Liberty trustees cap departmental expenditures without approval

LIBERTY — Trustees voted today to put a cap on the amount of money department heads can spend without prior approval by the board.

Department heads must now clear purchases of more than $1,000 with trustees. The previous cap for purchases needing board pre-approval was $2,500.

Trustees cited a need to more closely monitor spending because the township is in fiscal caution, as designated by the state. Trustees have submitted a financial recovery plan to the state auditor’s office.

Fire Chief Gus Birch expressed disagreement with the cap, saying, “You need to have faith in your department heads that we are trying to watch our money.”

Police Chief Richard Tisone said waiting for approval would slow the purchasing process and be an inconvenience for trustees.

Fiscal Officer Steve Shelton defended the measure, stating that it was similar to caps used by other townships.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com