Present were: Chairman and Trustee, Rich VanPelt, Trustee, Heather Shelton and Trustee, Jason Rodgers.

Rich VanPelt presented the following resolution and moved for its adoption.

Resolution 25-23 determining to submit to the electors of Leroy Township the question of the additional 5.5 mill fire levy pursuant to Sections 5705.19(I), 5705.191, and 505.39 of the Revised Code.

Whereas, the additional tax levy will occur in calendar year 2025, with the collection of the additional tax for five years beginning in 2026, is necessary for the proper operation of the Township Fire Department.

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Board of Leroy Township Trustees, Lake County, Ohio, that:

Section 1. This Board finds, determines and declares that the revenue that will be raised by all tax levies that this Board is authorized to impose, when combined with state and federal revenues available to this Board will be insufficient to provide for the requirements of this Township, and that it is therefore necessary to levy an additional tax in excess of the ten-mill limitation in order to raise an amount each calendar year for a period of five years beginning in calendar year 2025, first being collected in 2026. The rate of the tax shall not exceed 5.5 mills, which amounts to ($193.00) for each ($100,000) of the county auditor’s appraised value.

Section 2. Pursuant to Sections 5705.19(I), 5705.191, and 505.39 of the Revised Code, there shall be submitted to the electors of this Township at an election to be held on November 4, 2025, the question of an additional 5.5 mills tax levy in excess of the ten-mill limitation for a period of five years (commencing with the tax duplicate for the year 2025 to be first collected in the year 2026) to be levied on Leroy Township located in Lake County, Ohio, in order to raise the funds necessary each year for a period of five years, for the purpose of providing funds to maintain the Leroy Township Fire Department in providing protection against fires, in providing fire and rescue services; in providing and maintaining fire apparatus, mechanical resuscitators, underwater rescue and recovery equipment, other fire equipment and appliances, buildings and sites therefor, and sources of water supply and materials therefor; in establishing and maintaining lines of fire-alarm communications; to pay permanent, part-time, volunteer fire-fighting companies, emergency medical service, administrative, or communications personnel to operate such equipment, including the payment of any employer contributions required for such personnel under section 145.48 or 742.34 of the Revised Code; for the purchasing of ambulance equipment; for the provision of ambulance, paramedic, or other emergency medical services operated by a fire department or firefighting company; and for the payment of other related costs, at the annual tax rate necessary to raise that amount.

Section 3. The form of said ballot shall be:

(A Majority Affirmative Vote is Necessary for Passage)

“An additional tax for the benefit of Leroy Township for the purpose of providing funds to maintain the Leroy Township Fire Department in providing protection against fires, in providing fire and rescue services; in providing and maintaining fire apparatus, mechanical resuscitators, underwater rescue and recovery equipment, other fire equipment and appliances, buildings and sites therefor, and sources of water supply and materials therefor; in establishing and maintaining lines of fire-alarm communications; to pay permanent, part-time, volunteer fire-fighting companies, emergency medical service, administrative, or communications personnel to operate such equipment, including the payment of any employer contributions required for such personnel under section 145.48 or 742.34 of the Revised Code; for the purchasing of ambulance equipment; for the provision of ambulance, paramedic, or other emergency medical services operated by a fire department or firefighting company; and for the payment of other related costs, at the annual tax rate of 5.5 mills, which amounts to ($193.00) for each ($100,000) of the county auditor’s appraised value, for a term or period of five years, commencing with the tax year 2025, first collectible in 2026.”

Section 4. A certified copy of this resolution be filed with the Board of Elections of Lake County, Ohio, prior to 4:00 P.M. on August 6, 2025, in order that said Board may prepare the proper ballot for the vote thereof.

Richard VanPelt seconded the motion to adopt said resolution, and the roll being called upon for its adoption, the vote resulted as follows: Shelton, aye, VanPelt, aye.

Fiscal Officer, Alexandra C. Brown.

I hereby certify that pursuant to the provisions of Sections 5705.191, and 505.329 and related sections of the Ohio Revised Code, Alexandra C. Brown, Fiscal Officer of the Board of Township Trustees of Leroy Township, Lake County, Ohio, hereby certifies that the above and foregoing is a true and accurate copy of a resolution adopted by said Board of Trustees of Leroy Township, Lake County, Ohio at the meeting on June 10, 2025.

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Good morning,

Last week, we shared that the Leroy Township Fire Department will be placing a 5.5-mill levy on the November 2025 ballot. We’d now like to provide more details to help everyone better understand what this means for our community.

What Is This Levy?

The proposed 5.5-mill levy will replace the current 4.5-mill levy, which will be cancelled if the new levy passes. This is effectively a 1-mill increase.

Why Is It Needed?

Our department is funded solely through levies. The township does not have other means to support fire and EMS services. Without levy funding, we cannot operate or respond to emergencies.

As time goes on, levy values depreciate while the cost of operations rises—equipment, staffing, training, and fuel all cost significantly more today than they did even a few years ago. While we do our best to manage the budget responsibly, the reality is that expenses continue to increase unexpectedly.

This levy is designed to sustain us for many years without needing another increase.

Department Snapshot:

• 25 total members

o 4 full-time (career) personnel

o 3-person daily duty crew, with 2-person minimum staffing

o 1 full-time administrative assistant (also supports township duties)

• At least 1 career firefighter on duty every day

• Respond to all fire and EMS calls in Leroy Township

Why Not Last Year?

Last year’s levy was a renewal only—it continued the same funding and did not provide any additional dollars. This new levy is necessary to meet current and future demands.

Cost to Residents:

Levy Cost Per $100,000 of Assessed Value* Example: $300,000 Home (Assessed at 35%)

4.5 mills $97.00/year $101.85/year

5.5 mills $193.00/year $202.65/year

*Assessed value = 35% of appraised value (not market value)

We are committed to transparency and community involvement. Two public meetings will be held to discuss the levy and answer your questions—dates will be announced soon.

If you’d like to talk or tour the department, please call (440) 254-4124 to schedule a time. We’d be happy to speak with you personally.

Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Chief Toman

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The Lake County Auditor’s Office said that if approved, the levy would generate $1,011,705 per year and cost property owners $193 per $100,000 in appraised property valuation.

The Lake County Elections Board added that the levy would start in 2025 and first be due in 2026.

Township Fire Chief Mike Toman said that the department is facing cost increases that providers are attributing to the pandemic and tariffs.

“Everything’s just gone up in price over the last four years, and it’s making it hard to forecast our budget and keep up,” Toman said.

The department’s current equipment levy can no longer cover the costs of fire trucks and it will need to start using money from other areas of its budget to replace vehicles, he said. Vehicles that used to cost the department around $300,000 are now up to $1 million, while an ambulance that cost the department $186,000 now costs $348,000.

Even if the department gets a grant it is seeking to fund the replacement of a tanker with a failing engine, Toman said the department would possibly need to cover about $300,000.

If the levy is approved, he said it would fund the department’s day-to-day operations, including bills and payroll. The department would maintain its level of service and staffing, and it would also try to keep making improvements.

If the levy does not pass, Toman said the department would possibly need to consider staffing cuts.

“That would be the biggest cut, the biggest detriment, because we only have a duty crew of three,” he said. “If we have to go back down to two – it makes it hard working anything with two people, whether it’s an EMS call or fire.”

The department hopes that it will not need to ask for any other new levies in the next 10 years, though Toman added he cannot guarantee that because of difficulties forecasting the budget.

He said that anyone with questions can reach out to the fire department. Its phone number is 440-254-4124.

“We appreciate the support of the community that we’ve always had, and we hope to get their continued support,” he said

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All members of the Leroy community need to get out and vote as both these topics are important to our Township and require everyone’s involvement.

The two trustees who are elected will begin four-year terms on Jan. 1. They will make $16,136 a year, according to township Fiscal Officer Alexandra Brown.

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If re-elected,

Shelton would propose hiring a part-time township administrator. She said an administrator would help the trustees follow state Sunshine Laws, provide all trustees with the same information and be available to answer resident questions. She would propose paying for the role by reverting to the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office for legal issues.

She also intends to increase outreach to seniors in the community, including new senior-oriented events and a “neighbors helping neighbors” program for seniors.

Shelton would also like to make more improvements to Leroy Park, including the fencing, bleachers and playground equipment. She said improvements would also be needed to use the old school building for soccer fields. She would seek grant funding for the work.

Should you be re-elected, what are three specific areas you’d like to change, address, improve or further research, and how specifically would you go about it?:

I would like to propose the hiring of a part-time Administrator. Trustees are to conduct the township’s business with complete transparency and over the past four years that has proven to be a challenge.There are Sunshine Laws that must be adhered to when conducting township business and an Administrator would facilitate this as well as make the meetings more efficient, informative, and would ensure that all trustees are being given the same information in which to make decisions, as well as being available to the public for general questions. Trustees are not to speak about items that require a vote outside of a public meeting. Two trustees engaged in conversation about public business creates a quorum and should be avoided to ensure integrity and transparency of the board. A newly hired part-time administrator would assist with this and could also address the Human Resource needs of our administration. To offset the cost of this position I propose we revert back to using the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office to address any legal issues when they arise. There is no cost involved with using their services and this would make available the funds being used for our current legal expenditures.

Community involvement has been a priority of mine with the introduction of Outdoor Movie Night and working with our Leroy Recreation Board to present holiday events along with the summer concerts. A second item for which I would like to implement change would be our outreach to the seniors in our community. My interactions with my father as well as my involvement with other seniors I encounter as a nurse have opened my eyes to the needs of an underserved population. Monthly dinners/bingo/ craft night are just a few ideas I would like to promote. In addition, I would also like to coordinate a “Neighbors helping Neighbors”program. This would involve identifying those seniors in our community that are vulnerable, isolated, and /or are in need of assistance. I have seen first hand the out pouring of support and assistance that this community offers our fellow citizens when the opportunity arises.

In addition to the new park path and paved parking lot, which were made possible with CBDG funds I secured on behalf of Leroy Township , I”d like to make further improvements to our Leroy Park. Our community youth sports involvement is growing and the need to maintain/improve the park grounds for community use is also increasing. Our Leroy Park is in need of fencing, bleachers, new concrete under pavilion, concession building repairs and playground equipment. In order to use the old school property for soccer fields we need a gravel parking lot, shed, and mulch for playground. Dollars required to make these improvements would need to come from grant dollars as to not burden our budget. I successfully applied/utilized the grant dollars we have received for parks over the past twelve years and I’d like to pursue additional grants to make these much needed improvements.

Whether for past accomplishments or future goals, why should voters elect you?:

For the past twelve years it has been my pleasure to serve my community as one of three township trustees. I have taken the responsibility given to me by my constituents very seriously. To better serve Leroy Township I have made it a point to expand my knowledge of township government and graduated from the Ohio Township Leadership Academy (the only trustee on the board that holds this distinction).

I routinely attend the Lake County Township Association meetings to remain in communication with the other Lake County TownshipTrustees and other community leaders as we seek solutions for the challenges facing the township form of government as a whole and what we can do to strengthen our voice here in Lake County. I was the only Leroy Township Trustee to speak at the Lake County Commissioner’s meeting to show support and advocate for funding to reopen the Ford Rd. bridge project as well as the Paine Rd. project. During my tenure, parks and zoning have been the areas designated for my oversight. I have written and secured several grants that have allowed us to refurbish the South Leroy Meeting House and add a handicap accessible park path with parking lot to our Leroy Township Park. (Securing Approx. $350,000 in improvements). During the past twelve years of overseeing the Leroy Township Zoning Board I was instrumental in working with our Leroy Township Zoning Board and the Lake County Planning Commission to complete two successful comprehensive plans. The first plan instituted a 3 acre minimum lot size which I feel continues to be instrumental in preserving Leroy Township’s unique rural atmosphere. This will continue to be my focus moving forward if given the opportunity. I ask for your vote this November.

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If elected,

Greig said he would research the township’s insurance deductibles, address its roads and research how it can improve its operations and potentially save money.

He said that he has learned teamwork over more than 40 years of business and partnerships. He is also used to receiving different opinions from people with more experience in a field.

Should you be elected, what are three specific areas you’d like to change, address, improve or further research,  and how specifically would you go about it?: 

Research Township Insurance Deductibles

Address the roads

Research new ways to do what we are doing to improve and also possibly save money.

Whether for past accomplishments or future goals, why should voters elect you?:

I have been in business + partnerships for over 40 yrs. I have learned teamwork and when the majority votes to move in a certain direction, then that becomes a “we” decision + I will work to accomplish that goal even if I didn’t agree with it at first, it is now “our” decision not “their” decision.

I am used to getting different opinions on a project from people who have more experience in that field because sometimes you don’t see the forest for the trees in front of you.

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If elected,

Keeney said he intends to do more with the road department using the money that the township has. He believes that bringing in new officials can help with that goal.

“Being a road worker for Geauga County does give me some knowledge on roads and how they should be maintained,” he said later.

Keeney also would work to keep the township rural by keeping current zoning regulations and helping with needed zoning changes.

He would also focus on transparency and resident communications. He said that residents should feel like they are talking to a friend or neighbor when speaking with the officials who handle their tax dollars.

Should you be elected, what are three specific areas you’d like to change, address, improve or further research, and how specifically would you go about it?:

1. Get more things done with the road department working with the money we have. I believe having new people with fresh eyes and a different way of looking at things could help with this.

2. Keep Leroy rural. Our zoning laws are setup in a way that allows this and I will help maintain that or help with any changes that could be needed to keep it that way.

3. Transparency and communication with residents. We are a Township with a small population. The folks of Leroy should feel as if one of their friends or neighbors is handling the money that is forcefully taken from them and be able to reach out to them with any feedback and get a response that feels like its coming from a friend or neighbor and not a politician or government official.

Whether for past accomplishments or future goals, why should voters elect you?:

I have no political experience and I am not a politician. I am just a fellow community member who cares and wants to try to do right and help make our Township the best we can make it be. I have nothing negative to say about our current administration but we do need new blood in there and I hope to help inspire younger and newer people to take interest in the future. Being a road worker for Geauga County does give me some knowledge on roads and how they should be maintained and that can help when it comes to making short and long term plans on maintaining and repairing the roads we have now and setting them up to be upgraded in the future. We would all like to see our roads properly paved one day and not gone back to gravel.

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If elected,

Burhenne said she would continue efforts to modernize the township’s government, fix road department deficiencies and seek more grant funding to serve township residents.

“I have a long history of helping to fix struggling agencies,” she said. “I would like to apply that experience in turning things around in my home town.”

Should you be elected, what are three specific areas you’d like to change, address, improve or further research, and how specifically would you go about it?:

Should I be elected, I would like to focus on continuing to modernize Leroy Township government, fixing deficiencies in the road department, and working to pull in more grant money to assist in providing better service to township residents.

Whether for past accomplishments or future goals, why should voters elect you?:

I have a long history of helping to fix struggling agencies. I would like to apply that experience in turning things around in my home town.

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