43
Saving money by saving time
CANFIELD
Trustees chose a new primary drug-testing facility to cut costs for 2016.
The new facility, On Demand Drug Testing and Work Solutions, 102 Westchester Drive, Austintown, cuts down on cost in terms not directly translated into monetary value.
Fiscal Officer Carmen Heasley said the costs between the old company and On Demand are relatively close, averaging $30 per test depending on the test type, but the township is still saving by means of time.
“Where we save our money is the fact that they [On Demand] come out and we don’t have to tie up our employees running out [to the test facility],” Heasley said. “They’re [township employees] not out on the road, they’re still working, and they [On Demand] come out and take care of it in a matter of minutes and leave and we don’t lose any time.”
The on-site drug-testing facility was discussed in several the meetings through November and December, ultimately leading the board to approve the decision to manage costs and make cuts where it can.
In terms of cutting other costs, Heasley stressed the importance of continuing to purchase the official $100 meeting minute books.
“Any board having a public meeting is supposed to keep minutes, and we as a board can decide how those minutes are kept. They should be kept in a minute book,” Heasley said.
Heasley said a former fiscal officer had a house fire and all the documents in the official meeting minute books were preserved because of their quality.
In other news, Trustee Chairman Brian Governor asked for more discussion about the usage of Canfield Township Park.
Governor said he wanted both the park and the park buildings to be better used this year. He still is looking for public input and the formation of a park committee.