Sharon Trustees examine 2018 budget
Road levy considered for next year’s election
SHARON – At the July 11 meeting of Sharon Township Trustees, Fiscal Officer Christine Lawson presented the estimated budget figures for 2018.
The following figures were presented: $1,046,931.90 was proposed for fire and rescue operations; $391,063.08 was allocated for roads and bridges; and $1,038,335.38 was set aside for the general fund. The latter monies are used for expenses, such as parks and town hall maintenance, salaries, zoning and administrative costs.
Above figures are only estimates and will be re-examined in the future.
Renewal or replacement?
Mary Beth Guenther of the county auditor’s office, per the request of the trustees, explained the options the board can consider in deciding to put a 2-mill, five-year road levy on the ballot next year. It expires Dec. 31, 2018. The current levy brings in $481,000 annually. She said trustees could simply renew this levy at 1.87 mills because it cannot bring in more than the annual amount of $481,000. With the increase in the number of homes during the past five years, each taxpayer is charged fewer dollars. The second option is a renewal with a 0.25-mill increase which would amount to $545,300 a year.
A replacement levy would net $514,000 annually, while a replacement levy with a 0.25-mil increase would bring in $578,000. Trustees made no decision.
Granger joins Sharon in conservancy position
Trustee Kim Miller said she has learned that Granger Township has joined Sharon Township, along with Richfield Village, Richfield Township, Akron and Fairlawn, in voicing their non-support of the formation of the Yellow Creek Watershed Conservancy District. She said each entity has asked the Yellow Creek Foundation to be excluded from the formation of the watershed conservancy district. The other three affected areas are parts of Copley, Bath and Cuyahoga Falls, who have taken no position.
In other news
• Trustees approved the request of Fire Chief Rob Haas to spend $1,350 each for periodic maintenance on the three large fire trucks and $950 each for the two squads. Also, the board approved the purchase of safety cones for $473.
• Bob Turek, township maintenance supervisor, told trustees that road salt is $31.18 a ton, which is $3 a ton cheaper than the past year. He said that with 1,200 tons of salt stockpiled, he won’t have to order more until early 2018.
• At Turek’s suggestion, trustees hired Wells Construction Co. of Sharon to install an 8-inch thick concrete pad in front of the salt shed for $11,959, which was the lowest bid.
• Medina County Auditor Mike Kovack is sponsoring a coloring contest to celebrate the 172nd Medina County Fair, which will take place July 31 through Aug. 6. The contest will include three age groups – 6 and under, 7 to 10 and adult. Prizes of $25, $15 and $10 will be given to the top three winners in each category. For further information and coloring flyers, visit www.medinacountyauditor.org.
• The auditor’s office has started work on the state-mandated six-year reappraisal. Data collectors will be wearing identification badges and their vehicles will be clearly marked as representing the county auditor’s office. If you have any questions or need verification, call the auditor’s office at 330-725- 9753.
The next trustees’ meeting is scheduled for July 25 at 7 p.m. at the township administration building on Sharon Circle.
The following figures were presented: $1,046,931.90 was proposed for fire and rescue operations; $391,063.08 was allocated for roads and bridges; and $1,038,335.38 was set aside for the general fund. The latter monies are used for expenses, such as parks and town hall maintenance, salaries, zoning and administrative costs.
Above figures are only estimates and will be re-examined in the future.
Renewal or replacement?
Mary Beth Guenther of the county auditor’s office, per the request of the trustees, explained the options the board can consider in deciding to put a 2-mill, five-year road levy on the ballot next year. It expires Dec. 31, 2018. The current levy brings in $481,000 annually. She said trustees could simply renew this levy at 1.87 mills because it cannot bring in more than the annual amount of $481,000. With the increase in the number of homes during the past five years, each taxpayer is charged fewer dollars. The second option is a renewal with a 0.25-mill increase which would amount to $545,300 a year.
A replacement levy would net $514,000 annually, while a replacement levy with a 0.25-mil increase would bring in $578,000. Trustees made no decision.
Granger joins Sharon in conservancy position
Trustee Kim Miller said she has learned that Granger Township has joined Sharon Township, along with Richfield Village, Richfield Township, Akron and Fairlawn, in voicing their non-support of the formation of the Yellow Creek Watershed Conservancy District. She said each entity has asked the Yellow Creek Foundation to be excluded from the formation of the watershed conservancy district. The other three affected areas are parts of Copley, Bath and Cuyahoga Falls, who have taken no position.
In other news
• Trustees approved the request of Fire Chief Rob Haas to spend $1,350 each for periodic maintenance on the three large fire trucks and $950 each for the two squads. Also, the board approved the purchase of safety cones for $473.
• Bob Turek, township maintenance supervisor, told trustees that road salt is $31.18 a ton, which is $3 a ton cheaper than the past year. He said that with 1,200 tons of salt stockpiled, he won’t have to order more until early 2018.
• At Turek’s suggestion, trustees hired Wells Construction Co. of Sharon to install an 8-inch thick concrete pad in front of the salt shed for $11,959, which was the lowest bid.
• Medina County Auditor Mike Kovack is sponsoring a coloring contest to celebrate the 172nd Medina County Fair, which will take place July 31 through Aug. 6. The contest will include three age groups – 6 and under, 7 to 10 and adult. Prizes of $25, $15 and $10 will be given to the top three winners in each category. For further information and coloring flyers, visit www.medinacountyauditor.org.
• The auditor’s office has started work on the state-mandated six-year reappraisal. Data collectors will be wearing identification badges and their vehicles will be clearly marked as representing the county auditor’s office. If you have any questions or need verification, call the auditor’s office at 330-725- 9753.
The next trustees’ meeting is scheduled for July 25 at 7 p.m. at the township administration building on Sharon Circle.
