LONDON, Ohio — The London City Council on Dec. 18 delayed a decision on whether to privatize the city’s sanitation department, leaving three related resolutions on the table while the law director researches whether the question can be placed on the May ballot.
The council voted to table Resolution 19025, which would authorize advertising for bids to potentially privatize sanitation services, along with a companion resolution for trash hauling services and an ordinance to adjust sanitation rates. All three items were left on second or third reading without a vote.
Council members expressed division over whether to put the issue before voters or decide internally. Councilman John Hayes said residents need better explanations of the options.
“People don’t understand why we’re doing what we’re doing,” Hayes said during roundtable discussion. “They just want things cheaper or less expensive, but they would like to localize even though it might be cheaper the other way. I personally don’t think going to the ballot’s going to go that way.”
Public comment included a plea from Kevin Crossley, a sanitation department employee, who said the department needs more workers and equipment to operate effectively.
“We need bodies, some equipment, and this department will run sufficiently and make the city proud,” Crossley said.
The council approved several other items, including Resolution 19325, adopting the Madison County multi-jurisdictional hazard mitigation plan update. The five-year plan is required for the city to remain eligible for FEMA grants. The vote was 8-0.
Council also approved the purchase of a fully outfitted police cruiser from available capital funds, with a 7-1 vote. Councilman Matt McDaniels opposed the emergency clause on that resolution, citing process concerns.
A separate resolution transferring $49,338 from personnel to operations for nine Windows 11-compatible computers for police cruisers passed unanimously. Police officials said the computers are needed to comply with state LEADS requirements, as Windows 10 is no longer receiving security updates.
“The Windows 10 expired in October on Oct. 17 this year,” a police representative told council. “We have the Windows 10 extension pro, so we’re still getting security updates. The sheriff is leniently giving us that expansion.”
Council also adopted Resolution 18925, authorizing the auditor to open a separate bank account for the tax department to improve reconciliation of deposits. The vote was 7-1, with McDaniels opposing the suspension of rules but voting yes on adoption.
During public comment, resident Raymond Anthony raised concerns about poor audio quality in recordings of council meetings. He said he has brought the issue up twice in the past year “only to fall on deaf ears.”
“The city can appropriate monies on just about anything, but the city can’t come up with funds to upgrade our sound system for our city council meeting,” Anthony said.
The meeting concluded with holiday greetings and thanks to outgoing council members and staff. Council will next meet Jan. 5 for a swearing-in ceremony, with regular meetings resuming on the first and third Thursdays of the month.