3/19/2024 - Solon Township | Budget Discussion Minutes

Summary

The Solon Township Board convened on March 19, 2024, to discuss and approve the proposed budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Key decisions included the approval of a fire millage proposal, an amendment of the previous year's budget, and the overall budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Public Comments

There were no public comments during the initial public comment session. However, Mary Taylor later inquired whether the funds raised for parks could be deposited into a Certificate of Deposit (CD).

Infrastructure Projects

A proposal was made regarding a fire millage of 2.50 mills that is expected to generate approximately $358,000.00 in 2024-2025, with an additional projection of $375,000.00 for 2025-2026. This proposal was moved by Shirley Mikowski and seconded by Joan Gauthier, ultimately passing with a 4-0 vote.

Other Business

The Township Board discussed various budget considerations including ARPA funds, cemetery costs, elections, parks maintenance, and several repairs needed at the Township Hall. Line items for several positions and operations saw increases for the upcoming fiscal year, pending approval at the annual meeting.

Financial Summary

- The Township received a total of $168,705.00 for the fiscal year 2023-2024 from State Revenue Sharing, with a budgeted amount of $170,000.00. - Total anticipated income for 2024-2025 stands at $1,186,472.38. - The proposed general fund expenses reached $638,493.77 for 2024-2025. - A fire millage was proposed to increase from an expected $320,000.00 to $358,000.00 for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. - The Board approved various expenses increases across different departments, ensuring budgetary adjustments for anticipated operational costs.

Action Items

- The Board will prepare a final budget after evaluating all outstanding bills and income received. - Shirley Mikowski and Joan Gauthier will follow up on the amendment of the prior year’s budget by accessing necessary funds from the General Fund. - Further discussion regarding the possibility of placing parks funds into a CD will be considered.