The CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has spread internationally and is now in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”).
While the City is closely monitoring the progression of the virus and is planning for the potential spread in the Upper Valley region, we are asking everyone to concentrate their efforts on PREVENTION. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19.
Prevention measures that are accessible to almost everyone and should be practiced regularly include:
Proper Hand Washing (If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol)
Avoiding Close Contact with Anyone Who is Sick (Maintaining a minimum distance of 6 feet)
Following the *CDC’s Guidance for Travel.
During this time of uncertainty, we also ask that our community continue to follow CDC guidance regarding practicing responsible social distancing and personal prevention measures as well as the following recommendations for People at Serious Risk for COVID-19:
During a COVID-19 outbreak an outbreak in your community, stay home as much as possible
To limit exposure we encourage residents to pay utility bills online, by phone, mail or via the drop box located behind the city building near the Police Department entrance.
Green box near the police department entrance.
5. How do I file my 2019 tax return?
The Tax office will NOT perform in-person tax preparation services. Phone appointments may be scheduled during normal business hours and on designated Saturdays. If you opt for a scheduled phone appointment, documents must be received in the tax office via mail, fax, drop box, or a secure portal prior to your appointment. Contact the Tax office at tax@monroeohio.org to obtain access to the secure portal.
6. How can I make a tax payment?
To limit exposure please submit income tax payments by phone, mail, or via the drop box located behind the City building near the Police Department entrance.
7. How can I apply for a building or zoning permit?
To limit exposure we encourage all residents and contractors to submit permits via email to planning@monroeohio.org. City staff will follow up with a phone call for payments and any questions about the digital submittals.
8. Will court proceed as normal?
Please contact Becky Rosenbalm at 513-539-6201 or rosenbalmb@monroeohio.org for information specific to your case.
1. I'm getting ready to start a home project. Where can I find out what permits are required?
Any users looking to construct a new building, finish a basement, an HVAC upgrade or other home improvement projects, would need to apply for a building permit. Visit our Building Forms page to learn more about requirements and to find documentation.
2. I'm new to the area. Where can I find information about setting up utilities?
Find information about garbage collection, sanitary sewer service, water, online payments, and more by visiting our Utilities page.
Yes! Make your utility payments online by visiting our Payments page.
Please visit the Board of Elections website for your county.
5. When are the trash pick up days?
Please reference the Rumpke trash schedule.
2% for businesses and renters
1.5% for homeowners and homeowner dependents
Contact the tax office at 513-539-7374, option 3 or tax@monroeohio.org for more information.
2. How do I submit my tax documents?
Secure portal. Please click the link to request access to the secure portal for submitting tax documents.
3. Are students required to file a City tax return?
Yes. The City of Monroe has mandatory filing for all residents.
4. When are estimated payments required?
Estimated payments are required by Ordinance if the tax liability for the previous year is $200 or more.
5. When are the quarterly estimates due?
April 15th, June 15th, September 15th, and January 15th
6. Are retired persons required to file and pay City of Monroe taxes?
Every year on qualifying wages (W-2/1099)
Every three years on retirement income. Next filing tax year is 2021.
7. If I only lived in Monroe for part of the year, do I still need to file a return?
Yes. A return is required to be filed. The return will be prorated based upon the number of days as a Monroe resident.
8. What is the due date of the year-end withholding reconciliation (W-3)?
February 28th each year.
9. What determines whether I pay my withholding's on a quarterly, monthly or semi-monthly basis?
Withholding payments are required by Ordinance as follows:
Under $200 a month is paid quarterly
$200 - $999 a month is paid monthly
$1,000 or more a month is paid semi-monthly
10. What are the due dates for withholding payments?
Monthly withholding payments are due on the 15th of the following month.
Quarterly withholding payments are due: 1/31, 4/30, 7/31, and 10/31
Semimonthly withholding payments are due: the 15th and last day of each month.
11. What are the business hours of the tax office?
12. Do I need an appointment to come in to see someone in the tax office?
13. I need to make a tax payment. Do I need to see someone in the tax office to do this?
Payments can be made via the drop box located near the lower level entrance, by US mail, or through the Community Service Specialists by walk-in or by calling 513-539-7374..
14. I am married, do my spouse and I have to file a joint return with Monroe?
No. You are not required to file a joint return with Monroe. However, it is preferred that couples file in a consistent format each year (joint or separate). There is no advantage to filing separately with the City.
15. Do I need to file a City tax return?
Yes, the City of Monroe has a mandatory filing requirement.
16. How can I obtain a City of Monroe income tax return form?
Forms are available on our website the "Tax Forms" page
Forms can be mailed or emailed directly to the taxpayer
17. What documents do I need to bring with me to file a tax return?
Contact the tax office at 513.539.7374, option 3 or tax@monroeohio.org for more information.
18. What is the Monroe Local School District number?
The Monroe Local School district number is 0910.
19. If I work in a City with a tax rate lower than Monroe's tax rate, do I get credit for the other City taxes paid?
Monroe will give 100% credit up to your individual tax rate (2% for renters and 1.5% for homeowners) OR the tax rate of that city (whichever is lower).
20. My W-2 shows differing amounts in the Federal income box, local wage box, and Medicare wage box. Which amount should I use as my taxable wage for Monroe?
Box 5 or Box 18, whichever is higher.
21. Does Monroe give credit for county or school taxes paid?
22. What is the filing due date for the City individual and business tax returns?
Business returns: On or before April 15* or the 15th day of the 4th month following the end of the fiscal year.
*If the due date falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, the due date will be the following business day.
23. How do I request a refund for income taxes paid to the city of Monroe if I am not a resident?
Information is available on our website on the "Refunds/1099-G Statements" page or click here to obtain a Non-Resident Refund Request Form.
24. What income is taxable and non-taxable?
A list of taxable and non-taxable income is listed here.
1. Where is the Utility Billing office located?
In the Finance Department in the upper level of the City building.
2. What are the hours of the Utility Billing office?
We are open to the public from 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday.
3. Can you add / remove my name from a bill?
Contact the Utility Billing Department at 513-539-7374 x 1002
4. Do you accept payment arrangements?
5. Can you fax or e-mail a copy of my prior bills?
SIgn up for paperless utility bills here.
Email your request to UB@Monroeohio.org and we will get a copy of the bills back to you as timely as we can, depending upon the size of the request.
6. What is this delinquent message on my bill?
Any account 15 days past due is subject to disconnect. The delinquent message on your bill is notification that you are eligible for disconnect on the next shut off day.
7. I can't pay my entire utility bill by the due date, will you accept partial payment?
8. What are my options for paying my utility bill?
The utility bills are due on the 18th of each month.
10. May I pay my utility bill with a credit card?
Click here to make an online utility payment.
You may also call the office to make a payment over the phone or stop in at:
11. Is there a utility deposit?
Yes. When an application is made by a non-property owner for water service, a deposit of two hundred dollars ($200.00) shall be charged to the non-property owner (occupant) of the structure for which application for water service is requested.
12. When is my utility deposit returned?
The deposit of two hundred dollars ($200.00) shall be applied to the final water bill with any balance refunded, or a bill for any balance due to the City shall be rendered to either the non-property owner or property owner as provided by the County Auditor property tax records database.
13. How can I sign up for paperless billing?
Click here to sign up for paperless utility bills.
14. My utility bill is high. What does this mean?
Your utility bill is based on your consumption and meter size. If your bill is higher than past bills, check your consumption history in the Citzen Self Service section of the web site. If you are not already signed up you can sign up here.. The consumption listed here corresponds to the reading dates. If your consumption increases, your water bill will be higher. Since sewer charges are based on water consumption, sewer charges increase along with water charges.
Additionally, many customers have seasonal water usage patterns, and use more water during summer months than in winter months. This can be due to swimming pools, watering gardens, and also irrigating lawns. There is usually no problem with this type of consumption fluctuation.
If your usage increases, and you do not know of a reason, this may be indicating a leak in your house or on your line. Keep in mind that having extra house guests or a toddler that becomes toilet trained may increase your usage.
15. Can I request an adjustment online?
Click here to request an adjustment in the form center.
Click here to sign up for new service.
There are two main reasons. First, additional revenue is needed for storm water operations. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is requiring Monroe, and over 400 other municipalities (i.e. counties, cities, townships, colleges, prisons, Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)) in Ohio, to improve storm water operations to prevent pollution and improve storm water quality as part of the "National Pollution Discharge Elimination System." Second, dedicated revenue is needed to maintain and improve the storm sewer system.
3. What is the concern about storm water quality?
A major storm water quality concern is "non-point source pollution". As the name implies, non-point source pollution comes from numerous locations and is carried through runoff. The types of pollutants include toxins, metals, oils, nutrients, and fecal coliform bacteria from septic systems, leaking sanitary sewers, farm animals, and pets. These directly impact water quality and now represent a large percentage of the pollution picture. Street sweeping, elimination of septic flows and leaking sanitary sewers, and increased cleaning of storm drains can control these pollutants.
Eventually, the service charge will be based on the amount of impervious area within a property. Impervious area is the best indicator of how much you use the storm water system. Single-family homes provide the basis for the rate. We are currently in the process of determining the average amount of impervious area for a single-family residence, which will form the basis for our storm water utility rate structure. For now, we are charging a single rate for residential properties and another for commercial, institutional, and industrial properties, regardless of property size, to provide income for our storm water program until an impervious area-based rate structure can be developed.
The rate has been set at $3 per month for residential properties and $5 for commercial, institutional, and industrial parcels.
When property is improved through buildings, pavement, or trafficked gravel, water is prevented or retarded from getting into the soil. These areas are termed impervious surfaces because they restrict natural infiltration and increase runoff from the property.
Impervious area on non-residential properties was measured from recent aerial photos with the actual measurement done via computer imaging. This produces a high degree of accuracy.
All developed property within the City will pay the storm water service fee. That includes houses, schools, public facilities, churches and businesses. The only exceptions are public streets, which are designed to collect and carry storm water runoff.
10. Is there a review process for the assessed service charge?
Once the impervious area-based rate structure is in place, there will be a review process. It will include a review of the accuracy of the City's impervious surface measurements and the calculation of the service fee.
11. How much money will this service fee raise for the Storm Water Utility?
Currently approximately $140,000 annually. This program will fund capital improvements, operations, maintenance, development review, administrative services, field inspection and regulatory compliance.
12. Why are churches and schools being billed?
The service charge, just like water and sewer fees, is based upon the cost of services provided. Because this is not a tax, it is collected from all customers who receive service. Churches and schools contribute a significant amount of runoff to the City because of their size and amount of hard surface. They will be treated like all other customers under the rate structure.
13. Can I deduct the storm water fee on my taxes?
For commercial property owners, the IRS, depending on your specific tax situation may consider the charge a cost of doing business. Residential property owners will likely not be able to deduct the storm water fee on their taxes.
The storm water fee will appear on your monthly utility bill. The storm water portion of the fees collected will be remitted back to the City from the water utility.
The City is investigating a fee credit program. Property owners who reduce the amount of runoff leaving their property may have their fee reduced by a percentage that will be determined as part of the impervious area-based fee rate structure investigations.
16. I have installed detention basins on my property. Shouldn't this be reflected in a reduced fee?
The City anticipates that there will be credits available for reducing the volume of runoff once the impervious area-based rate structure is implemented.
17. How can you impose this fee without a vote?
This is not a tax but a user fee. A public vote is not required to impose a user fee. The City Council has reviewed a number of options for funding storm water management. Ordinance 2003-25 was presented in two reading for approval to Council and went into effect September 25, 2003.
18. What happens if I don't pay?
Most of our water utility customers have an excellent payment history and have been able to remain current with their bills. Unpaid bills will be referred to collections.
Some of the other important components of this program include:
Construction of long overdue capital storm water facilities
Increased maintenance of the City's storm water system
Inspection and enforcement of storm water regulations and standards
20. Isn't there already a fund for storm water?
No. Ditch cleaning, street sweeping, culvert repair, and storm drain cleanout are currently covered by the City’s Street Department budget.
Property taxes are based upon the assessed valuation of land and their improvements. These values have little relationship to an individual property's use of the storm drainage system. A service fee, applied to all parcels, is a more equitable method of funding the program. Many tax-exempt properties, such as schools, churches and government agencies are large contributors to the storm water runoff problem. They will pay their share of the utility fee.
No. Every developer is required to provide the drainage improvements necessary to handle the runoff generated by that development. Developers must also pay an impact fee or construct an equivalent portion of the City's storm drain system to relieve the impact of the new development on the overall system. All impervious area created by these new developments will be included within the storm water utility and will pay the service fee just as everyone else in the City.
23. I am a renter; do I pay the fee or does my landlord?
Under most conditions, the bill will go to whoever pays the water bill for the property.
24. The City required me to build all these extra parking spaces. Why should I have to pay a service charge for them now?
Parking spaces are based on standard estimates of traffic and need, and are necessary requirements of doing business.
25. My business is not connected to the City's drainage system. Why should I have to pay?
Your property may not be physically connected to the drainage system in the same manner as water or sewer but you are still provided service. How? The City's storm water program improves and maintains those upstream storm water facilities that protect your property. They establish design criteria, and regulate development that helps control off site storm water problems. This program is taking steps to reduce storm water pollutants that degrade our culinary water quality and the environment of the City. Every property owner in Monroe is served by these activities.
26. Has this program been used anywhere else?
Yes. There are many storm water utilities in large and small communities throughout the nation, with many more in the planning stages. Locally, the following localities have implemented or will soon implement fees for storm water management:
27. How can I be sure this fee won't pay for other City projects?
Under law, storm water fees may not exceed the cost of providing storm water improvements and services. Your fees will go into an "enterprise" or special fund that will be used only for the storm water program. Professional auditors, to ensure compliance, will audit this fund annually.
28. I have a storm drainage problem, what shall I do?
Give us a call at 513-539-7374 or email us and we will be happy to see what can be done.
1. What is the street light utility assessment?
At its July 26, 2016 meeting, City Council approved a new street light utility charge to be billed on the customer’s monthly utility bill and eliminated the property tax assessment program for those same costs. The street light utility was put into place for residential and business properties to recover the cost of street lights. Annually, the City has levied those costs to each real estate parcel based on the frontage of an individual property. The street light utility was previously assessed on the property taxes and, after the meeting in 2016, was moved from the property tax bills to the monthly utility bills.
2. Why is the City utilizing a street light assessment?
The street light assessment is based on the overall equal benefit of public safety and security that is provided to the residents and businesses.
3. Who is being assessed for the street lights?
All parcels and utility accounts are charged the street light utility assessment.
4. How is the street light assessment calculated?
In order to determine the monthly street light utility charge, the total street light costs for the prior calendar year is divided by the number of utility accounts billed by the City. Unless otherwise billed by individual units, multiple unit dwellings will be competed and billed by the aggregation of each of the single-family equivalents. For example, a four-unit apartment building which is billed a single billing for the entire dwelling would be billed at the sum of four separate units. Therefore, the monthly bill would be $7.72 (4 x $1.93 a month/unit).r separate units. Therefore, the monthly bill would be $7.72 (4 x $1.93 a month/unit).
5. How long will the street light assessment last?
This is an ongoing charge that will be adjusted every subsequent year based on the prior calendar year cost to the City as charged by Duke Energy.
6. How am I charged for the street light assessment?
The customer is charged each month on the utility bill.
7. How does the street light assessment benefit me?
The assessment provides a standardized public street lighting system citywide that will promote safety and security in our neighborhoods, business districts, and across the roadways.
1. What is the summer sewer credit?
The summer sewer credit program is authorized by Butler County Department of Environmental Services to give homeowners a break on their sewer bill during the summer months for filling up pools or watering for new sod, existing grass, trees, flowers, etc. This credit will automatically calculate on the bills during the months of July – November (which is for June – October usage).
2. How is the summer sewer credit calculated?
The City of Monroe will take your highest winter usage from bills during the months of December – April (which is for November – March usage), and your Summer sewer usage will not exceed this amount billed during the Winter months. If there is no history to calculate, you will not be billed for any sewer usage billed over 6000 gallons.
3. What if I fill my pool or water my lawn prior to the summer sewer credit period?
If you fill your pool or start watering prior to the summer sewer credit period, please record the beginning & ending readings (of filling your pool). You will then submit this information utilizing the Request for Bill Adjustment form in the form center or by emailing the information to the Utility Billing department. This information should include your name, address, account #, a reason for the high usage, beginning & ending readings, and a calculation of how much water you used. With this information, the City of Monroe can adjust your sewer usage. If you do not have the readings or cannot estimate how much water you used, the City will estimate based on your last 6 months usage. Please note that an adjustment cannot be made if you are not on City Sewer.
1. When is my trash day?
Access the list of trash pick up days here.
2. When is the large item pick up?
Twice a year, as determined by City Council, Rumpke will pick up large items (items that normally would not be picked up on regular trash pick-ups). They are always on a Saturday, and usually in the spring and fall.
3. How can I rent a large trash container on wheels?
If you would like to rent the large trash toter on wheels, please contact Rumpke directly at 513-742-2900. Rumpke charges $2.50 per month per toter and will directly send you a quarterly bill for this rental. Please note that this is not a mandatory rental and you can use your own trash containers or bags.
4. How can I get a recycling container?
Rumpke provides the recycling containers free of charge in two different sizes. The sizes offered include a small bin with no lid and a large wheeled toter with a lid. Please contact Rumpke directly to let them know what size recycling container you would like.
5. What if my trash was missed?
If your trash was missed, please complete the trash and recycling complaint form. This completed form is logged for our records and routed directly to Rumpke to coordinate a pick up. If they are still in the area, they will pick up the missed trash or recycling the same day. If they have left the area, usually they will pick up the missed trash within the next 24 hours with the exception of weekends and/or holidays.
6. What is Rumpke's phone number?
1. How much is my water bill?
It can vary, please call the City at 513-539-7374.
2. When is the next water meter reading?
Meter reading dates for the subsequent month are listed on your current month's utility bill.
3. Can you read my water meter before I move?
The Utility Billing & Collections specialist will access the meter reading software and record the usage as of your move out date. If unable to access the meter read, a work order will be generated for public works to obtain the reading.
4. I am a landlord and want my tenants water turned off to evict them. Can you turn off the water?
No. This is a landlord-tenant dispute that must be settled through civil court. Please refer to the city ordinances for additional information reference tenants rights to obtain water service.
5. A plumber told me to have my water turned off. Can you send someone out now? Is there a charge?
There is a trip charge of $35 each direction during the Water Department working hours. The City does not take requests to shut the water off outside of the Water Department's working hours of 7 am to 3 pm. If you have an emergency please contact dispatch at 513-539-9234.
6. What do I need to do when filling my pool?
Record the start time, start meter reading, stop time, stop meter reading, total gallons used and submit the information to the Utility Billing department. This information can also be submitted on the Request for Bill Adjustment form located in the Form Center.
7. What do I do when I have water running in my basement by the meter?
If the water is coming from the meter, the Water Department will come out and replace it at no additional charge to the resident (this is included in the Water Meter Replacement fee). If the water is leaking from the pipes on either side of the meter, it is the responsibility of the property owner and you will need to contact a plumber. The City cannot recommend a plumber.
8. How can I lower my water bill and save water at home?
9. I have a high water bill. Can I get an adjustment?
If you had a leak, and the water didn't enter the sanitary sewer, then we can make an adjustment to the sanitary sewer portion of the bill only.
Examples of this situation would be a broken pipe under the slab or a leak in a basement with a dirt floor. Proof of repair must be provided for a credit to be issued. A request for adjustment can be submitted on the Request for Bill Adjustment form located in the Form Center.
10. I have a water leak in my yard. Who will repair it?
The City will only repair from the water main to the property line. After the service crosses the property line, maintenance becomes the responsibility of the property owner.
11. How do I know if my toilet is leaking?
Sometimes you can hear the toilet running. There are also leaks that are considered silent toilet leaks. Here are two visual tests that you can do to help you check your toilet for a leak.
1. Dye Test – Flush the toilet and wait 5 minutes for it to refill. Put a few drops of food coloring in the back of the toilet tank. Wait about an hour and do not flush. If the food coloring is now in the bowl of the toilet you will need to check, and in most cases, replace the plunger and seam in the toilet tank.
2. Stand tube test – Flush the toilet and wait 5 minutes for it to refill. Remove the back of the toilet tank cover. Sprinkle some powder on the top of the water. If the water level is too high, you will see the powder on top of the water drain down into the stand tube. This is a silent type leak in your toilet. You will need to adjust the water level to ½ inch below the stand tube.
12. What kind of leaks will affect my bill?
All leaks will affect your bill.
A faucet with a slow drip can waste almost 3 gallons of water a day.
Toilet leaks are the hardest to visualize as the water is lost directly to the sewer and can increase your bill substantially.
Refer to High Water Usage Checks for ways to troubleshoot high water usage.
13. Is my water meter read every month?
Your water meter is scheduled to be read for each billing cycle. If for some reason the meter cannot be read your bill will be estimated based on previous usage history.
14. How do I start / stop utility services?
To start water and sewer service at an existing property, you will need to complete an application for water service. This form can be located in our form center or you can access a pdf version here. If you are renting, lease-purchasing, or buying on land contract, we will need additional approval from the landowner, a copy of the lease agreement, and a deposit will be required.
To stop service, please complete the Move Out Form located in our form center. You may also call the City at 513-539-7374.