Marlboro trustees certify lighting rates after police levy passes 2-1

Issue 20, the Marlboro police levy, passed by a two-to-one margin in the Nov. 4 general election.

The Police Department released the following statement:

“THANK YOU!!!!! To all of our residents who came out to support us on Election Day and passed our levy at over a 2-1 ratio. Today we feel reassured and committed to our tasks of making Marlboro Township the safest place on earth. We will continue providing services not found in other locations in the form of providing vehicle lockouts, vacation watches and being there for whatever your needs may be.

This is a fantastic place to live and being a part of your police department is such a pleasure. Our people come to work each day eager to serve you, and that is because the residents of this community are so supportive of the job our folks do. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!”

Fiscal Officer Tracy Ferrett reported hearing from Matt DiRuzza of Sirak Financial that AultCare is willing to reduce the 2026 medical premium renewal from 12.64% to 9%. The company will send an updated renewal letter if trustees accept it. Based on current enrollment, the township pays $8,895.05 per month for 2025 coverage. With the 9% increase, the 2026 cost would be $9,656.75 per month, an increase of about $750 monthly.

Trustees also approved a motion for Marlboro Township to reimburse supplemental insurance premiums for full-time employees’ spouses if that spouse is retired or not employed full-time, effective Jan. 1, 2026.

All special assessments must be certified to the Stark County Auditor’s Office to appear on the next year’s tax collection. The township has two street lighting districts, Marlboro and New Baltimore. Ferrett said she did not recommend a rate increase, since switching to LED lights should result in savings, though supplier rates will increase beginning in December 2025. She noted there are still six MV/SV lights on the Marlboro district bill and 22 LEDs, and she is checking that. Trustees approved certifying the 2025 tax year special assessment for collection in 2026: Marlboro District – $29.90 annually for 102 parcels; New Baltimore District – $51 annually for 63 parcels.

Police Chief Ron Devies reported that in September there were 12 traffic citations and five criminal arrests, including charges of drug abuse, possession of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, felony theft and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. Traffic enforcement remains a focus after an officer recently stopped a driver going 91 mph in a 45 mph zone on State Route 44 in New Baltimore.

The department also joined the Stark County Sheriff’s Office for the annual Operation Safe Bus with Marlington Local Schools. Four police cruisers trailed buses in Marlboro Township, with no offenses reported. In late October, officers participated in an active shooter drill at Waterloo High School with Marlboro Fire Department, other area departments and the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Zoning Inspector Marty Joseph reported five permits issued in October, including two new homes, an attached garage, a historical sign and an accessory building. Joseph also attended zoning inspector training sponsored by the Stark County Regional Planning Commission in Plain Township. The township received notice from the commission that the next Subdivision Review Committee meeting is Nov. 3, followed by the SCRPC meeting on Nov. 4, to review the Verizon Wireless–Marlboro/Pontius Site Plan.

Ferrett updated township Chase Business Visa cards to remove the former road superintendent and add the new one. Trustees approved the amended authorized user list for the township credit card policy, originally adopted in 2019, removing Richard Bergert and adding Andrew Battershell, effective Oct. 20, 2025.

The Stark County Veterans Service Commission Christmas Wish Tree tags have arrived, and flyers will be distributed to local businesses and organizations.

Trustee John Battershell reported an issue on Albert-Horning Road north of Pontius Street, where vegetation loss from herbicide use has caused a ditch to erode. The 180-foot section will require up to $1,500 in pipe, to be funded from the Motor Vehicle License Fund. Battershell warned residents not to spray between the road edge and ditch berms to prevent erosion.

Trustees approved payment of bills totaling $342,925.40. Trustees John Battershell and Ken Eddleman ran unopposed in the Nov. 4 general election and will each serve another term.

The Marlboro Fire Department reported 45 calls in September, bringing the 2025 total to 456, up from 396 at this time last year. Calls included 17 EMS transports, 19 EMS refusals, seven fires (five mutual aid), four open burn complaints, three motor vehicle accidents, two cancellations en route, one carbon monoxide alarm, one oil spill, one wire down and one police standby.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, at 7 p.m. at the Marlboro Township Hall.