Hiram Twp. – Trustee Jack Groselle shared the results of the discussions regarding disbursement of the Local Government Funds (LGF) in Portage County. As of negotiations held with representatives from cities, townships, villages, and the county commissions over the past several months, an agreement was reached. The entities determined how the funds, which were originally collected from each County resident, would be distributed to municipalities. Townships, which in previous years have received 14.34% of the funds, will receive 19.018% in 2019. Cities, which in the past have received 37.12% will now receive 34.741%. While villages have received 8.74% in the past, they will now receive 6.441%; however, that amount will be divided among fewer villages, since Brady Lake is no longer part of the distribution. The county will continue to receive 39.8% of the funds; they agreed to decline the proposed 50% distribution recommended by the state’s new formula.
“We’re very happy,” Groselle commented. He noted that in initial discussions, the parties were “far apart” in their proposals of how the funds should be distributed, “but we agreed to split the difference and make a deal.” He noted that the new disbursements would be in effect for five years in lieu of the usual 10-year time period, so that the next iteration of the funding formula would take into account results of the 2020 census. Groselle noted that every municipality within Portage County will need to pass a resolution in September to provide to County Auditor Janet Esposito accepting the terms of the agreement.
At their last meeting, Fiscal Officer Diane Rodhe shared that the 2019 budget, which was approved by trustees at their previous meeting, had been submitted to the State Auditor’s office as required by law. She noted that an audit of the 2017/2018 fiscal year would be conducted as anticipated. Details will be forthcoming.
In other news, Rodhe noted that this year’s bid for road salt was received; the cost is $52.85 per ton for the coming season. She noted that last year’s salt bid was $30.44 per ton. Next, Rodhe reported receiving confirmation that in the event that the NOPEC grant received by the township in 2018 is not utilized, the funds can be transferred to 2019. That grant is earmarked for use on energy efficiency initiatives at the township’s building project on State Route 82. Lastly, trustees determined that township records requests should be made by contacting clerk@hiramtownship.org, in lieu of reaching out to the Fiscal Officer. This revised Public Records Policy has been updated on the township’s website.
In his Fire Report, Assistant Chief Brandon Baynes reported that the department’s monthly response time was just under 6 and a half minutes; they responded to a total of 37 calls for the month. Baynes noted that the department was starting to investigate vehicle replacement options. Meanwhile, regularly scheduled preventative maintenance is underway.
Trustees voted unanimously to re-appoint Kathy Schulda and Don Prall as alternates to the BZA Board for a one year. In addition, trustees unanimously agreed to place the last two years of Zoning Records on the website for access by residents. In other news, trustees approved using Pre-Check, a third-party company, for background checks for future township employees.
In other news, Trustee Debra Blake noted that the County Health Department provided a limited number of environmentally friendly anti-mosquito treatment tablets to local residents. These tablets can be safely used in ponds, birdbaths, or standing water to prevent mosquitos. Interested residents can pick up tablets at September’s trustee meeting on 9/11.
Tom Matota asked the trustees for feedback regarding the supervision of the road department. After a previous trustee meeting, where a resident expressed complaints about his supervision of the Road Department, Road Supervisor Tom Matota requested trustee feedback or concerns on his performance. Trustees Pancost, Groselle, and Blake all agreed that Matota “does a very good job and the township roads are the best in Portage County.” Lastly, Matota reported that the chip and seal work has been completed; In addition, the ‘Zoned Township” road signs have been hung on township roads as requested; ODOT will be hanging the sign on State Route 88 soon.
The next meeting of the Hiram Township Trustees will be held on Tuesday, September 11th at 7 pm at the Township Hall.
