Trustees approve supplemental appropriations, hear road and township updates

Fiscal Officer Tracy Ferrett recommended action on supplemental receipts and appropriations in Fire District Fund 10, General Property Tax, totaling $95,000 for amounts received over the original budget, along with supplemental appropriations in Account 10, Contracts, for $95,000 to forward those amounts to the Fire Department. The trustees approved a motion for the supplemental receipts and appropriations.

Ferrett also recommended the annual resolution to carry forward the ending cash fund balance total of $1,755,016.52, as well as all other business, to 2026. The trustees approved the resolution.

In addition, Ferrett recommended a resolution stating that ARPA funds used in 2025, totaling $94,645.57, were used in accordance with the May 2, 2022, resolution adopting the standard allowance. The trustees approved that resolution as well.

Road Superintendent A.J. Battershell reported that over the past two weeks, the department had been plowing and performing ice control. The Road Department has received 100 tons of the 120 tons of salt contracted and is permitted to take up to 20% more than contracted, or an additional 44 tons.

Trustee John Battershell discussed hiring a seasonal worker for snow removal for the Road Department and recommended Jim Ringer to cover the period Nov. 1-April 30. The trustees approved the recommendation by formal motion. It was clarified the position is seasonal, as needed, and includes Ohio Public Employees Retirement System benefits only.

The Road Department also cleared dead trees on German Church Road. Residents who picked up litter on German Church Road and Industry Road requested no-littering signs be placed there. Trustees asked A.J. Battershell to get pricing for signs but noted they do not always help. The department also installed a Hidden Drive sign on Allen Drive and completed ditch elimination in the Pontius-Millrich Allotment. A.J. Battershell said only one inquiry has been received so far about the boom mower for sale. Ferrett will follow up on whether the advertisement appeared in The Hartville News after attempting to place it online.

Trustees requested an update on questions from the previous meeting regarding the McIntosh Oil account. The regular driver has returned, so billing receipts should return to normal. McIntosh owns the tanks, and based on usage, the police department’s 500-gallon tank should be sufficient, though a larger tank was recommended for the Road Department. A.J. Battershell reported the Road Department used nearly 200 gallons of fuel in one week during the recent snow event.

Trustee Ken Eddleman reported that at the most recent Stark County Township Association meeting, Todd Hawke, a Jackson Township trustee, was elected president. Eddleman also said the sheriff plans to visit every township in the future. At the most recent Stark Council of Governments meeting, officials discussed using the Canton American Electric Power building as a potential new site for the crime lab rather than renovating space at the Canton Water Reclamation Facility. The AEP building could also be used for storage. Trustee Wayne Schillig reported that at a recent Stark County Regional Planning Commission luncheon, it was announced the commission plans to move to the Stark County Government Office Building within a year.

Officer Chris Sheese attended the meeting on behalf of the police department and reported that new officer Chris Hays is doing well.

Trustees approved payment of bills totaling $57,465.39.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Marlboro Township Hall.