefore, only those who use the service pay for it. • Almost a fifth is paid by lease payments from tenants at Mason Community Center, real estate payments, and Tax Increment Financing (TIFs). • The three percent used for some of the city’s road improvements is paid though street funds from fuel taxes, license plate fees, and a joint partnership with Liberty Township. • The remainder, just under half, is paid by the city’s General Fund. The General Fund includes income tax revenue, property taxes, charges for services and permits, interest earned, and a few other sources. In 1989, for every income tax dollar paid by residents, another $1.44 was paid by businesses and employees of businesses in Mason. In 2011 and due to successfully recruiting a variety of businesses to the city, businesses now contribute $4.26 for every dollar paid by residents.
What Was the Current Debt Used For?
Over the years, debt has been issued for a number of important projects in Mason. Projects range from the $31 million Water Reclamation Plant (the largest) to the widening of U.S. 42 (the smallest, at only $1 million because the remaining $6.5 million cost of the project was paid by grants.) Other projects include storm water improvements; Mason Municipal Center; property acquisition; downtown improvements; improvements to Mason Road, Mason-Montgomery, Snider, and other major roadways; economic development projects; and the expansion of the community center. —see CREDIT RATING on pg. 3
www.imaginemason.org
Mason Matters
A top financial rating firm has confirmed that Mason’s financial strategy is one of the best in the state. Moody’s Investor Service in January reaffirmed the city’s bond ed rating of Aaa, the io: rat for long-term bonds. Ohavailable highestsrating , n o a The M rating is similar to a consumer credit 24thLthe E the lower the risk Crating, score. The higher A P T S to lenders. loans oft en mean lower BE Less-risky LIVE 2011 e TOsaving n interest rates, the borrower money. i z a mag process, Moody’s neyrating During the o M y b analyzed the city’s current and future financial conditions, availability of dollars in reserve funds for unexpected expenditures, existing debt burden, and other factors. “The Aaa rating reflects the city’s mediumsized tax base benefiting from its location and economic role in the Cincinnati metro area; healthy financial operations supported by sound reserves and a diverse income tax base; and a manageable debt burden with limited future borrowing expected,” stated Moody’s reviewers in their summary. In January, the city was fortunate to obtain a savings of up to $11.5 million over the life of some of its debt by refinancing and partially paying down $30 million in outstanding bonds. The Aaa credit rating and favorable market conditions worked together to save the city about $700,000 annually. Overall, the city’s aggressive strategy of refinancing and paying down debt has created $19 million in savings over the life of the debt. The savings can be attributed to the low interest rates obtained as a result of the Aaa rating and market conditions.
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From the City Manager
Eric Hansen, City Manager We appreciate your calls, visits and e-mails to the Mason Municipal Center to discuss what is going on in the city. I encourage you to call 513.229.8500 or stop in any time during business hours if you need information or assistance.
Dear Mason Resident, As I look ahead to the remainder of 2012, there are some significant items the city will undertake. Several infrastructure projects are on the list. The largest is the U.S. 42/Reading Road project to widen Reading Road to four lanes between Tylersville and Western Row Roads and two lanes to Butler-Warren Road. This project is ahead of schedule, due in part to favorable weather during the winter. Construction was originally scheduled to be complete by the end of the year and may end up a couple of months ahead of schedule. The city was fortunate to be able to secure grants to pay for most of this project. The Ohio Department of Transportation will continue the project south of Butler-Warren Road outside the city limits. Thanks to all the residents, businesses, and visitors in Mason for your patience during construction. The annual street maintenance program will help extend the life of the pavement in several neighborhoods. Included in the program is the possible paving of a temporary parking lot where the old fire station was and an access road for the future Common Ground playground (see page 6). We’ll also be designing a roundabout for the Bethany Road/Mason-Montgomery Road intersection and creating master plans for both sewer and stormwater. The master plans analyze the current needs and facilities and make projections for the future based on expected growth patterns, existing systems, maintenance schedules, federal and state regulations, etc. The result is a plan to guide the city in managing the two systems for the coming years. One of Council’s top priorities for 2012 is funding for the Fire Department. You may recall that when Council resolved to avoid placing a fire levy on the ballot in 2011 without reducing services, they acknowledged that the balance in the Fire Fund is being eroded in order to maintain service levels. This year, Council continues to evaluate the best solution for funding for the emergency services provided by the fire department, including a possible fire levy. Meanwhile, Fire Chief John Moore and his staff continue their efforts to contain costs. Joining the Northeast Fire Collaborative (NEFC) has allowed the department to achieve significant savings. I invite you to read Chief Moore’s article on page 4 to learn more about the NEFC and how it has benefited all five departments.
Mason Matters is published by the City of Mason. For information about this publication, or if you are a Mason resident and do not receive this newsletter, either through OurTown magazine or mailed separately with the CenterPoint program guide, please contact the City of Mason at 513.229.8510.
City Tax Returns Due City Of Mason - Contact Information
6000 Mason-Montgomery Road • Mason, Ohio 45040 Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday – Friday
513.229.8500 • www.imaginemason.org Main Number 513.229.8500
Parks & Recreation 513.229.8555
City Hotlines 513.229.8502
Police Department Administration 513.229.8560
Administration 513.229.8510
Mason Matters
Community Center 513.229.8555
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Emergency 9.1.1 Engineering & Building 513.229.8520 Finance 513.229.8530 Fire Department Administration 513.229.8540
April / May 2012
Public Utilities 513.229.8570 Public Works 513.229.8580 Tax Office 513.229.8535 Utility Customer Service 513.229.8533 Utility Billing Questions Greater Cincinnati Water Works 513.591.7700
Utility Service Questions: Sewer Service and Emergencies 513.229.8570 (nights, holidays & weekends, emergencies only)
513.925.2525 Stormwater 513.229.8570 Waste Collection and Recycling 513.229.8533 Water Service and Emergencies Greater Cincinnati Water Works 513.591.7700
April 17
Tax Office Extended Hours Saturday, April 14 Monday, April 16
8 a.m. - noon 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Ways to File • Use the Online Tax Tool: www.imaginemason.org/residents/ tax-information • Print off a paper form and instructions: www.imaginemason.org/residents/ tax-information/tax-forms-individuals • Pick up a paper form: • Mason Municipal Center • Mason Community Center • Mason Public Library
Get Help with Your Return Visit the Customer Service Center at Mason Municipal Center: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Or during extended hours listed above
Credit Rating from pg. 1 It is important to note that Mason has not issued debt for ongoing operating costs. As operating costs have risen, the city has responded by adjusting budgets and projects, forming partnerships to optimize costs, and containing expenses through interdepartmental collaboration, combining projects, and conserving resources. For a complete list of projects with outstanding debt remaining, please visit www.imaginemason.org/city-government/ financial-accountability.
What are the Limits on the Amount of Debt?
As noted in the pie chart on page 1, there are different types of debt a city can issue. The $31.1 million General Obligation (GO) debt is subject to limits set by the state. Mason’s amount is much lower than allowed by law. The Ohio Revised Code limits total city GO debt to no more than 10.5% of net assessed property value. (Net assessed property value is determined by the Warren County Auditor and is 35% of the value of all properties in the city.) The chart at right shows the amount of General Obligation debt that the city carried in the last 11 years compared to the total debt limit legally allowed. You can see that Mason’s debt is significantly below the limits allowed by law. City Council’s conservative budgeting and careful consideration of the effects of long-term debt have created only a moderate debt burden. These factors, along with an aggressive approach to reducing debt and maintaining a balance of short-term and long-term debt, were factors cited in Moody’s evaluation of the city’s top credit rating.
What’s Ahead?
Many factors are considered before City Council makes the decision to issue debt.
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SSO Report
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$140,000,000 $120,000,000 $100,000,000 $80,000,000 $60,000,000 $40,000,000 $20,000,000 $-
01 002 003 004 005 006 007 008 009 010 011 012cted) 20 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 roje Total Legal Debt Limit
These include the market environment, Council’s priorities and objectives, fund balances, reserve amounts, current and future commitments, and legal constraints. The primary consideration is the current and future capital improvements needed in the city. Each year during the budget process, Council’s Finance Committee evaluates the long-term capital needs of the city along with sources of funding for those capital improvements. Many projects are funded using grants and existing fund balances. Other projects may require debt financing. Council expects to continue aggressive debt reductions. The city will reduce its total outstanding debt in 2012 by $10.6 million, or about 11%. “We expect the city’s financial operations will remain stable in the near-term while continuing to benefit from the diverse and growing employment base within the city over the long-term,” stated the Moody’s report.
Issued Debt
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Careful planning in the coming years, maintaining adequate fund reserves, conservative budgeting, continuing cost containment efforts, and aggressive economic development efforts all contribute to Mason’s sound financial rating and keep it an attractive city for both businesses and families.
Resources
The city produces several financial reports each year. The 2012 Annual Budget and the 2011 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report will be posted to www.imaginemason. org/city-government/financial-accountability as soon as they are completed. Reports from the last two years are available on the site now. The Popular Annual Financial report is a summary of the comprehensive report and is also available on the web site. You’ll also find the report from Moody’s Investors Service discussing the city’s Aaa rating and other financial information.
Lindenschmidt Promoted
olice Lieutenant Paul Lindenschmidt has been promoted to Captain, serving as Assistant Police Chief. Captain Lindenschmidt holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. He is a graduate of the Northwestern School of Police Staff and Command, the Police Executive Leadership College, the Certified Law Enforcement Executive program, and the FBI National Academy. He served as a patrol officer and supervisor for 17 years and has most recently been a lieutenant in charge of staff services. He was instrumental in obtaining the city’s first accreditation and subsequent reaccreditations through the Commission on Accreditation for
Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). He also served for 19 years on the Warren County Tactical Response Unit. In his new role, Captain Lindenschmidt will continue to supervise the D.A.R.E. unit, School Resource Officer component, court and clerical operations, and the accreditation (CALEA) program. In addition, he will play an expanded role in training and budget preparation. www.imaginemason.org
Mason Matters
nder the city’s NPDES permit for the Water Reclamation Plant, there is a requirement for preparation of an annual report on Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSOs). The report for each year must be prepared by March 31 of the following year. The 2011 report is available for inspection by the general public at the City of Mason’s Water Reclamation Plant, 3200 Mason-Morrow-Millgrove Road. The plant is open from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each weekday, except for holidays. The telephone number at the plant is 513.229.8570.
Issued Debt vs. Legal Debt Limits
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Mason Fire Department Finds a Better Way By Chief John Moore
inding a Better Way” is one of four philosophical principles used every day in the Mason Fire Department. In a world that is changing at an increasing rate, small changes here and there can go without much notice on how they affect the big picture. The philosophy of “ Finding a Better Way” is to remind us to take time, reexamine our services and how we deliver them, and ask ourselves, “Can we do better? Can we find a better way?” This idea is not just for me as the Chief, but for the entire department. On a new employee’s first day in the fire department, I talk with the employee and explain our expectations and our philosophies for delivering the best service possible to our community. “Finding a Better Way” is the last principle I cover. It is to impress upon each individual that though they are new to our department, we expect that everyone on the department can effect a change, can ask a question, can find a better way. One of the things we have done in “Finding a Better Way” is to partner with surrounding departments for training, common emergency scene practices, and joint purchasing with the goal of improving our responses and coordination in working together, and to save money. The Northeast Fire Collaborative, or NEFC, is the formal organization of Mason’s fire department and four other area departments: Loveland Symmes, Blue Ash, Sharonville, and Sycamore Township. Our efforts in cooperation between the
departments have been honored with state and national recognition for innovation in public service. The five departments take very seriously the job that has been entrusted to us—the safety of our communities. We train at least once a month together, and only the chief of the department can “excuse” a crew from that training. On our vehicles, you will see the words, “an NEFC department.” We put it there to remind ourselves and for you to know that we are working to fulfill the mission of the Northeast Fire Collaborative of providing the best service at the least expense. The NEFC has collaborated on the purchase of medic units, fire protective gear, medical supplies, training programs, membership services, uniforms, and miscellaneous tools. As a result, we have saved
over $100,000 for the community, provided equal or better services, received better training, and are in a position to provide a better service today than we were just two years ago. One of our biggest projects has been the joint purchase of medic units, the vehicles used to provide emergency medical services. Coming together to develop one common unit to purchase forced us to reevaluate all of our needs and take time to hear what others are doing and why. That process enabled us to clear the slate of any past assumptions—a process that we strive to do each time we undertake a project like this. Having other departments involved forced us to be more thorough than we might be when it’s done completely inside the department. The new medic unit specified with input from all five NEFC departments is the first such collaboration on medic units that our vendor has ever seen. The result is a savings of an estimated $12,000 for each of the three departments that placed 2011 orders. The unit’s design has raised interest from departments outside the NEFC who have contacted the vendor to see if they can get the same unit. Mason’s new medic unit is expected to arrive in April and will be assigned to Station 52 on Cedar Village Drive. Our quest is not done. Finding a better way is never done. We constantly strive to provide a better service—and more economical service for you. I invite your questions and input. Please contact me at 513.229.8540 or e-mail me at jmoore@masonoh.org.
Mason Fire Has New Assessment Tool
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Mason Matters
medical monitoring device that helps recognize carbon monoxide poisoning in patients is now being used by the City of Mason Fire Department. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, tasteless, odorless gas that is difficult to detect and can mimic the signs and symptoms of the flu, thus making it difficult to diagnose. The department’s new RAD-57 is a non-invasive device that analyzes the amount of carbon monoxide in the patient’s bloodstream by using eight different wavelengths of light. A simple clip is placed on the patient’s finger to obtain this reading. The RAD-57 will be used as part of the routine assessment of all patients because carbon monoxide can present as so many other illnesses. If medical responders discover that someone was exposed to carbon monoxide, they will not only have an indicator of treatment
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options, it will prompt responders to locate the source of that carbon monoxide. This allows fire department personnel to be proactive in preventing further exposures to dangerously high carbon monoxide levels in the home, workplace, or other environments, thereby preventing other illnesses. The device will also be used to assess firefighters who have been battling structure fires or other hazardous incidents. It is very easy for firefighters to be subjected to elevated levels of carbon monoxide while performing their job. This is an excellent device to have so that firefighters who are exposed can quickly get the treatment they need. The RAD-57 is a tool that gives information about patients that has not previously been available to Mason responders. The Mason Fire Department is continually working to improve the care of patients and firefighters and to accelerate the reception of potentially
Mason Firefighter/Paramedics train on the use of the new RAD-57. Julie Stanley assesses “patient” Dan Spaeth while Matt Wagers takes his blood pressure. The department’s new RAD-57 devices assess carbon monoxide levels in the patient.
lifesaving treatment. Having a RAD-57 in each of the city’s two medic units will help identify patients who need care for carbon monoxide poisoning and get them treated more quickly.
City of Mason and Seapine Software Announce $7 Million Project
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eapine Software has announced they will invest $7 million to build a new 50,000 square-foot technology headquarters in Mason. The 2-story class A building will be located on 6 ½ acres at Western Row Road between Cintas Boulevard and I-71 in the Cintas Commerce Park. The company will move approximately 100 software development employees from their existing Mason location and create another 30 to 40 jobs in the next 3 to 5 years. Seapine Software was founded in 1995 and is the leading provider of quality-centric application lifecycle management (ALM) solutions for product development and IT organizations. Seapine’s move—the fourth announcement of its kind in as many months—begins to solidify Mason’s reputation on the national stage as a technology industry hub for growth and economic development. “We are very excited to be continuing our growth within the City of Mason,” said Rick Riccetti, co-founder, president and CEO of Seapine Software, Inc. “Strategically, the I-71
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corridor provides us both access and visibility to best serve our 8,500 clients nationally and globally.” “Since locating in Mason in 1999, we have seen the region grow into one of the nation’s top places to live and do business,” said Kelli Riccetti, co-founder and senior vice president. “In addition to being centrally located in the tri-state region, Mason’s excellent schools, well-run government, and ample amenities help us attract the high-tech talent we need to be an industry leader.” Rick added, “The City of Mason has helped us plan our growth strategy for the past several years. With so many options in the current economy, it was the incredible effort, support, and commitment by their team that really made the decision to expand here an easy one.” “There is nothing more inspiring than to see a vision begin to become reality,” said Mason Mayor David Nichols. “We are on the cusp of something extraordinary in Mason as we see the focus and critical planning around creating a technology hub in Mason begin to come to fruition.” For more information, visit www.seapine.com.
Groundbreaking Begins Expansion
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ason City Council joined Intelligrated at the groundbreaking for a $10 million expansion to their existing facility on Innovation Way in Mason. Intelligrated is a leading North American-owned automated material handling solutions provider with operations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The 3-story office space will increase their square footage by 45% and provide room to add 200 or more technical and engineering positions in research and development, system design, and customer service at the company’s new engineering center. Visit them on the web at www.intelligrated.com. From left: Councilmember Rich Cox, Councilmember Char Pelfrey, Intelligrated President Jim McCarthy, Mayor David Nichols, and Intelligrated CEO Chris Cole.
SALESMEN AT THE DOOR? premises that are marked “No Solicitors” or words of similar import. Violation of the solicitors code is a minor misdemeanor, punishable by fine only. If the violator has pled guilty or has been found guilty for violating the code within the previous year, he or she may be charged with a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. A fourth degree misdemeanor is punishable by jail time of 30 days or less and a fine of up to $250. It is important to note that not every person who goes door to door is considered a solicitor. The following groups and individuals are excluded: religious or ideology; political party, issue, or candidate even if the person accepts a donation; handbill distribution for a non-commercial event; non-profit groups such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts; auctioneers; an invited solicitor; a person who is seeking donations; and individuals collecting money for goods previously ordered or sold. If you have any concerns about a solicitor, please call for an officer to respond. For non-emergency calls, please call 513.925.2525. For emergencies, dial 9-1-1. www.imaginemason.org
Mason Matters
he police department receives regular inquiries from residents about door-to-door solicitors. Are they allowed? Do they have to be approved? Can they show up any time? The City of Mason does have laws regarding door-to-door solicitors. The first step a person must complete before showing up at your door is a background check through the police department. To get it, the supervisor of the business completes a Transient Vendors Registration Form. Each employee also completes a Personal Information Form and has their fingerprints checked through the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation. Once this process is completed, each solicitor receives a copy of the registration form and the information form, both of which must be carried while soliciting. The permit is valid for one year. Solicitors are permitted to knock on doors between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. during the months of April through October. During the winter months of November through March, the hours are shortened to 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Solicitors are not allowed to enter
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Mason Historical Society
or the third year, the City of Mason is providing the “ground” work for a community garden. The garden has been relocated to a more long-term site on Mason-MorrowMillgrove Road across from Mason Sports Park. The city is preparing the soil in the plots in time for the growing season. Applications for the plots are now being accepted from individual gardeners and from groups interested in growing vegetables on a 10 by 15-foot area that will be set aside for their use. Applications may be downloaded at www.imaginemason. org or picked up at Mason Community Center and Mason Municipal Center. They will be available through May 31. Completed applications may be dropped off at Mason Municipal Center, placed in the Municipal Center drop box at the end of the passenger drop-off drive, or dropped off at Mason Community Center. Please submit your application by May 31. Produce harvested from your garden plot may be used for your own purposes. Gardeners interested in sharing their bounty can donate some or all of the harvest to local food banks. Three Mason residents have volunteered to coordinate this year’s garden. For more information, please contact Jack Tager at 513.678.6932 or jtager@yahoo.com, Ben McNary at 513.336.0007 or bmcnary3934@yahoo.com, or Gary Miller at 513.460.6041 or garywarrenmiller@yahoo.com.
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he Mason Historical Society is grateful to Alverta Green for leaving her property on Church Street to the society for a museum. This was done in 1988 and we are thankful every day for the wonderful gift. This is the reason that Mason’s museum is called the Alverta Green Museum. Alverta was an antique dealer and many of the first items owned by the society were donated by her; she was also a charter member of the historical society. If you haven’t toured the museum yet, you might put that on your “to do” list. The museum is open from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays and by appointment. Please call 513.398.6750 to make an appointment and to learn of volunteer opportunities available. There are many things that volunteers are needed for, such as guiding tours, arranging displays, cataloging information, and many other jobs that you might be interested in. Monthly programs are held on the third Tuesday of the month and are on a variety of subjects. Please check www. masonhistoricalsociety.org to learn about upcoming topics.
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City Lays Groundwork for Common Ground
Mason Matters
ommon Ground is a vision of the Mason Parks Foundation, which has been working for several years to bring an inclusive playground to Mason that incorporates equipment for people of all abilities. This spring, the city will begin completing an access road to the site of the future park. For several years, the Mason Parks Foundation has been focusing on raising funds and obtaining a professional design for the playground. The foundation worked with city staff on finding a suitable location for the park and settled on the former State of Ohio property on U.S. 42/Reading Road, west of Snider Road. In 2005, a bridge and access road to the site were constructed in
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conjunction with a regional detention facility on the property. The detention facility has helped reduce the potential of flooding along Muddy Creek and Davis Run. This spring, coinciding with the widening of U.S. 42, construction will begin on improvements to the access road. The road extension will add curbs and storm sewers with a cul-de-sac to allow future access to the park. In addition, a water main and sewer line will be installed for the park. A bike lane will also be included to tie into the new bike path along U.S. 42 for pedestrian access. The city was successful in obtaining a State of Ohio Capital Legislative Grant for the extension and improvements to the access road, a crucial component to the park’s development. Construction of the access road will be completed this summer. By combining the construction and
improvements to the access road with other projects, the city has been able to reduce both expenses and the disruption to traffic. The Mason Parks Foundation is a nonprofit organization that raises private funds to enhance Mason’s parks and recreation programs. It became an official 501(c)3 charity organization in March, 2007. The foundation continues to pursue donations, grants, sponsorships, and other funding sources for the park’s development. A timetable for construction of Common Ground playground will likely be set once the necessary funding and design are in place. For more information, please visit www.masonparksfoundation.org.