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BROOKFIELD - Township trustees say that with passage of a road levy in 2022 and with the infusion of American Rescue Plan funds, the township was able to complete several projects this year and get others started for next year.
Trustee Chairman Dan Suttles said at Thursday's year-end meeting that 2023 was the first year for many roads to get paved since voters passed the road levy.
"We had not passed a levy and now that we did get a levy passed, we will be able to get many roads paved over the years as part of a road replacement program," he said.
Plans are to conduct paving each year as the levy generates $489,000 annually.
"We appreciate the residents seeing that we needed a road levy. Our roads were falling apart. We have unapproved roads in the township, which are dirt that will be paved at the end of 20 years. We will try to do one a year," Suttles said.
The township received $869,000 in ARP funds mostly for capital improvement projects, such as a $40,000 culvert project on Thomas Road and paving on Grove Street.
"There are projects we would not have been able to do without ARPA funds," he said.
Trustee Shannon Devitz said ARP funds were used for a new township administration building sign and enhancement of the gazebo at the center.
Trustee Mark Ferrara said funds also were used at the township park.
Suttles said ARP funds are paying for a concrete base for a carport by the police department.
Ferrara said some of the money also was used for a pickup truck for the fire department and a truck for the road department.
Officials said they combined ARP funding with general fund money for the vehicles.
PAY RATES
In other business, trustees set the pay for part-time police and firefighters.
Part-time patrolmen will receive $15 per hour and no benefits, with the police chief paid up to $18 per hour after three years, with no benefits.
Part-time firefighters and emergency medical technicians were set at $15 an hour; part-time firefighters / paramedics at $17 per hour; and emergency medical technicians $13 per hour, all with no benefits.
In other action, trustees
Approved buying a 9-foot snow plow from Cross Equipment Co. for $8,325.
Approved Cherry Poteet at $150 per hour as township attorney, and Peter Griggs as code enforcement attorney at $225 per hour.
Renewed an agreement with Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste Management District for replacement of recycling containers at the fire station.
Set organizational meeting for 6 p.m. Jan. 8, followed by regular meeting at 7 p.m.