Denise Callahan

Dayton

Government Reporter at Cox Media Group

Butler County reporter @JournalNews

Articles

Butler County dispatch, morgue complex next step in county’s space plan

1 week ago | journal-news.com | Denise Callahan

“The initial project estimate after schematic design was nearly $38 million dollars, which we knew far exceeded the commissioners’ aspirations for the cost of the project,” she said.
Butler County changes JFS transport company after 15 years

1 week ago | journal-news.com | Denise Callahan

“There will be a transition period, however they have assured us that they have their drivers and their vehicles and they’re ready to go,” Gilbert said. The UTS two-year deal that expired on March 31 cost $7.5 million. The bid totals don’t tell the whole story since UTS offered $14.3 million, Kemper $20.6 million and Butler County Regional Transit Authority’s bid was $4.4 million, but they didn’t bid on the entire contract.
Former Butler County auditor says he will run for office again

2 weeks ago | journal-news.com | Denise Callahan

Central to his claim is the contention that these officials pursued charges after the Butler County Prosecutor initially declined to do so.”County Prosecutor Mike Gmoser told the Journal-News Reynolds is mistaken. “Roger’s recollection is in error, I specifically never discussed any aspect of the case against him with him and never would have said anything about a case that I was involved in at all,” Gmoser said.
Lawmakers promise property tax reform but say it’s tricky

2 weeks ago | journal-news.com | Denise Callahan

Nix invited state representatives Rodney Creech, Jennifer Gross, Thomas Hall and Diane Mullins to explain why attempts to provide relief previously have failed and enumerate what’s in the works now. Taxpayers saw a large increase following the 2023 triennial update when property values soared by an average 37% in Butler County.
Ohio House GOP to public schools: Use property tax funds or lose them

3 weeks ago | springfieldnewssun.com | Avery Kreemer |Denise Callahan

Ohio House Finance Chair Brian Stewart, R-Ashville, told reporters Tuesday that 528 of Ohio’s 609 school districts had a carryover balance of at least 25% of their prior years’ operating expenses. “These carryovers have been growing very, very steadily over time,” Stewart said.
Ohio House GOP to public schools: Use property tax funds or lose them

3 weeks ago | daytondailynews.com | Avery Kreemer |Denise Callahan

Ohio House Finance Chair Brian Stewart, R-Ashville, told reporters Tuesday that 528 of Ohio’s 609 school districts had a carryover balance of at least 25% of their prior years’ operating expenses. “These carryovers have been growing very, very steadily over time,” Stewart said.
Butler County approves new union deals worth $2.3M

3 weeks ago | journal-news.com | Denise Callahan

The additional money approved over the life of the contract for 145 sheriff’s employees totals $1.6 million and 34 CSEA workers will receive $716,061 more. The 116 corrections officers and medics are getting 5% pay bumps this year and 4% in each of the following two years. The 18 supervisors and 11 clerks will get across-the-board 4% pay raises for the life of their contracts.
Butler County sheriff increasing use of jail space, deputies in deportation of illegal immigrants

3 weeks ago | journal-news.com | Denise Callahan

And now he told the Journal-News he is sending 14 staffers to federal ICE training — free of charge for the county — so they can “help in the effort to rid the country of illegal immigrants even further.” There will be 10 deputies on patrol and four processing paperwork in the jail. “I’m just going to start out with 10, soon as I get the 10 in I’ll probably do 10 more,” Jones said.
Butler County legislators to discuss property taxes in Monday forum

4 weeks ago | journal-news.com | Denise Callahan

Nix is hosting a town hall Monday, March 31 with local lawmakers to discuss efforts made in Columbus to effect change.
Study: Ohio property tax burden hinders economic growth

1 month ago | daytondailynews.com | Denise Callahan

Baumgartner submitted written testimony during the second hearing on Senate Bill 66, a measure to adjust how the 20-mill floor for school funding is calculated,”The study found that property taxes in the peer locations in Ohio were 72% higher than those of the peer locations analyzed across the country. High property taxes not only negatively impact current residents of Ohio, but also act as a disincentive for businesses looking to locate in our state," she wrote.