Debt-free Howland has more than $9M budget

A 750-foot boardwalk will be built over wetlands in the township.

By TIM YOVICH

VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF

HOWLAND — Howland Township doesn’t owe any money to anyone.

“The township is debt-free,” reported Rick Clark, chairman of the trustees, during the board’s meeting Wednesday.

He pointed out that trustees even paid cash for the new township administration building.

In his annual report, Clark said the township has a budget of $9,478,344. In addition, it has received about $300,000 in grants for this year.

Clark said costs in the township have been kept down with the cooperation of its employees. During the past three years, he said, the township has saved 24 percent a year on health-insurance costs.

This has been done, Clark said, because of increases in deductibles and co-payment for prescription drugs.

Among the projects planned for this year is construction of a 750-foot scenic boardwalk that will take visitors from Howland Park south over township wetlands. The project plans are complete, and bids will open July 18.

The 100 acres of wetlands were bought by the Trumbull County Planning Commission, Mahoning River Consortium and township. Eventually, an additional 2,800 feet of boardwalk may be added.

Other business

In other business, trustees approved a $20,000 contract with URS Corp. to design the second phase of the Fairhill-Shaffer Storm Water Project. The project is designed to eliminate storm water flooding in the Howland schools’ area.

Also, trustees entered into a contract with the school district to provide a school resource officer from Aug. 27 to June 2, 2008. The school district will pay $28,531 for the officer’s wages and $805 toward equipment. The township and school district have had an officer in the schools for 10 years.

yovich@vindy.com