Ohio House Bills 51 and 126 headlined discussions at the Springfield Township trustees’ February 22 meeting.
Administrator Mike Hampton said Substitute HB 51 passed the House and Senate and is awaiting Governor Mike DeWine’s signature.
“The bill has an electronic meeting allowance,” he said. It permits public meetings by teleconference, video conference, or other electronic technology through June 30, 2022.
Public officials will be able to attend virtually and will be permitted to vote. Because the bill was passed with an emergency clause, it takes effect as soon as the governor signs the bill.
Mr. Hampton also updated the trustees on the status of HB 126.
The Ohio Senate passed its version of the bill which proposed a modification to the procedure when a school district challenges a property tax valuation.
However, instead of modifying the bill, Substitute House Bill 126–as passed by the Senate–prohibits a school district from initiating such a challenge. The Senate amendment still allows a school district to file a counterclaim in the event a property owner initiates an action to reduce a tax valuation. But the bill eliminates the right of a school board to appeal the decision to the board of revision.
The amended version is now in the House for review and vote, Mr. Hampton explained, adding that school board members and administrators should contact their legislators to voice their opinions.
If the bill is signed into law, school districts will need to be vigilant for property owners seeking a reduction in their property values.
Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Received an update on police activity last month from Sergeant Chris Curley of the Lucas County Sheriff’s department. The sergeant said an investigation into the car shooting at Holland-Sylvania and Perrysburg Holland roads is continuing, as is the investigation of a home invasion at the Woodbridge apartment complex on North McCord Road.
“We do have someone in custody in the Woodbridge case,” he said.
The trustees asked about the Spencer Township home fire where a couple was found deceased inside. Fire Chief Barry Cousino said it remains under investigation, but preliminary evidence suggests carbon monoxide poisoning.
•Heard from Trustee Bob Bethel that TARTA officials will provide the township with a “seat at the table” when determining the routes and buses servicing Springfield Township.
“We all agree there is not a need for big buses throughout the township,” he said, noting they will primarily have TARPS and Call-A-Ride.
Mr. Hampton added that they have determined one location for service–Spring Meadows.
•Heard from Andy Hohlbein, director of public services, that in February, the department used 250 tons of rock salt to clear roads following snow storms. With storms starting out as rain, “we couldn’t use brine,” he said.
In a related matter, crews have been busy with pothole and berm repair. Mr. Hohlbein pointed out that with all the freezing and thawing, he expects to see more potholes.
•Paid bills for February 8 to 22 totaling $210,162, which includes the quarterly sheriff’s office payment of $75,000 and the final Ohio Public Works Commission project payment of $62,244 to Gerken Paving Inc. They also approved electronic payments of $367,937, including the bi-weekly payroll of $234,335.
The next trustees meeting is a 5 p.m., Monday, March 7, at the township meeting hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public.
