By Linda Dillman
Staff Writer
Madison Township is putting finishing touches on a new Community Center rate chart for 2023 and the trustees are considering citizen suggestions to increase rental fees for non-residents higher than first proposed in May.
During the June 16 Madison Township trustee meeting, Administrator Susan Brobst said one resident felt the rates were “too cheap” and another felt the rates could easily be doubled for non-residents. Community Center rental prices have not increased in 12 years.
For township residents the cost is currently $20 for the first four hours and then $10 for each additional hour. For non-residents, the cost is a flat $20 per hour fee. There is no charge for non-profits, school use, township businesses, employees and activities like a funeral repast.
Prices for residents and local businesses are lower than those for non-residents since non-residents do not pay property taxes.
Brobst recommended the township eliminate a free use policy and instead institute a $20 flat cleaning fee. She suggested raising the cost for residents to $25 for the first four hours and keep the $10 rate for each additional hour. Non-residents would pay a flat $30 per hour.
Based on 2019 figures before the pandemic impacted reservations, Brobst said a breakdown of average expenditures indicate each event cost the township approximately $116. Other than non-profit organizations, the administrator reported the average use time is four hours.
If the trustees decide in July to eliminate the free use policy for local non-profits, Trustee John Pritchard asked if special groups—such as the American Legion, Groveport Madison Alumni Association and scouts—could be eligible for township grants to offset the cost.
“It is a value we would be giving to them,” said Pritchard, who also felt the rate for non-residents is too low. “I would double that. I don’t think $100 for two hours is bad. We need to make sure we take care of our residents.”
Brobst said she would bring the policy back, along with any additional comments submitted by citizens, in time to set rates at the July 21 meeting.
Other Madison Township news
•Police Chief Gary York asked the trustees to approve a Matrix agreement for a new police records management system. York said the system allows for better sharing of information with outside departments and multiple agencies are already contributing to the Matrix database.
“This is something the (Franklin County) sheriff’s office is currently using,” said York. “At the end of the day, this is a win-win for all of us.”
•Brobst said a June 4 tire collection held in partnership with Canal Winchester, Franklin County Public Health and Columbus Public Health brought in 860 used tires from township residents.
“Public Health was overwhelmed,” said Brobst, who said while she hopes to partner with the county, Columbus, and Canal Winchester again next year. Madison Township is also planning to hold their own collection at Brobst Park sometime this fall.
