MILLBURY — Lake Township collects levy money for roads and fire protection.
But can those tax dollars do more than pay salaries and pave streets?
Both the road supervisor and fire chief have asked the township administration to research if the money
can be set aside to fund equipment purchases. The issue was discussed at Tuesday’s end-of-the-year
trustees’ meeting.
Fiscal Officer Vicki Schwamberger said she will research if the levy money can be used to establish a
reserve account for equipment.
But even if it is allowed, she wondered if the trustees would want to lose any money from the road fund.
“The road fund is so tight and we haven’t been able to pave roads,” Schwamberger said.
McLargin has asked if money from Wood County could be put into an equipment account. The money is
received when the township bills the county for mowing county-owned roads, such as East Broadway and
Latcha.
“To pull that money out of there could be detrimental to that fund,” said trustee chairwoman Melanie
Bowen.
But she added that department heads are always looking for “creative” ways of funding.
Trustee Jeff Pettit said he would like to know how old the mowers are and how many hours they’ve been in
use. Police Chief Mark Hummer, who is also the township administrator, said one mower is over 20 years
old.
If it’s allowed, money could also be funneled toward a cemetery land purchase for an expansion.
“We are going to have to purchase some land at some point,” Bowen said.
Also at the meeting, the trustees:
• Renewed the subscription with LexisNexis for 2015-16 for $2,230. This CD provides current legal
information comprised of the Ohio Revised Code, Ohio Attorney General opinions and other information.
• Renewed a contract with Workplace Resources, Toledo, for 2015 for $2,176. The company provides in-house
seminars and counseling for township employees.
• Approved the pay schedule for the trustees and fiscal officer. Bowen said no one has had increases
since 2008.
• Set the organizational meeting for 2015 for Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the administration building.
