Seven Hills Council Approves Budget, Addresses Infrastructure Concerns

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Seven Hills City Council held its June 24 meeting with several members absent, approving an emergency budget resolution and addressing ongoing infrastructure concerns raised by residents.

Emergency Budget Approval

Council unanimously approved Resolution 5-2025, an alternative tax budget for fiscal year 2026, after waiving the 24-hour rule to add the measure to the evening’s agenda. Deputy Finance Director Vano explained the budget is required by Ohio law to help the county identify property tax distributions and is largely based on 2025 assumptions with minimal changes.

Mayor Compensation Changes Advance

During committee meetings before the main session, council voted to place an ordinance on the next meeting’s agenda that would make the mayor/safety director position full-time with benefits starting with the next mayoral term in December 2027. The position would carry a 2025 baseline salary of $108,234 with automatic adjustments tied to the Public Employees Retirement System.

Councilman Morrow called it “a positive step forward” that was “long overdue,” while Councilman Martin expressed full support for the compensation change.

Legal Action Supported

Council agreed to support an amicus brief opposing a Cincinnati court case that could give taxpayers broad standing to sue municipalities over programs they dislike. Law Director Moore warned the case could be “a disaster for municipalities” by allowing any resident to challenge city programs through litigation.

Variance Granted for Flood-Prone Property

Council approved a 40-foot variance for Councilman Thomas Snitzky’s property at 2033 Hillside Road, allowing placement of a 240-square-foot accessory building. Snitzky explained the variance was necessary due to flooding issues in his yard, with the proposed location being the driest area available. The zoning board of appeals had unanimously recommended approval.

Power Outage Concerns Raised

Councilman Norman Martin highlighted increasing power outages throughout the city, calling for an action plan from FirstEnergy to address the frequency of service interruptions. Martin noted the outages extend beyond weather-related incidents and suggested the utility company should explain their maintenance and upgrade plans to residents.

Mayor Anthony D. Biasiotta responded that administration had already met with a FirstEnergy representative following recent outages. He directed Public Service Director Brida to provide council with a summary of that meeting by week’s end.

Traffic Issues on McCreary Road

Mayor Biasiotta addressed heavy traffic flow on McCreary Road resulting from the Wallings Road bridge closure. He confirmed police are providing special attention to the residential street and promised a detailed report at the next council meeting from the police chief, who was absent due to illness.

Moral Claim Approved

Council approved a $750 moral claim for a resident after the mayor reversed the administration’s initial recommendation to deny the claim. Biasiotta explained that while the sewer blockage was on the resident’s property, the city’s sewer truck was under maintenance and residents weren’t offered alternative county services that might have resolved the issue.

Committee Activity

Multiple committees met that evening, including Parks and Recreation, Rules and Ethics, Planning and Zoning, and Finance. Most committees reported routine business, with the next round of meetings scheduled for July 15 and July 29.

Council excused Councilmen Elliott and Costanzo from the meeting. The next council meeting is scheduled for July 15.