×

Goshen Trustees: Proposed levy would generate $105,190 annually

GOSHEN TOWNSHIP– Township trustees have learned what their proposed police levy will generate.

The proposed 1.3-mill levy would generate $105,190 annually. Trustees are seeking the additional levy for five years in November to help fund the police department. Green Township trustees are also seeking a 2-mill levy to split the desired increase in revenue for the department.

Trustee Shawn Mesler noted last month the Goshen Police District revenue has been stagnant for several years while expenditures have continued to increase.

The police district includes Green Township and Beloit.

Mesler noted the current contract with Beloit was increased by over $15,000 annually and will continue to be adjusted as needed.

In other business, trustees accepted a flag presented by the Damascus Historical Society last month as the official flag for Damascus. Mark Baker, who presented the flag on behalf of the historical society, said Butler Township trustees, who govern the south side of U.S. Route 62, had already approved the flag.

Trustees also accepted a bid of $41,600 from Snyder Construction Corp of Hanoverton to chip and seal the streets in Damascus. The township will supply the gravel at a cost of $11,700.

Additionally, trustees approved wording of the 2022 contract with the Damascus Fire Department that will run from July 1 through Dec. 31.

Mesler said he worked with the fire department members on the wording and the department’s trustees had already signed the contract.

Also at the meeting, Steve Kristan, a broadband advocate for the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments, spoke about the broadband service in areas of the county and the need for all residents to have access to fast internet connection. He said a survey has been developed to understand the need of residents.

The survey will be available on the township website for residents to access.

Mesler last month reported he was working with Kristan on educating the public on what is available regarding broadband internet. He said a lot of grant money is available to improve broadband infrastructure, but most of it is going to larger municipalities. He said the township is mixed on service, with some areas clearly better than others.

“Broadband availability is no longer a luxury, it is a need,” Mesler said, noting how COVID forced education of students to their homes.

Mesler said Kristan has suggested putting pressure on providers by making it known the public is discussing the issue. He said he will continue to work with Kristan to get the survey out and inform the public of the issue.

The next regular trustees meeting has been changed to 7 p.m. July 18 at the administration building.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.39/week.

Subscribe Today