Marlboro trustees begin process for road levy renewal

The first step in placing a renewal of the existing road levy on the Nov. 3, 2026, general election ballot is to pass a “Resolution of Necessity” asking the Stark County auditor to prepare a “Certificate of Estimated Property Tax Revenue” and requesting certification of the total current tax valuation of Marlboro Township as a subdivision and the revenue that would be generated by a levy of 2.0 mills.

The trustees approved a motion to adopt a resolution requesting that action by the Stark County auditor. The money from the road levy is for the general construction, reconstruction, resurfacing and repair of streets, roads and bridges in Marlboro Township.

Road Superintendent A.J. Battershell recommended accepting the following 2026 road materials bids: East Fairfield Stone Company, Tuscoat, Carroll Asphalt & Sales, Shelly Materials and Melway Paving Company. The trustees approved a motion to accept the bids. Battershell said he has been working on the paving bid packet and would like to place the advertisement soon to give bidders about a month to meet the submission deadline.

Fiscal Officer Tracy Ferrett reported she filed the final American Rescue Plan Act report by the end of April as required and is waiting on instructions to close it out.

The township received a notice of subdivision review from the Stark County Regional Planning Commission stating plans and requests for variances or renewals had been filed regarding Christadelphians Church and Pegasus Farm’s riding arena.

The township also received an email from the Ohio Townships Association Risk Management Authority stating the township is scheduled to be appraised in 2026.

Ferrett opened discussion about proceeds from a trailer sale. Trustees approved forwarding $500, or 50% of the $1,000 proceeds, to the Marlboro Township Fire Department, with the balance going into the township general fund.

Police Chief Ron Devies said the fire department is scheduled for a return visit following a recent fire inspection. Trustees also discussed batteries in exit signs at Township Hall.

Battershell said the road department received an equipment agreement from McIntosh Oil Company for a larger fuel tank. He noted the tank is double-walled and meets distance requirements from the building. The road department has also been doing ditching work on Etter Road and Graening Street ahead of the summer chip-and-seal program and completed projects at Osborne Avenue and Lynnett Street and a ditch elimination on Byers Avenue.

Zoning Inspector Marty Joseph reported that a resident on Pontius Street wants to split 10 acres into two parcels, but planning officials indicated a three-parcel split would be needed because of depth-to-width ratio requirements.

Trustee John Battershell discussed complaints regarding a mailbox on Miller Avenue that extends into the road right of way. Trustee Wayne Schillig offered to speak with the resident about moving the mailbox.

Trustee Ken Eddleman reported concerns from a resident about a ditch cleaned out by the county near Marlboro Avenue and Beeson Street, saying the ditch may now pose a hazard and create standing water concerns.

The township also received information from AssuredPartners regarding insurance options and was informed that Aspen Energy had been purchased by Priority Power Management, though aggregation adviser Jay Sell will continue working with the township.

Trustees approved payment of bills totaling $69,563.25. The next regular meeting will be rescheduled because it falls on Memorial Day.