Township trustees OK $1.93 million for budget

The police department is scheduled to get two new vehicles this year.
By MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW SPRINGFIELD -- Springfield Township trustees unanimously passed a 2006 budget appropriation of $1.93 million, which is slightly lower than last year's $2.07 million.
Clerk Patti Gibson said at Monday's special trustees' meeting that last year's expenditures were higher because of several grants the township received. Otherwise, she said, the 2006 budget is not significantly different from 2005.
The new figures also reflect an additional $98,980 the fire and police departments each will receive this year because of passage of one-mill additional levies in November.
The plan shows $605,325 will be spent from the township general fund and $1.33 million from the other revenue such as motor vehicle and gas taxes, special assessments and grants.
New vehicle
Among the major expenditures this year will be a new Ford Crown Victoria sedan and a Ford Explorer for the police department, which will be leased through the state purchasing program.
Police Chief Matthew Mohn said the department has not had a new vehicle since 2003. The new vehicles replace a 1998 and a 1999 Crown Victoria, which costs the department $1,000 per month in repairs, he said.
In addition, the fire department will set aside $100,000 out of the year's revenues toward a new firetruck.
Chief's request
Trustees, however, took no action on a request from Fire Chief Brian Hughes that he also be provided with a Ford Explorer. Hughes said he wanted the vehicle because it provides better access to rough terrain, unlike the Ford Taurus the township now provides him.
Hughes said the Taurus does not have a heavy-duty suspension or other special equipment that police vehicles do. Trustee Robert Orr questioned Hughes' need for such a vehicle, adding he would prefer to see the township provide gas mileage to Hughes and have him provide his own vehicle.
Road Superintendent Richard Kennedy said South Range Road will be paved this year at an expected cost of $60,000.