Thursday, August 28, 2008
7510 Wind River Drive - UPDATE (AGAIN)
Sylvania Township has been served with an appeal by the owners of the property at 7510 Wind River Drive against our order to have the structure removed. The appeal has been assigned to Judge Linda Jennings of the Lucas County Common Pleas Court. At this point, I am not sure what the next step for the Township is. This is a process which we have never undertaken before, so we are proceeding as quickly as possible but within our legal authority.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
July 2008 - Township Update
The township has been busy in the last month, and I have a lot of news in this month's issue of Talk of the Township.
7510 Wind River Drive - UPDATE
As previously announced, today the Sylvania Township Trustees held a hearing regarding the property located at 7510 Wind River Drive in Sylvania Township. This was a quasi-judicial hearing based upon section 505.86 of the Ohio Revised Code, which authorizes the Trustees to order removal of any building located within the unincorporated territory of the Township which has been declared insecure, unsafe or structurally defective by any fire department, county building department or declared unfit for human habitation by the county board of health.
Today at that hearing, we heard testimony from John Walters, Chief Building Inspector for Lucas County, Nathan Fries, Registered Sanitarian for the Toledo/Lucas County Health Department, Deputy Chief Tom Eisel of the Sylvania Township Fire Department and Jim McGowan, a local builder/developer who had no pecuniary interest in this property. We also heard testimony from area residents as well as several people who stated they had an interest in this property and were performing work at the premises.
Repeatedly, the testimony that we heard was that this property was not safe, it was not secure, and it was structurally defective, all a result of the fire which occurred in November 2006, and the fact that the house remained open to the elements since the fire. Damage included water-soaked wood, standing water in the basement, and mold and mildew due to being open to the elements. Testimony regarding the ability to renovate the property included the statement that anything above the foundation was unsalvageable.
Given the testimony presented to me and the other trustees by experts in their field related to the housing and building industry, the trustees unanimously passed a resolution calling for the removal of the structure located at 7510 Wind River Drive in Sylvania Township. The resolution was declared an emergency, dispensing with the second reading, and takes effect immediately in order to preserve the public peace, health, safety and welfare of Sylvania Township.
We have authorized our Planning and Zoning Manager, Mr. Tim DeWitt, beginning thirty (30) days after service of the Resolution upon the owner and all lienholders of the property, to remove and secure the building and all appurtenances located on the property.
This has not been a quick process, and I want to thank all of the residents who have expressed concern regarding this property yet have been patient in allowing the township to work through the processes necessary to deal with troubled properties in our community.
Junk Cars - Townships Granted More Authority
A new portion of the Ohio Revised Code, section 505.871, became effective earlier this year which grants townships additional power in which to deal with junk motor vehicles. Prior to this new law, townships were really restricted on what we could do to address junk cars left in driveways and yards. Only junk cars that were deemed a 'nuisance' could be removed from the property.
With the new law, we can legally remove a junk vehicle from a property after proper notice. "Junk motor vehicle" is specifically defined as a "vehicle that is three model years or older, is apparently inoperable and is extensively damaged, including, but not limited to, any of the following: missing wheels, tired, engines or transmissions." There is no dollar limit or value. Court involvement is not required prior to removing a junk motor vehicle.
This is a great new tool that can (and will) be used to help us help our community maintain a quality of life and high property values by addressing junk vehicle issues in a more effective and efficient manner. I welcome this added authority and we are working to implement the necessary legislation so that we can utilize this authority and improve the quality of life in Sylvania Township.
Downed Wires and Volunteers
At our last regular trustee meeting, Fire Chief Fred Welsh presented his June monthly report regarding fire department operations. We use monthly reports to keep the trustees updated on a regular basis on department operations, although our department heads are always available for our questions and to discuss resident concerns.
There were two items of interest in the recent monthly report. First, we were informed that we had 18 - EIGHTEEN - applicants to become members of our volunteer firefighter ranks. Applicants range from those with little/no fire fighting or EMS experience to EMTs and even a doctor. This is a wonderful testament to the willingness of our community to step up and become involved in some capacity.
In the last several years, the viability of our volunteer program was questioned because of shrinking membership and failure of volunteers to respond when called. But I was convinced that the program simply needed a fresh perspective and the commitment of the administration and the fire department to thrive. And that is exactly what has happened. We haven't even fully implemented our plans due to budget restraints in 2008, but the response from our community so far is promising and I look forward to the benefits and support that a fully functioning and supported volunteer force can provide to Sylvania.
The second issue to be raised in the June monthly report was a service-related issue and at first glance may raise eyebrows and concern, which is why I want to address it directly. Chief Welsh reported that during the serious storm system that moved through our community on the evening of June 9, eleven calls to our 911 call center were not responded to.
As I said, at first this may raise some serious concerns about our ability to respond to calls. However, further review of the data shows that we did what we should do during serious weather-related conditions: we prioritized our resources, assessed calls for service and responded accordingly. Ten of the eleven calls for service were for reports of downed wired. Downed wires are the responsibility of Toledo Edison, not the Sylvania Township Fire Department. Yes, it would be nice if we could respond to calls for downed wires and provide 'blocking' so that residents and visitors do not mistakenly travel on or near the downed wire, and during otherwise normal operations we do provide this service. But during excessive call volumes like we experienced during this storm, we simply do not have the manpower to respond to every call for service. And we can't afford to staff 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year at a level that would let us respond to all of these calls for the once or twice a year that we experience severe weather.
In reviewing this situation, the Fire Department has noted some weaknesses and has begun the process of addressing those weaknesses in a logical, efficient and cost-effective way so that during the next severe storm our response is improved. The 18 potential volunteers I mentioned previously is another way that we can help address this situation.
Bottom line is that we still maintain the best Fire/EMS department in the area, with excellent response times and highly qualified staff dedicated to keeping our community safe. During severe weather and similar manpower-taxing situations, we may not be able to respond to every downed-wire call, but we do respond to incidents where life, limb and property are imminently at risk.
Mosquitoes Abound
With the heavy rains of the past month, our area is experiencing a heavier-than-normal influx of mosquitoes. While this is just a fact of life for living in what used to be called the Great Black Swamp, it is still annoying; it interferes with the ability to enjoy our decks, sports facilities, and other activities where we are outside.
The township has received numerous inquiries as to why we are not spraying for mosquitoes or when we will be in certain areas. Unfortunately, we do not spray for mosquitoes. This is handled by the Toledo Area Sanitary District (TASD), which is a separate entity created by judicial order back in 1945. According to their website "The Toledo Area Sanitary District controls adult mosquitoes by daytime "misting" and by evening "fogging" operations. Schools, business and homeowners may have their properties misted by requesting this service at 419-726-7891. These properties must have an access so that a pickup truck may drive around the periphery of farmyards, wooded areas and buildings."
The township is not equipped to spray for mosquitoes and doing so would only duplicate the work of the TASD, which is paid for by a special property tax assessment. If you have concerns about mosquitoes or questions about spraying, please contact the TASD at 419-726-7891.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
June 2008 Township Update
Welcome to this month's issue of Talk of the Township. There are several items in this issue which are very timely and relate to making sure we maintain a quality community.
The Delimma of Storm Debris
Sylvania Township has been receiving numerous phone calls and emails regarding storm debris pickup from residents expecting us to pick-up storm debris that has been placed in the roadway by residents. At the same time, we have also been fielding phone calls from residents who are complaining about neighbors who are placing yard debris in the roadway, obstructing parking spaces, making it difficult to see on-coming and cross traffic, and unsightly refuse piles. Who should we respond to, those expecting additional services or those who believe their neighbors are not tending their own lawns appropriately?
So let me start off with our policy on brush pickup. We provide brush pickup services twice a year, once in April and once in September. There is no policy to pick up storm-related debris after severe storms go through the area. On a case-by-case basis, trustees (former and current) have directed the public works department to perform brush pickup in certain areas and after certain severe weather. But there was no consistency with regard to when it was done, who received the services, or what other projects may suffer in order to provide this un-stated service.
Where does that leave us with regard to the current brush piles located in some roadways? At our last regular meeting, the trustees discussed the issue and agreed that we could not pull our crews off of some very necessary and important infrastructure jobs for the 4-5 weeks it would take to complete a township-wide brush pick-up. These infrastructure projects include long-delayed maintenance of Schlicker Ditch to prevent flooding, asphalt patching, roadside mowing, street sweeping, catch basin and storm drain repairs and resurfacing projects.
In 2008 we received $599,000 in grants and loans from the Ohio Public Works Commission for local road resurfacing and reconstruction projects. We are required to complete certain services and projects in order to receive these monies. If we do not complete these projects, in violation of our agreements, we default on the current loans and grants, and hinder our ability to receive additional loans and grants in the future.
These projects maintain our infrastructure which contributes to a quality community. If we divert resources to brush pickup, we are in essence emphasizing aesthetic priorities over the need to keep our infrastructure maintained. In the long run, failing infrastructure will be more detrimental to our community than unsightly debris in roadways after storms.
This fall's brush pickup will start September 8. If you wish to dispose of yard waste prior to that, I would encourage you to contact your private refuse company or use the free drop-off facility maintained by the Lucas County Solid Waste District at 6505 West Bancroft St.
If you have placed debris in the street in front of your house, I suggest you remove it; it is illegal to obstruct the roadway as it interferes with road safety and street sweeping. Help keep our community clean.
So let me start off with our policy on brush pickup. We provide brush pickup services twice a year, once in April and once in September. There is no policy to pick up storm-related debris after severe storms go through the area. On a case-by-case basis, trustees (former and current) have directed the public works department to perform brush pickup in certain areas and after certain severe weather. But there was no consistency with regard to when it was done, who received the services, or what other projects may suffer in order to provide this un-stated service.
Where does that leave us with regard to the current brush piles located in some roadways? At our last regular meeting, the trustees discussed the issue and agreed that we could not pull our crews off of some very necessary and important infrastructure jobs for the 4-5 weeks it would take to complete a township-wide brush pick-up. These infrastructure projects include long-delayed maintenance of Schlicker Ditch to prevent flooding, asphalt patching, roadside mowing, street sweeping, catch basin and storm drain repairs and resurfacing projects.
In 2008 we received $599,000 in grants and loans from the Ohio Public Works Commission for local road resurfacing and reconstruction projects. We are required to complete certain services and projects in order to receive these monies. If we do not complete these projects, in violation of our agreements, we default on the current loans and grants, and hinder our ability to receive additional loans and grants in the future.
These projects maintain our infrastructure which contributes to a quality community. If we divert resources to brush pickup, we are in essence emphasizing aesthetic priorities over the need to keep our infrastructure maintained. In the long run, failing infrastructure will be more detrimental to our community than unsightly debris in roadways after storms.
This fall's brush pickup will start September 8. If you wish to dispose of yard waste prior to that, I would encourage you to contact your private refuse company or use the free drop-off facility maintained by the Lucas County Solid Waste District at 6505 West Bancroft St.
If you have placed debris in the street in front of your house, I suggest you remove it; it is illegal to obstruct the roadway as it interferes with road safety and street sweeping. Help keep our community clean.
7510 Wind River Drive
"Public notice has been posted pursuant to Ohio Revised Code §505.86 that the Sylvania Township Board of Trustees intends to conduct a hearing on Thursday, July 24, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at the Sylvania Township Hall located at 4927 Holland-Sylvania Road, Lucas County, Ohio to determine if the structure located at 7510 Wind River Drive, Sylvania, Ohio is unsecured, unsafe or structurally defective and if so, whether the structure should be removed, repaired or otherwise secured."
Many residents have inquired about this property since it was the subject of a sever fire in October 2006. The township has worked diligently within our legal powers to address the concerns of our community working with county agencies and other stakeholders. This process has led us to the meeting mentioned above.
Due to the legal rights of interested parties, and the legal obligation of the Board of Trustees, I cannot comment beyond letting residents know that this hearing has been scheduled.
Many residents have inquired about this property since it was the subject of a sever fire in October 2006. The township has worked diligently within our legal powers to address the concerns of our community working with county agencies and other stakeholders. This process has led us to the meeting mentioned above.
Due to the legal rights of interested parties, and the legal obligation of the Board of Trustees, I cannot comment beyond letting residents know that this hearing has been scheduled.
Fire Department Overtime
Earlier this year, after the fire levy was passed, a document was put together by several members of the Fire Department regarding the cost of overtime and the potential benefit of hiring more firefighters in an effort to reduce overtime. This report seemed to indicate that overtime would almost be eliminated if three firefighters were to be hired into the department.
Unfortunately, further review of the information indicated problems with the assumptions, calculations and methodology used. At our June 17 trustee meeting, Fire Chief Welsh acknowledged that the data used to make calculations was inaccurate and the methodology was flawed.
Reality is that numerous factors contribute to overtime, including training schedules, family and medical leave, military leave, minimum manning, shift holdovers, large incidents, etc. While hiring an additional fire fighter may lower some categories of overtime, it will actually increase other categories of overtime.
I am constantly reviewing financial information to make sure we are operating as efficiently as possible while maintaining the high level of services our community is used to. This includes analyzing the affects of recalling firefighters from laid-off status. At this point, due to retirements, etc., we have been able to recall two of the three laid-off firefighters. We are maintaining 52 firefighters on staff until we begin to receive the proceeds of the 1.25 mill levy next February, at which time we can begin to implement the staffing proposals of the levy.
Unfortunately, further review of the information indicated problems with the assumptions, calculations and methodology used. At our June 17 trustee meeting, Fire Chief Welsh acknowledged that the data used to make calculations was inaccurate and the methodology was flawed.
Reality is that numerous factors contribute to overtime, including training schedules, family and medical leave, military leave, minimum manning, shift holdovers, large incidents, etc. While hiring an additional fire fighter may lower some categories of overtime, it will actually increase other categories of overtime.
I am constantly reviewing financial information to make sure we are operating as efficiently as possible while maintaining the high level of services our community is used to. This includes analyzing the affects of recalling firefighters from laid-off status. At this point, due to retirements, etc., we have been able to recall two of the three laid-off firefighters. We are maintaining 52 firefighters on staff until we begin to receive the proceeds of the 1.25 mill levy next February, at which time we can begin to implement the staffing proposals of the levy.
Rocket Ventures and the LCIC
Recently, the township was approached about investing in Rocket Ventures, a venture capital group, via our membership in the Lucas County Improvement Corporation (LCIC). County Commissioner Pete Gerken encouraged the member entities of the LCIC to invest with the prospect of great returns. I have looked into the possibility of Sylvania Township 'investing' in Rocket Ventures via the LCIC and what I have found out concerns me greatly when it comes to the role of the LCIC and its member entities.
Point blank, townships are not allowed to make an investment in a venture capital fund. We are restricted to 'safe' investments, so that the taxpayers' money is not put at risk. Further review of the rules regarding townships and Community Improvement Corpoations (CICs) indicate that townships are allowed to make financial contributions to CICs to help defray administrative expenses, but we are not allowed to give additional monies.
Basically, the suggestion that the township's use the LCIC to side-step our restrictions on 'safe' investments is not allowed under the Ohio Revised Code (ORC). This attempt to invest in a venture capital fund by way of the LCIC is illegal and something that I will not support.
I have also talked to several people regarding the county's ability to make such an investment. Per my conversations, the county is under similar restrictions regarding their investments and therefore a direct investment in Rocket Ventures would not be allowed under the ORC. Sidestepping those laws by using the LCIC is, in my opinion, highly suspect as well.
It is my opinion that the LCIC should not be used to by-pass the laws established for the safekeeping of taxpayer funds. If our member entities cannot directly make this investment, we should not allow the LCIC to be used as a middleman. I am opposed to the LCIC making an investment in Rocket Ventures on behalf of member entities. If member entities have the ability to make the investment (or believe they have the ability to make the investment) they should do so directly and not drag the LCIC into this issue.
Point blank, townships are not allowed to make an investment in a venture capital fund. We are restricted to 'safe' investments, so that the taxpayers' money is not put at risk. Further review of the rules regarding townships and Community Improvement Corpoations (CICs) indicate that townships are allowed to make financial contributions to CICs to help defray administrative expenses, but we are not allowed to give additional monies.
Basically, the suggestion that the township's use the LCIC to side-step our restrictions on 'safe' investments is not allowed under the Ohio Revised Code (ORC). This attempt to invest in a venture capital fund by way of the LCIC is illegal and something that I will not support.
I have also talked to several people regarding the county's ability to make such an investment. Per my conversations, the county is under similar restrictions regarding their investments and therefore a direct investment in Rocket Ventures would not be allowed under the ORC. Sidestepping those laws by using the LCIC is, in my opinion, highly suspect as well.
It is my opinion that the LCIC should not be used to by-pass the laws established for the safekeeping of taxpayer funds. If our member entities cannot directly make this investment, we should not allow the LCIC to be used as a middleman. I am opposed to the LCIC making an investment in Rocket Ventures on behalf of member entities. If member entities have the ability to make the investment (or believe they have the ability to make the investment) they should do so directly and not drag the LCIC into this issue.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Sylvania Township Update
Where do I pick back up? In an effort to move beyond the rhetoric last fall I took a break from posting while the fire levy compromise was in the works. It was all too easy to get out of the habit of posting, so here I am 6 months later trying to figure out where to start.
First Things First - A Successful Fire Levy
The fire levy passed. That's good news. It puts to rest the uncertainty on the direction of the department and the level of service. The trustees have a clear plan, as put forth by the Fire Chief's levy proposal, on additions to our staff, construction of new buildings and new equipment and apparatus purchases.
We are moving forward on implementing those plans, which include:
To be clear, the levy that was approved will not begin to be collected until February 2009. Given that, and a very tight 2008 budget, we are limited on how quickly we can implement the entire levy proposal. But we are certainly moving in that direction and look forward to successfully fulfilling the promises of the levy in 2009.
We are moving forward on implementing those plans, which include:
- Building three new fire stations to replace stations 1, 2 and 3. Geographically they will be in the same location, but we are reviewing potential site locations in order to increase safety and response times.
- Remodeling station 4 to accommodate the department headquarters including training facilities.
- Increase shift staffing to 55 firefighters which is the desired staffing level needed (according to Chief Welsh) to staff 14 firefighters on duty at all times.
- Add a new day shift which will provide 2 additional full-time firefighters from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Peak usage of our fire and EMS services tends to be during the weekday, thus these two firefighters will help to meet peek demands on our fire department as well as minimize overtime due to training.
- Enhance our part paid/volunteer program. Volunteer firefighters have been a vital part of the Sylvania Township Fire Department for 35+ years, but in the last few years the program has waned. The program as Chief Welsh has outlined will do two things. First, it will provide for volunteers to be scheduled to work evening and weekend shifts to supplement our full-time crew. Second, it will provide a larger pool of people to respond in the occasional instances of large and involved fire or emergency medical incident.
To be clear, the levy that was approved will not begin to be collected until February 2009. Given that, and a very tight 2008 budget, we are limited on how quickly we can implement the entire levy proposal. But we are certainly moving in that direction and look forward to successfully fulfilling the promises of the levy in 2009.
Police Citizen Patrol
With the success of the Citizens' Police Academy, the police department has been able to launch a new endeavor designed to enhance the quality of life in Sylvania Township. As explained on the police department's website:
"The Citizen Patrol is an extension of the [Sylvania Township Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association] that expands their ability to serve the Sylvania Township Community. The Citizen Patrol works in partnership with the Sylvania Township Police Department and supplements the efforts of its sworn officers in keeping the community a safe and enjoyable place to live, work, and visit.
Volunteers patrol designated areas in a marked Sylvania Township Citizen Patrol Vehicle and wear the Citizen Patrol Uniform, both bearing their distinctive burgundy and yellow logo. Citizen Patrol volunteers conduct high visibility, crime prevention patrols and act as observers and reporters of criminal and/or suspicious activity. Citizen Patrol Volunteers do not carry firearms and are not sworn police officers.
All members of the Citizen Patrol have received specialized training and undergone extensive criminal history checks. Members of the Citizen Patrol must follow all rules, regulations, and standards of conduct set forth by the Sylvania Township Police Department. "
This is a great addition to our community. I applaud the police academy alumni, Chief Metzger and Officer Sarah Toth for their initiative and dedication to our community. If you would like to learn more about the Police Academy and their work including the citizens patrol, please visit the police department's website at: Volunteer Citizen Patrol
"The Citizen Patrol is an extension of the [Sylvania Township Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association] that expands their ability to serve the Sylvania Township Community. The Citizen Patrol works in partnership with the Sylvania Township Police Department and supplements the efforts of its sworn officers in keeping the community a safe and enjoyable place to live, work, and visit.
Volunteers patrol designated areas in a marked Sylvania Township Citizen Patrol Vehicle and wear the Citizen Patrol Uniform, both bearing their distinctive burgundy and yellow logo. Citizen Patrol volunteers conduct high visibility, crime prevention patrols and act as observers and reporters of criminal and/or suspicious activity. Citizen Patrol Volunteers do not carry firearms and are not sworn police officers.
All members of the Citizen Patrol have received specialized training and undergone extensive criminal history checks. Members of the Citizen Patrol must follow all rules, regulations, and standards of conduct set forth by the Sylvania Township Police Department. "
This is a great addition to our community. I applaud the police academy alumni, Chief Metzger and Officer Sarah Toth for their initiative and dedication to our community. If you would like to learn more about the Police Academy and their work including the citizens patrol, please visit the police department's website at: Volunteer Citizen Patrol
Zoning Challenges
Certainly the affects of the mortgage crisis and slowing economy has shown their affect on residential properties in our community. Last year, the trustees approved spending on lawn maintenance for more residential properties than is typical, many of which were in foreclosure. (This is not a way to get you grass cut for free; such expenditures are recouped via tax assessments including administrative and legal costs.)
Our Zoning Resolution does require property owners to maintain their property in reasonable condition, including mowing the lawn, removing trash, etc. Unfortunately our ability to remedy problem situations is limited and often involves extended periods of time. Our new zoning administrator, Mr. Tim Dewitt, is monitoring problem properties, keeping in contact with owners, real estate agents, and mortgage companies as appropriate to try to encourage voluntary compliance.
When action is necessary, the trustees can and do approve lawn maintenance expenditures. Unfortunately, this process is not quick and action is not taken until the property has deteriorated beyond what many neighborhoods and subdivisions consider acceptable. And the lawn services provided are not necessarily aesthetically pleasing, rather it is functional and efficient use of township resources.
If you are aware of property that you believe is being neglected, whether due to foreclosure or other reasons, please contact our Zoning Department at 419-885-5276. I can't promise immediate improvements to the property, but we will do what we can to work with property owners and other interested parties to make improvements so that Sylvania Township can maintain its quality neighborhoods.
Our Zoning Resolution does require property owners to maintain their property in reasonable condition, including mowing the lawn, removing trash, etc. Unfortunately our ability to remedy problem situations is limited and often involves extended periods of time. Our new zoning administrator, Mr. Tim Dewitt, is monitoring problem properties, keeping in contact with owners, real estate agents, and mortgage companies as appropriate to try to encourage voluntary compliance.
When action is necessary, the trustees can and do approve lawn maintenance expenditures. Unfortunately, this process is not quick and action is not taken until the property has deteriorated beyond what many neighborhoods and subdivisions consider acceptable. And the lawn services provided are not necessarily aesthetically pleasing, rather it is functional and efficient use of township resources.
If you are aware of property that you believe is being neglected, whether due to foreclosure or other reasons, please contact our Zoning Department at 419-885-5276. I can't promise immediate improvements to the property, but we will do what we can to work with property owners and other interested parties to make improvements so that Sylvania Township can maintain its quality neighborhoods.
Finally, Let's Talk Money
At the end of 2007, cash resources of the Township increased by $5,737,488.46 from the end of 2006. This includes an increase of over $3.2 million in the general fund; almost $700,000 increase in the police fund; and almost $250,000 in the fire fund (this carryover balance will help maintain service levels in the fire department for 2008 until the department begins to receive the new levy revenue).
The only major fund that had a decrease in fund balance from 2006 to 2007 was the Road & Bridge Fund. The decrease was $17,000. The road department works on a different budgeting horizon, often saving up cash resources for several years in planning a large road project, so it is not unusual for the cash balance to vary greatly from year to year. Bottom line is that despite this small decrease in cash balance, the road department is in good financial position.
What does this mean, to have increased cash resources by almost $6 million to $14,282,862.35? Some believe this means we are being careful with taxpayers dollars, simply by having not spent all the money we received. (Having excess cash is good, but it is not necessarily evidence that wasteful spending does not happen.) Others believe that all of this money means we should be spending more in the fire department. (Just because we have money doesn't mean we should spend it. All township services should be efficient and effective, so that we are not wasting money. ) And still others believe that this means we should be cutting taxes and letting our residents and businesses keep more of their money.
The right answer is probably a combination of all of these. It's a delicate balance and obviously there is a wide range of opinions s to whether that balance has been met. But I continue work hard to do what I can to keep a good balance of keeping cash reserves, spending wisely, and keeping taxing as low as possible so that we stay "A Place to Grow".
The only major fund that had a decrease in fund balance from 2006 to 2007 was the Road & Bridge Fund. The decrease was $17,000. The road department works on a different budgeting horizon, often saving up cash resources for several years in planning a large road project, so it is not unusual for the cash balance to vary greatly from year to year. Bottom line is that despite this small decrease in cash balance, the road department is in good financial position.
What does this mean, to have increased cash resources by almost $6 million to $14,282,862.35? Some believe this means we are being careful with taxpayers dollars, simply by having not spent all the money we received. (Having excess cash is good, but it is not necessarily evidence that wasteful spending does not happen.) Others believe that all of this money means we should be spending more in the fire department. (Just because we have money doesn't mean we should spend it. All township services should be efficient and effective, so that we are not wasting money. ) And still others believe that this means we should be cutting taxes and letting our residents and businesses keep more of their money.
The right answer is probably a combination of all of these. It's a delicate balance and obviously there is a wide range of opinions s to whether that balance has been met. But I continue work hard to do what I can to keep a good balance of keeping cash reserves, spending wisely, and keeping taxing as low as possible so that we stay "A Place to Grow".
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