With bills to pay and a new year just around the corner, the Springfield Township trustees passed a temporary budget for 2023.
At the December 19 meeting, the trustees approved a budget of $23.51 million. This allows the township to pay bills and expenses for the first quarter of 2023, explained Barb Dietze, fiscal officer. She pointed out that permanent appropriations will need to be approved by March 31.
When asked by Trustee Bob Bethel if there were any significant changes, Ms. Dietze replied that the most significant change is due to the addition of a police force.
She also noted that revenues are up a bit due to the Lucas County property re-evaluations.
The general fund budget is $7.3 million and encompasses administration, halls, zoning, parks and capital and other transfers.
Appropriations for the public services department total $1.36 million, and fire and EMS, $9.44 million.
In a related matter, the trustees approved an electronic payment list for 2023.
Wage Increases
Several employees will begin 2023 on a higher note. Following an executive session, the trustees approved a 4 percent wage increase for all 11 non-bargaining employees with the exception of Fire Chief Barry Cousino who was awarded a 6 percent increase.
The board also hired Andrew Feher for the public services department as an entry level mechanic. His starting salary will be $25 per hour.
Holiday Patrols
Lieutenant John Leach, of the Lucas County sheriff’s office, updated the trustees on the extra holiday patrols being implemented through December in the joint economic development zone, which runs along Airport Highway from Holland Sylvania to Holloway roads.
From November 23 to December 8, there were 35 incidents, he said. Deputies filed 20 reports, arrested seven people and issued five citations.
The majority of the incidents, eight, involved shoplifting, followed by traffic stops, six; check property, assist a citizen and abandoned vehicles, two each, and one apiece for suspicious person, check safety, alarm, hit and run, property damage, injury accident, motorist assist, fight, menacing, disorder, theft, disabled vehicle, subject stop, animal problem and trespass.
The lieutenant said in addition to driving through the area, deputies also brought out a command vehicle to deter crime at Spring Meadows and did some foot patrols.
“We got a lot of positive feedback,” he said of shoppers, adding that the extra coverage has helped to deter crime. “We are seeing it in the numbers. The township’s investment is showing results.”
Mr. Bethel commended the department, especially for conducting foot patrols, “That’s huge,” he said.
Trustee Andy Glenn agreed, noting he would not be surprised to see other jurisdictions doing something similar.
Other Business
In other business, the trustees:
•Opted not to request a hearing for a liquor license application submitted by Pure Golf LLC, 7141 Spring Meadows West Drive.
•Paid bills from December 6 to 19 of $16,229. They also approved electronic payments from December 2 to 15 of $390,161, including the biweekly payroll of $276,818.
•Learned that the 2022 leaf collection is complete. The public services department collected 4,084 tons of leaves, up from last year’s collection of 3,328 tons.
•Appointed Rachel Geiger a two-year term on the joint economic development zone board. She replaces Rick Helminski who is stepping down. They also reappointed Michael Kott to the joint economic development district board for a four-year term.
•Learned that a roundabout is scheduled to be built at Albon and Garden roads in 2025.
•Discussed issues they continue to have with Quality Inn and its owner. Administrator Mike Hampton said they have paid the taxes due to the township, but are continuing to commit violations to zoning requirements and have been issued citations.
The next trustees meeting is at 5 p.m., Tuesday, January 3, at the township meeting hall, 7617 Angola Road, and is open to the public. Access to the administration building is from Albon Road to eastbound Angola. The meeting also can be viewed via livestream at springfieldtownship.net.
