City of St. Bernard, Ohio

Welcome to the City of St. Bernard, Ohio

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St. Bernard at a Glance

Bisected by the interstate and bounded by Cincinnati and Elmwood Place, the quiet oasis of St. Bernard offers the flavor,
friendliness and feel of small town balanced by the convenience, amenities and sophistication of a more urban area.

The City of St. Bernard shares a rich heritage, progressive government, reasonable property and earnings taxes and
unique services. Responsible businesses and local-shopping convenience combined with award-winning schools and
caring churches welcome those looking to relocate to a small city. It's an eclectic mix of housing, top notch
recreational facilities and some of the most-congenial people you'll ever meet. No wonder so many St. Bernard
natives stay to raise their families.

St. Bernard-The Heart of it all

Early turnpikes evolved into today's transportation arteries such as Interstate 75 and the Norwood Lateral,
keeping St. Bernard accessible. Downtown Cincinnati, mega malls, upscale restaurants, universities and
hospitals are within a 15-minute drive. Locals can still trace the former route of the Miami & Erie Canal,
replaced by railroads that continue to operate.

Even so, it's a pedestrian town, perpetuated by the compact, one-mile square residential and business district.
Everyone walks to summer concerts at Vine Street Park and the numerous athletic events. Many regularly stroll
the streets for exercise and the chance to visit neighbors along the way.

Safety First

Our city is focused on the safety of its residents and employees. The backbone of our efforts is St. Bernard's fully accredited police department and one of the area's oldest full-time, paid fire departments. Crime prevention and safety ideology reaches all ages: from a simple pre-school story read by one of our officers or firefighters, to conflict resolution in local high schools. The strength of our Neighborhood Watch aids safety personnel in their crime prevention efforts. Personalized attention, community oriented police and firemen, frequent squad-car coverage throughout the city, open communication, and highly trained paramedics help the St. Bernard force maintain a friendly, useful presence.

Work Hard-Play Harder

City services cater to all age groups. Seven parks include state-of-the-art toddler lots, three athletic fields and an Olympic-sized pool complex. A city swim team, tee-ball, softball, kickball, soccer and summer-crafts programs keep children busy year round. Residents over 18 use the municipal building's nautilus room with a pass. Card clubs, a senor citizens club and water aerobics entertain residents as well.

For The People, By the People

A successful community is merely a reflection of its government and the faces at St. Bernard's City Hall mirror the friendliness, concern and community pride of residents. An elected mayor, council, law director, treasurer and auditor govern the town of over 5,000 residents. There are two active non-partisan political parties, and local election turnout is always high. Because raw land is scarce, the city has developed under-used areas. The former Our Lady of Angels High School property became one of the city's newest housing developments. Officials keep a close eye on industrial residential and commercial development with a plan review that encourages urban renewal, new business, overall growth and maintenance of the entire community. City hall is a two-building complex located in the heart of town. City offices and council chambers are in the main building; the municipal building includes meeting rooms.

Midwest American Dream-St. Bernard

St. Bernard's high-service low-tax appeal would be nothing without business and industry - a fact most residents, but few outsiders, realize. Procter & Gamble is St. Bernard's most-visible contributor at Ivorydale, the first "modern" plant, that continues today. The vine-clad stone building symbolizes P&G's commitment to improving working conditions from shortened workweeks to the first profit-sharing, pension and benefit plans. Technical offices and other product divisions sustain a prominent local presence. As a loyal city ally, communication is vital and forthcoming during transitions, setting a precedent for all local industries. Ivorydale's 1885 cornerstone amplifies the philosophy of William Procter and James Gamble and captures the spirit of its home - St. Bernard - as well as, "industry, enterprise and integrity."

Cognis Corporation, now a forturn-500 manufacturer, humbly began as Emery Candle Company...proof that companies prosper in St. Bernard. They share a vision of community outreach with other major players such as Cincinnati Specialties and Cincinnati Vulcan. Other city and business partners include banks, paper and oil distributors, cement products, bakery and food manufacturing, recyclers, welding, child care centers, travel and employment agencies.

By contrast, smaller businesses and well-known landmarks such as half-century-old Dairy Queen, Keiner's Cafe, Meiners Cafe and Chili Time restaurant are local gathering places for all ages. The city supports all of these endeavors and, with the help of the St. Bernard Chamber of Commerce, welcomes and promotes new business.

Community service is the norm here, performed by private and public sectors, business, industry and residents. Service groups such as Kiwanis, the St. Bernard Woman's Club, Eagles, church organizations and school PTAs support scholarships and aid those less fortunate.

Pride in Education

St. Bernard parents have an excellent choice of schools for such a small geographic area; the public district or parochial schools. The St. Bernard Public Schools boast small classes, above average test scores, plentiful scholarships, dedicated teaching staff and cutting-edge technology. In the district, there are two elementary schools, and a combined junior and senior high campus in the center of town. Residents support levies in return for high educational standards. St. Bernard Schools have been recognized by the U.S. Department of Education's and are recipients of their prestigious Award of Excellence. St. Clement Parochial School offers elementary and junior-high schools. The affiliated Roger Bacon High School, which excels in academics and athletics, commands an enviable spot in St. Bernard. Its renowned marching band performs at city functions, national competitions and has toured Russia.