Boardman delays taking action on budget deficit

Cuts could hit nearly one-third of the township’s 165 employees.

By DENISE DICK

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER

BOARDMAN — There was talk of eliminating all but the highest priority police calls and doing away with branch and leak pickup for residents, but after three hours of discussion, trustees made no decisions about how to address a looming budget deficit.

Trustees conducted a budget workshop Monday night in front of a packed meeting room composed mostly of township employees.

Township voters last November rejected a 4.1-mill levy that would have generated about $4 million annually. To get through this year, the township must cut services, and that means people.

That number could hit 50-some employees, or nearly one-third of the township’s 165 employees.

Trustee Larry Moliterno wanted to schedule a town hall meeting to collect public input about how residents want to see services maintained. He believes the levy failed in November because people weren’t educated about the potential loss of services a failure would mean.

Trustee Kathy Miller said she thinks it’s premature to schedule a town hall meeting. That should be done when trustees develop a list of options to present to the public.

Wednesday is the next trustees meeting.

Moliterno also suggested asking the public to approve a levy in a special election in August after the situation has been communicated to them and some cuts have been made. It would have to be explained that not passing the levy would mean more cuts, with those spelled out, he said.

“I’m against special elections,” said Robyn Gallitto, trustees chairwoman.

A special election would cost the township about $20,000, she said, adding that she believes special elections are a bit slanted in terms of voter turnout.

“I think in a general election you get a more even cross section of voters,” she said.

Gallitto has said that she wouldn’t support placing a levy on the ballot a second time until the township makes changes.

“I believe it didn’t pass because people don’t want their property taxes to increase,” she said.

Revenue this year is expected at about $15 million with appropriations at about $20 million.

Jason Loree, township administrator, also told the crowd that there are some long-term ideas to explore. These include approaching the state Legislature, along with other large urban townships, to establish other taxation methods for townships — such as a sales tax.