Permanent appropriations for 2021 were approved by the Springfield Township trustees at the March 15 meeting. Under Ohio law, jurisdictions are required to submit their budget by April 1.
Fiscal Officer Barb Dietze presented the $23.99 million budget and estimated revenues of $25.75 million.
The largest portion is fire and EMS appropriations of $9.7 million and $2.1 million, respectively, for a total of $11.8 million.
Falling behind fire/EMS in the amount appropriated is the general fund, $5.66 million; road and bridge fund, $917,950 gasoline tax fund, $508,409; permissive motor vehicle tax fund, $324,887; motor vehicle license tax fund, $152,084, and cemetery fund, $90,670.
The budget also includes a reserve balance of $1.03 million in the general fund to cover the first 90 days of expenses the following year.
Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Approved the purchase of a dump truck chassis from Valley Freightliners and associated equipment from Kalida Truck Equipment for the public services department at a cost of $149,101.
•Renewed property and casualty insurance through Ohio Risk Management/ Hylant Administrative Services for $58,782. The amount reflects a credit of $7,037, which is based on loss control measures taken by the township, explained Jason Chapman of Hylant.
Mr. Chapman said the cost represents an increase of $820 or 1.3 percent. “For our industry as a whole, that’s a very modest increase.” He noted that industries such as commercial businesses are seeing increases of 60 to 70 percent.
•Announced that Dorr Street between Holland-Sylvania and McCord roads is expected to close for 60 days beginning Monday, April 12, for completion of roundabouts at the new Dorr/I-475 interchange.
•Heard from Andy Hohlbein, public services director, that several dead trees at Garden Creek Road were removed by the department as well as some fir trees at Carmella Park.
Noting that a number of dead trees have been taken down recently, Trustee Andy Glenn asked whether replacements are planned.
Mr. Hohlbein said he could look into new trees at the parks, but recommended against replanting any in subdivision rights-of-way, pointing out the root systems cause problems with curbs, sidewalks and streets.
•Contracted with Aqualawn of Monclova for the 2021 fertilization program at a cost of $17,840. “That is down from more than $18,000 last year,” Mr. Hohlbein noted.
•Heard from Mr. Hampton that he is unsure what funding, if any, the township will receive from the American Rescue Plan Act since the language in the bill left out townships.
•Elected not to request hearing for a liquor permit submitted by Rosie’s restaurant, 606 North McCord Road.
•Heard from Mr. Hohlbein that the first Dumpster Days of 2021 was held earlier in March. “It was slower than we thought it would be,” he said, filling seven, 40-yard dumpsters and one, 30-yard bin.
•Paid bills for March 3 to 16 of $228,795, including $104,250 to Lake Erie Construction Company for final payment of the bridge project; $75,000 to the Lucas County sheriff’s office, the first quarterly payment for contracted services this year, and $17,403 to Compass Minerals America Inc. for rock salt.
They also made electronic payments from February 26 to March 11 of $431,003 which includes the bi-weekly payroll of $262,626 and elected officials pay of $9,808
The next trustees meeting will be at 5 p.m., Monday, April 5, in the township hall, 7617 Angola Road. The meeting is open to the public, and social distancing protocols will be followed. Residents also may view the meeting via a live stream on the website, springfieldtownship.net.
