Marlboro Township discusses road levy, fire calls and paving bids

At the May 11 Marlboro Township Trustees meeting, Fiscal Officer Tracy Ferrett reported the township received an email from Alex Lohman, an appraiser with Hospital Corporation of America Asset Management, the firm contracted to perform property insurance appraisals for the Ohio Township Association Risk Management Authority. The appraisal was conducted May 18. Because interior access was needed, Ferrett and Trustee Wayne Schillig were available to assist with the tour and answer questions.

Road Superintendent A.J. Battershell reported that paving bid advertisements had been posted. Bids are due June 22 at 3 p.m. and will be opened during the trustees meeting that evening.

The first step in placing a renewal of the existing road levy on the Nov. 3 general election ballot was a resolution of necessity submitted to the Stark County Auditor’s Office. In response, the township received a Certificate of Estimated Property Tax Revenue for the road levy. The property tax revenue produced by 2.0 mills was calculated at $223,673. The next step will be a resolution to proceed placing the levy on the ballot, with a deadline in early August. The 2.0-mill renewal levy is used primarily to fund the summer road program.

Assistant Fire Chief Hal Lehman of the Marlboro Township Fire Department reported the department responded to 72 calls in March and 34 calls in April, including EMS transports, motor vehicle accidents, fires and mutual aid calls. Through April, the department had responded to 203 calls in 2026 compared to 181 during the same period in 2025.

Lehman and the Firefighters Association thanked the community for its support of the annual pancake breakfast. The department also held its annual “Lunch on the Square” on Memorial Day.

Lehman said the department is conducting fire inspections of businesses and churches throughout the township to educate both business owners and fire personnel about potential hazards and building operations.

The Road Department recently installed veterans banners and flags around the square. Battershell thanked the police department for assisting with traffic control. Four new banners were added this year.

Battershell also said road department equipment has been prepared for mowing season and noted representatives from other municipalities have visited to view Marlboro’s MowerMax boom mower. He also will attend a Community University Education meeting regarding road salt for the 2026-27 season.

Trustee Schillig read a letter from FirstEnergy Ohio President Torrence Hinton regarding the company’s proposed three-year electric distribution rate plan filed with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio for July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2030.

According to the letter, the plan supports investment in the electric grid through storm protection improvements, vegetation management and upgrades to poles, wires and equipment. The proposal also includes bill payment assistance programs for low-income customers and incentives to help residential customers reduce electricity usage.

The trustees approved payment of bills totaling $507,862.45, including the first payment under the fire contract in the amount of $469,331.50.

The next regular meeting of the Marlboro Township Board of Trustees is scheduled for Monday, June 8, at 7 p.m. at the Marlboro Township Hall.