By Sandi Latimer
Staff Writer
The Jackson Township trustees have approved the 2017 budget that appropriates nearly $19.5 million.
Approval of the spending plan came Feb. 7 when trustees held a lengthy meeting. Trustees and leaders of several departments gathered at noon to hear Township Administrator Mike Lilly explain the spending plan that is slightly less than the 2016 budget.
In 2016, the township’s appropriations were $19.9 million. This year’s appropriations are $500,000 less than a year ago because of state cuts, Lilly said.
The township expects to receive $19,431,527 in revenue, while appropriating $19,429,074.
Generally budgets are approved by the end of the fiscal year, which was Dec. 31. However, the township had sufficient funds in reserve to keep the township operating until the 2017 budget was approved.
“It’s nice to have it done,” Lilly said.
The budget now goes to the Franklin County Budget Commission for its approval.
Besides approving the budget, trustees also approved putting fourth-quarter 2016 delinquent trash bills on the property tax bill.
“We want people to have trash pickup so we don’t have trash all over,” said Lilly. “But the people don’t want to pay their bills.”
Those delinquent for the first time have a $100 administrative fee added to their bill.
In other news, Fire Chief Randy Little is looking forward to the arrival of the department’s new fire truck, acquired from Sutphen in Dublin.
“It’s due Feb. 15 for our inspection,” Little said.
The truck will be located at Station 202 on Hoover Road. Once the truck passes local inspection, it will be loaded with the necessary tools before going into service.
