GOSHEN TOWNSHIP — The board of trustees discussed the township’s cybersecurity during a special meeting Tuesday.

Board of Trustees Chair Shawn Mesler said the township was required to adopt a formal cybersecurity policy by the end of September by state law. The Ohio Township Association Risk Management Authority (OTARMA) needed the township to adopt an emergency response plan in the event of a cyberattack for insurance purposes.

Fiscal Officer Michele Barratt said that while the township needed to adopt a policy that day, full implementation was not required until June 30. Barratt also suggested contacting someone with more expertise in the field to serve as an advisor in the development of the emergency response plan as it affects all aspects of the township’s digital systems and will likely require both time and monetary investment in the form of equipment purchases.

The trustees agreed with the necessity of seeking outside expertise to help develop the emergency response plan, and to begin working on developing one. They also voted unanimously to adopt the recommended sample cybersecurity policy published by the Ohio Township Association, noting that it could be updated and amended as necessary to suit the township’s individuals needs as it develops its emergency response protocols.

Mesler also said that the Mahoning County Engineer’s Office had requested all the townships in the county pass a resolution supporting the renewal of the county’s additional 0.25% sales tax for road improvements to be presented to the county commissioners. Mesler said that since the sales tax was implemented the township has received more funding for its annual road projects and that those projects would be hampered by the expiration of the tax. Trustee John Bricker agreed that losing that funding would be “a step back” for the township’s road. The board voted unanimously to pass a resolution of support.

The board of trustees will meet next at 6 p.m. Oct. 14.