WARREN TOWNSHIP — Township officials are being cautious when salting roads as they have already seen how much has had to be used this winter and the high costs to get more.

Officials stressed that the public is a top priority in keeping the roads cleared for motorists.

Road Superintendent David King said at Tuesday’s meeting that 51 tons of salt have been used to counter the heavy snowfall in December and January.

He said four road crew members worked 17 hours Sunday and Monday clearing the roads when the area saw more than 10 inches of snow.

“It was a big night for everyone clearing the roads of snow. People did not go out on the roads, which helped us in clearing them,” King said.

Officials are looking for more salt but noted the cost is high at $200 or $300 or more per ton.

He said the county engineer’s office provided salt for $52 per ton.

“Salt is like gold right now. Everyone is hurting for salt,” King said.

King said when there is heavy snow the township averages 15 tons of salt for the roads.

He said there is around 40 tons of salt left for the township.

King said salt does not work as effectively when the outside temperature is 15 degrees or less.

Trustee Chairman Ed Anthony said the road department has done a great job clearing the roads with its four-member crew.

He said they contacted one company that was selling salt for $360 per ton, which would cost $4,000 for one time salting of the roads.

“Our main priority is keeping the roads clear and safe for the residents,” he said.

Anthony said if more salt is necessary then officials will continue looking.

King said in addition to the heavy snow and ice on the roads the township dealt with water main breaks with the most recent on Dover Street.

In other matters, trustees found a used loader vehicle for the road department for $25,000 and a 2019 Chevrolet Tahoe for the police department at $19,000.

Anthony said the township is seeking three grants with two from the Geauga-Trumbull Solid Waste District for scrap tire collection and improvements at the recycling site and also a grant for upgrades at the playground by Johnson Community Center for mulch.

He said the township is also awaiting to see how much in funds the community will receive from the Kimberly-Clark facility under construction.

The property taxes from Kimberly-Clark are being shared between Howland and Warren townships.

“This is the first time the funds from Kimberly-Clark are coming to the township,” Anthony said, indicating he is not sure of the exact amount the townships are receiving.

In other action, trustees:

• Appointed Derek Marsh as assistant fiscal officer at $16 per hour. Anthony said several candidates were interviewed. Fiscal officer Chris Haught is leaving and will work with Marsh to familiarize with the job duties.

Approved moving Jason Minor from assistant fiscal officer to the position of IT technician and special assistant to the trustee board effective March 1.

• Appointed Anthony and Trustee Ryan Yoho to the tax incentive review council for 2026.

• Approved removal of attorney Cherry Poteet as legal representative effective March 1. Anthony said Poteet has done a great job but wants to cut back on her work load.