5-27-21 (Budget)

The meeting was a special workshop focused on the 2021-2022 budget preparation. Department heads and the Township Supervisor reviewed various departmental expenditures, noting that while many areas remain consistent with the previous year, certain line items require adjustments due to inflation, new service agreements, and increased workload.

Key areas of discussion included the impact of increased demolition permits on zoning administration, the necessity for tree removal and gravel at Pine Grove Cemetery, and the rising costs of equipment maintenance under a new five-year agreement. Several items, particularly regarding wages and the Senior Center, remain pending as the board awaits final figures for the next budget meeting.

• Budget Increase: The overall budget is approximately 2.14% higher than the previous year, primarily driven by inflation.
• Demolition Activity: There has been a significant increase in demolition permits, specifically involving 80 houses.
• Maintenance and Capital Outlay: Budget adjustments include increased costs for ground maintenance (tree removal) and capital outlays for Pine Grove Cemetery (gravel and tree removal).
• Service Agreements: Equipment maintenance costs have increased following the implementation of a five-year signed agreement.

• Jim Slezak: Supervisor
• Mary Miller: Clerk
• Tim Green: Treasurer
• Matthew Karr: Trustee
• Lori Tallman: Trustee
• Rick Freeman: Chief of Police
• Jerry Harris: Deputy Chief of Police
• Casey Reed: Parks & Rec. Director
• Matt Place: Planning/Zoning Administrator
• Jami Vert: Recording Secretary
• David Lattie: Attorney (Absent)

• Agenda Adoption: The May 27, 2021, agenda was adopted as presented.
• Budget Review: A comprehensive review of the 2021-2022 budget line items, including updates on police, parks, zoning, and cemetery maintenance.
• Demolition Provision: Inclusion of a budget item to carry over funds for unexpected demolitions.

• Inflation Adjustment: Total budget increase of approximately 2.14% compared to the previous year.
• Equipment Maintenance: Increased costs attributed to a 5-year signed agreement.

• Pending Figures: The Board is waiting on final wage numbers for the Parks & Rec department and the Assessor.
• Senior Center: Final numbers for the Senior Center still need to be determined.
• Follow-up: Supervisor Slezak will review remaining line items to move forward at the next budget meeting.

• Motion to Adopt Agenda: Moved by Tallman, seconded by Miller. Carried unanimously.
• Motion to Adjourn: Moved by Karr, seconded by Tallman. Carried unanimously.