PERRY TOWNSHIP – Perry Township is taking steps to replenish its salt stores.

During the board of trustees meeting Monday, the trustees voted unanimously to purchase an additional 45 tons of salt through the 2025 Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) road salt contract. Municipalities participating in the annual salt contracts order salt a year in advance, before they know the prices, and are then able to take up to 15% more or less than the figure they initially ordered based on its needs. The 45 tons the trustees voted to order Monday represents the full 15% overage it is permitted to purchase at the current contract price of $58.72 per ton.

The trustees explained with the severe winter weather conditions this year the price of salt is expected to rise again in 2026, so it would be more economical to take the full overage at this year’s price and order less salt for next year. The trustees also voted unanimously to participate in the ODOT salt contracts awarded in 2026 and order 100 tons of salt for 2027. Trustees Tony Ieropoli said the last of the township’s 2025 salt order was delivered Monday afternoon and totaled 208 tons of salt, bringing the township’s current stockpile to 345 tons of salt on hand.

The trustees also approved the purchase of new batteries for the fire department’s north tower at a cost of $530. Trustee Russ Sinsley said the batteries were for the fire department’s paging system and the old batteries had worn out from use. He also said the batteries typically have an estimated life span of eight-to-ten years, and the new batteries also had an expected service life of eight-to ten-years.

The trustees also voted unanimously to accept a $9,775

Energized Community Grant from the Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC), and to award $500 each to the Salem Summer Concert Series, the Salem Community Pantry, and the Brightside Project from the NOPEC Community Sponsor Grant.

During his report, Zoning Inspector Dan Bowers said he had issued five permits and five violations in March. He also addressed criticisms levied against him in a recent letter to the editor published in this newspaper which disputed his statement in the board of trustees Feb. 23 meeting that there was nothing in the township’s zoning code prohibiting a dispensary.

“When it comes to issuing business permits, if it’s zoned business, its permitted. There is no permit for me to issue. I would strongly encourage residents rather than posting memes online with doctored photos to attend our meetings, and they would be very welcome to have their questions answered,” said Bowers.

During open discussion, Board of Trustees Chair Steve Bailey said the township was required by the state to complete and implement a formal cybersecurity plan by June 30. Bailey said that the plan was required to include a list of all the township’s computers and the sign on information for all users, written response plans for different types of cyber-attacks, and annual cybersecurity training for all township employees.

Bailey also announced the police and fire department would be hosting an Easter egg hunt at the north station on April 4. Bailey said the start time had not been set yet but would be announced once it was finalized.

During his report Ieropoli said while attending the Columbiana County Health District’s meeting as the township’s representative he learned about its free car seat and Pack-n-Play program. He said qualifying Columbiana County residents can receive a convertible car seat, booster seat, Pack-n-Play, or infant carrier for free. To be eligible a person must be a Columbiana County resident, be WIC income eligible, and have an age-eligible child or be in their third trimester of pregnancy. For more information or questions call 330-424-0272 extension 114.

The board of trustees will meet next at 4 p.m. on April 13.