Permanent appropriations for 2023 were approved by the trustees at the March 6 meeting. Under Ohio law, jurisdictions are required to submit a budget by April 1.
Fiscal Officer Barb Dietze presented the $27.05 million budget with estimated revenues of $30.12 million.
The largest portion is fire and EMS appropriations of $9.1 million and $1.9 million, respectively, for a total of $11.2 million.
Ms. Dietze said the budget was not substantially different from the preliminary one approved in December. “It is just updating some of the figures.”
Falling next in amounts appropriated are the general fund, $7.27 million; road and bridge, $891,340; gasoline tax, $537,038; permissive motor vehicle tax, $279,784; motor vehicle license tax, $114,132 and cemetery, $80,499.
The greatest change in the budget is the addition of the police fund at $2.9 million The budget also includes a reserve balance of $3.29 million in the general fund to cover contingencies. The amount was increased to reflect prices that are higher for emergency items, she explained.
Zoning Report
Jacob Barnes, planning director, presented the zoning report for February.
The department issued 11 permits and collected fees of $1,200.
Issued last month were three permits for fencing, followed by new dwellings and decks, two apiece, and one each for site plan review, sign, zoning compliance letter and new occupant.
So far this month, Mr. Barnes said the department has received a number of zoning requests. “With the overall mild weather and recent warm weather, permitting and requests have really ramped up in the past week.”
He noted the BZA will meet March 27 to consider variances for a rear yard setback, multiple accessory buildings, a roofed patio addition and a front yard setback. They also will review a conditional use request for a proposed truck terminal and outdoor storage at 9590 Airport Highway.
Mr. Barnes concluded his report with a reminder to businesses and residents that permits are required for a number of things including fencing, decks, sheds, pools and addition to a structure.
“It’s much easier and more cost effective to apply for and have a permit approved beforehand than to do the work, get caught and then either have to remove it or request a variance,” he said.
Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Addressed a complaint from Squire Lowe of Dorcas Road regarding water problems around and beneath his home. He acknowledged there has been a lot of rain recently, but said the situation has not improved with his sump pump running constantly.
Administrator Mike Hampton said the problem stems from the storm sewer which is more than 40 years old. “A portion of it is either broken, plugged or deteriorating so water can’t flow through it.”
He added, when the weather improves they plan to abandon that portion of the pipe and change the flow to a new catch basin and ditch. “But we need four to five days of dry weather.”
Mr. Lowe also asked that something be done about debris getting into his yard from a nearby strip mall. He suggested possibly placing a protective fence around the dumpster.
•Heard from Mike Nowowiejski of Old State Line Road. He admitted they are in a more remote section of the township, but requested that they see more frequent patrolling of their area by sheriff’s deputies.
Mr. Nowowiejski noted there has been an uptick in people coming door to door for sales. “I would like to see patrols as a deterrent for these people who may be up to no good,” he added.
•Heard from Mr. Hampton that the microtransit system with TARTA is operating and that the township is continuing to work with them on a fixed route.
•Learned that the administrator and township solicitor drafted a letter to Choice Hotels regarding issues with the Quality Inn. Mr. Hampton said with the letter were copies of police and fire reports noting the problems and a comparison to the adjacent Marriott,which has had no issues.
“We hope to get a response to mitigate the problem without having to go to court to shut down the hotel,” the administrator added.
•Received a schedule for roundabout construction in the township. In 2024 roundabouts are slated to be built at Bancroft and McCord roads; Hill Avenue at Centennial Road, and Garden at Albon roads.
Those are followed by 2025–Hill Avenue at McCord Road, and Frankfort at Crissey roads; 2027–Angola at Crissey roads, and 2028–Bancroft Street at Centennial Road.
•Approved the payment of bills from February 21 to March 6 totaling $57,892. They also approved electronic payments of $323,157 from February 17 to March 2, which includes the biweekly payroll of $280,311, and the elected officials pay of $11,133.
The next trustees meeting will be at 5 p.m., Monday, March 20, at the township meeting hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public.
