Jerome Township Trustees are ready for the new year after signing off on the 2021 budget during a recent special meeting.
“This is remarkable… this is the first time I think we’ve done this before the organizational meeting,” Trustee Joe Craft said.
Fiscal Officer Robert Caldwell said officials are well prepared, as most notable expenses were expected.
“I don’t think there was anything we haven’t discussed at some point,” Caldwell said.
The 2021 budget anticipates a number of repairs to buildings and equipment, new personnel costs and road maintenance.
Caldwell said $50,000 is allocated for repairs at the township building, including new lighting, new roofing and siding and adding a fire alarm system.
The budget also sets aside funds for the construction of a new salt barn, which will have a concrete base and pad.
Along with building construction and repairs, a variety of new equipment will be purchased for the township.
Caldwell said the budget allocates funding for vehicles for the roads department.
After the trade-ins, it will cost the township $108,000 for two new plow trucks and a skid steer, according to dealership estimates. $109,000 is allocated for the purchase in the budget.
A trailer will also be upgraded, he said, along with a variety of other small equipment. Caldwell noted that a concrete mixer will be purchased for cemetery footers.
Director of Departments Douglas Stewart previously requested at least $140,000 – the amount included in the 2020 budget – be dedicated for road improvements.
Caldwell noted that $200,000 is allocated for road maintenance and repairs in 2021. Stewart said Ward Road will be prioritized in the road improvement plan for this year.
Township officials are also preparing to bolster the zoning department with next year’s budget.
Stewart and the Board of Trustees previously agreed to restructure the township’s organizational chart to improve operations in zoning.
Given the rapid rate of growth in the area, Stewart said Zoning Inspector Eric Snowden is often stretched thin. The 2021 budget includes $50,000 to add an assistant zoning inspector position, who will report to Snowden.
Caldwell said monies are also set aside for the potential purchase of a vehicle for the zoning department employees to use for inspections, as well as updated zoning software.
The new year could also include personnel additions to law enforcement in the township.
Caldwell said the 2021 budget allocates funding for the potential addition of a fifth Public Safety Officer and a School Resource Officer.
The cost of the PSO program is split 80%/20% between Jerome Township and Millcreek Township. Jerome would likely cover the cost of a fifth PSO.
If added, the SRO will be positioned at Depp Elementary School and Eversole Run Middle School. Dublin City Schools will fund 50% of the officer’s salary, including benefits and wages, and the Union County Commissioners will fund an additional 25%.
In 2021, $432,945 is allocated for public safety contracts, based on estimates from the Union County Sheriff’s Office.
After unanimously approving the budget, the trustees took a moment to thank Caldwell for his service to the township.
Craft said Caldwell has been Jerome Township’s fiscal officer since 2002, on top of a full-time job.
The chairman said Caldwell has an extensive knowledge of the township’s operations and history. He compared his contributions to the townships as “like having a fourth trustee.”
“I know he’s an elected official, (but) I’d love to just put a plaque up for him,” Craft said.
In other business:
– The 2021 organizational meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 5 in the township hall.
– Stewart said the township hall will be the site of a monthly blood drive hosted by the American Red Cross beginning in February.
The first blood drive will be held from 1:30-6:30 p.m. February 4.
Those interested in donating can register online at redcrossblood.org by using the sponsor code “Jerome” or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.