AUSTINTOWN Trustees discuss finances, services

Trustees say a number of services will depend upon the levy's passing.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
AUSTINTOWN -- Township trustees talked Monday about finances, an upcoming levy and what services would no longer be available should the levy fail.
Township residents will vote on a 2.5-mill levy for the police department. The $1.4 million per year the levy would generate would be used for departmental costs, including vehicles, communications equipment and salaries.
The levy will cost a homeowner with a house worth $85,000 about $75 a year.
The township is down to 35 police officers from 43.
Trustee Bo Pritchard said general funds now being used by the police department would be available to be used in other areas if the levy passes. He said the fire station on Turner Road, recently closed, would be reopened.
If the levy fails, that fire station will remain closed, Pritchard explained; an additional fire station will be closed, there will be a decrease in the number of part-time firefighters and additional police officers will be laid off.
"That is just the stark reality of where our budget is without the police levy passing," he said.
Questions
Some, however, questioned the validity of some of the budget measures mentioned by trustees.
Lisa Oles, a candidate for trustee in November, asked trustees why the budget had grown in the past three years to more than $10 million and why the township, in its current economic condition, had given $5,000 to the Growth Foundation -- an organization looking to study the township's future.
Trustees said any perceived increase in the budget may reflect additional money the township has sought and received for special projects, such as state Issue 2 money. The $5,000, they said, is not a financial burden and was a 2002 contractually agreed-upon donation from the township to the organization.
"You are arguing about nickels and dimes when we need hundreds of thousands of dollars to make this community safe," said Pritchard.
Oles and other township residents questioned trustees on the need to close the Turner Road station. They contend that enough money is available to maintain the station. Because the utilities are still being used, some said the cost of keeping it open would be minimal
Trustee Richard Edwards reminded residents that the fire department is $300,000 over budget and that the fire chief recommended that station for closing. Trustee David Ditzler said savings on the closed station is substantial. Trustees said reopening the station cannot be considered until after November.
"We are not looking at opening stations until we see in November where this community stands financially," Pritchard said.
jgoodwin@vindy.com