Township trustees approved appropriations changes in its last meeting of 2023.

The appropriations and reductions, which were unanimously approved, were made to the general fund and road and bridge fund. General fund modifications include reductions of $8,453.29 and $4,484 to the tax collection fees, and other expenses appropriations, respectively, and an increase to the machinery, equipment and furniture appropriations of $12,937.29. Road and bridge fund modifications include a reduction to the workman’s compensation appropriations by $684 and an increase to the medical/hospitalization appropriations by $684.

During his report Trustee Jim Armeni announced that five township firefighters had recently earned new certifications. Firefighters Jennifer Fisher, Brock Baddeley and Eric Buday earned their Fire One certifications having passed their certification test on Dec. 6; while firefighters Julian Dillard and Jordan Weaver have earned their Fire Two certifications after passing certification test on Nov. 7.

“We’re getting good certifications in the fire department, and getting younger people involved, I think the department is heading in the right direction,” said Armeni.

During his report Zoning Officer Jeffrey Christopher said he had attended a meeting regarding regulations associated with the passage of Issue Two in November’s general election, which decriminalized marijuana, and was waiting for the frequently asked questions document to be released. However, he said that the regulations didn’t seem “very advantageous for townships.” Christopher also said that he believed the department of commerce was being set up to handle permitting, which likely would not see the first permits go into effect until around “nine months into 2024.”

Christopher also said that under the proposed guidelines homeowners would be allowed six plants per person to a maximum of 12. Trustee Tony Iereopoli asked if there were any restrictions on where on the property a marijuana plant could be grown, and Christopher said that he didn’t believe there were any restrictions outlined.

Other matters discussed included on update on one of the township’s police cruisers which was recently struck by a deer, which trustee Chairman Steve Bailey said was currently being repaired, which should be covered by insurance.

The board of trustees’ final regularly scheduled meeting, which would have fallen on Christmas, was canceled, meaning the board will meet next at 4 p.m. Jan. 8 for its annual organizational meeting for 2024.