The Washington Township Board of Trustees paused a decision on a major security upgrade, approved community sponsorships, and discussed the future of its senior events at its meeting on Monday, May 5. The board tabled a vote on an $11,000-plus security overhaul for the Township Center, directing Supervisor Mike Stanula to gather more detailed information on competing bids for review at the June meeting. For more details on this topic, see the full story.

In other business, trustees unanimously approved $2,500 in sponsorships for the Village of Beecher’s EMA program and the Beecher 4th of July Commission. The board also decided to continue hosting one Senior Breakfast annually after a discussion on post-pandemic attendance figures. The meeting also marked the last for Trustee George Obradovich, who did not seek reelection and was thanked by the board for his service.

LED Sign Topper Approved
The board approved the purchase of a non-lighted sign topper from All Right Sign for $2,803.87. The 16-inch-tall topper will be installed on the new LED sign board and will read “Washington Township” in white letters on a blue background. Supervisor Mike Stanula also noted he would be requesting quotes for landscaping work around the base of the new sign.

Sign Electrical Work Tabled
A decision on electrical upgrades for the township’s exterior lighting and new LED sign has been postponed. Supervisor Stanula presented a $2,868 quote from M3 Electric to split the electrical circuit, which would allow the exterior lights to be on a timer while the sign remains on 24/7. The board asked Stanula to first inquire if using dawn-to-dusk photocells on the existing circuit would be a viable, alternative option.

Trustee Obradovich Bids Farewell
Trustee George Obradovich attended his final meeting after not seeking reelection. Obradovich said it was “a privilege to serve on the Board” and that he enjoyed his tenure working with the township’s elected officials. He also announced he would no longer be serving on the village’s Historical Preservation Committee. The entire board thanked him for his service to the community.

Trustee Vacancy Announced
Supervisor Mike Stanula announced that a trustee vacancy will be effective on May 19. The Board of Trustees will consider filling the position at its next monthly meeting on June 2. The vacancy comes as Trustee George Obradovich’s term ends.

Township Budgets Set for June Vote
The final 2025-2026 Town and Road District budgets will be voted on at the next board meeting on June 2. The votes will follow separate public hearings for each budget held earlier that evening. The Road District Budget Hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m., followed by the Township Budget Hearing at 6:45 p.m. and the regular board meeting at 7 p.m.

Assessor Reports on Tax Exemptions
Assessor Pat Peters reported that her office has assisted over 70 residents with tax exemption applications. While tax rates have decreased, rising home valuations may affect tax bills. Peters advised that residents with a senior exemption freeze should not see an increase. She announced she will have a booth at the local Farmers Market this summer to provide information and answer resident questions.

Township Pays April Bills
The board unanimously approved the payment of all bills for April 2025. Expenditures included $66,172.05 from the Road & Bridge Account for items like bulk salt, fuel, and payroll. The board also approved payments totaling $24,433.04 from the Town Account and $880.08 in General Assistance for two emergency cases involving utility bills.

Road Commissioner Outlines Summer Work
According to a written report submitted by Road Commissioner Mike Smith, the highway department is preparing for summer road maintenance. Crews are working on roads that will be tarred and chipped this year, which includes tailgating stone, grading, and rolling. Smith also reported that a crew is assigned to ditch cleaning and culvert replacements, and the department is actively hauling chips for upcoming projects.