Marlboro trustees renew electric aggregation, approve Byers Avenue culvert project

The Marlboro Township Board of Trustees met Sept. 29 to discuss updates from township departments, including police staffing changes, road improvements and the renewal of the community’s electric aggregation program.

Police Chief Ron Devies reported that Officer Travis Sheese, a member of the Ohio Army National Guard, is facing a 14-month deployment to the Texas border and has requested a leave of absence. Sheese has filed two requests to defer his deployment, and Devies said he is awaiting responses from state officials, including Rep. Scott Oelslager’s office and the governor’s office.

Devies also introduced Robert Leon Dortch, who was hired as a probationary auxiliary patrol officer at the previous meeting. Trustee Ken Eddleman administered the oath of office. Devies added that signs and banners promoting the police levy are being placed around the township, with additional yard signs available at Township Hall.

Jay Sell, aggregation specialist with Aspen Energy, advised trustees to renew the township’s electric aggregation agreement as current rates expire in December 2025. The board approved a new 12-month contract with Dynegy Energy Services East at a rate of $0.0899 per kilowatt hour, slightly lower than Ohio Edison’s current rate of $0.0911. Residents may opt out without penalty. Sell noted that energy prices have risen in part due to demand from artificial intelligence data centers.

Road Superintendent A.J. Battershell reported completion of a ditch elimination project on Osborne Avenue, which included installing 440 feet of pipe and three catch basins. Paving work on Osborne and Immel avenues has also been completed.

Battershell is obtaining quotes for new allotment signs on several township streets, with prices ranging from $164 to $232. He also recommended purchasing new tires for the township’s pickup truck and backhoe, which trustees approved at a total cost of about $2,268 through Lang’s Automotive Service. Lang’s will also inspect the truck’s check engine light and transmission.

The board also approved $10,000 for the replacement of a culvert on Byers Avenue, with plans to limit the road closure to one or two days.

Fiscal Officer Tracy Ferrett said the township’s Premium Saver health plan will renew for 2026 with no rate increase, though the renewal remains contingent on maintaining the same major medical carrier and plan design. Marlboro employees have two options: an AultCare $5,000 deductible plan and a Premium Saver Plan that lowers the deductible to $2,500.

Ferrett also reported that the township is eligible to participate in a new national opioid settlement involving eight pharmaceutical manufacturers. Trustees authorized her to sign and submit participation forms.

Devies announced that, in coordination with Fire Chief John Hagan Jr., township trick-or-treating will be held Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. The date was chosen to avoid conflicts with Friday night activities on Halloween.

Trustees approved payment of bills totaling $70,779.22. The next regular meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 24, at the Marlboro Township Hall.