PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
RESIGNATION … York Township Trustee Jeff Mazurowski submitted his resignation to the board, which was approved at the Wednesday, March 11, meeting.
By: Renea Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
renea@thevillagereporter.com
The York Township Trustees met for their regular session on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., with much of the meeting focused on financial concerns tied to emergency medical services (EMS) funding.
Trustees also approved a park equipment purchase, reviewed grant updates, and accepted the resignation of a board member.
EMS FUNDING CONCERNS
A large portion of the meeting centered on EMS funding and how upcoming changes could affect township finances.
During a public discussion, officials explained that the township currently receives about $750,000 annually from the county for EMS operations, while actual costs have continued to climb.
Trustees said EMS expenses were around $780,000 last year and are expected to top $800,000 this year, largely due to staffing requirements, salaries, benefits, insurance, and other operational costs.
Officials said the county is considering a redistribution model that would reduce York Township’s EMS funding by about $50,000 beginning in 2027 while increasing support to northern Fulton County departments. Under the proposal, departments across the county would be expected to meet the same standard of staffing two people around the clock to receive full funding.
Trustees said York Township already meets that standard, and the reduction would place added pressure on the township’s general fund.
ROAD DEPARTMENT AND FINANCES
That discussion led to questions surrounding the township’s recent decision to eliminate one road department position.
Trustees said the move was made after months of reviewing finances and was intended to keep the general fund from carrying more of the burden for both EMS and road department costs.
Officials stressed that the township is not in fiscal distress but said they are trying to prepare early for rising expenses and uncertain funding ahead.
Trustees also noted that the road and bridge fund can only be used for specific designated purposes, meaning when salary and insurance costs exceed what that fund brings in, the difference falls back on the general fund. Part-time help may be used when needed for mowing, plowing, or cemetery work.
During the discussion, officials also addressed concerns about the township’s financial position. They said the general fund currently holds about $405,000, with more revenue still expected later in the year when the second half of real estate tax collections comes in. Trustees said the township also must be mindful of debt obligations tied to equipment purchases, including fire apparatus.
FIRE AND EMS OPERATIONS
Fire and EMS operations were also discussed in more detail. Officials explained that York Township runs the fire department and EMS service, with the county reimbursing the township for EMS operations.
They also reviewed how responses are handled, noting that calls often require additional personnel beyond the transporting squad, especially given longer transport times to hospitals in Toledo and the increasing complexity of care needed during those trips.
GRANT UPDATES
Later in the meeting, the fire chief gave several grant updates. Officials said the township received a denial on a small county volunteer fire grant application that had sought funding for aging equipment.
However, the department did receive a $15,000 State Fire Marshal equipment award, which is expected to help with turnout gear purchases.
PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT
Trustees then discussed a previously awarded playground grant for York Township Park. After reviewing options, the board approved a resolution to purchase a jungle gym from Playground Boss for $23,270, with the grant award totaling $20,165.
Officials said installation and mulch costs would be reviewed separately, with the possibility of handling some of that work locally to save money.
Another $10,000 grant award through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) was also mentioned for a skid unit, although that item was tabled for a future meeting so officials could review costs and details further.
BURNING BAN REMINDER
The fire chief also reported on open burning restrictions, reminding residents that the state’s spring burning ban is in effect from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. during March, April, and May. He said the department had already been busy with calls related to open burning.
ADDITIONAL UPDATES
Additional updates included ongoing work related to fire billing, changes in federal narcotics storage requirements for ambulances, and a cybersecurity review of township computer systems.
Trustees were told recommendations included upgraded computers, better routers, and stronger security protections for township operations.
FINANCIAL BUSINESS
In financial business, trustees approved repayment of January advances after the first-half real estate tax and EMS funding was received.
That included $40,000 from road and bridge back to the general fund and $82,000 from EMS back to the general fund.
The board also approved the annual Ohio workers’ compensation group rating program renewal.
Trustees approved meeting minutes, bank reconciliations, financial reports, electronic vouchers, purchase orders, and bills presented.
RESIGNATION
One of the more notable actions of the evening came when trustees approved the resignation of Jeff Mazurowski, effective March 31, 2026.
Mazurowski told those in attendance the decision was not made lightly, saying he had served for 12 years and felt it was simply time to step back.
Even so, he said he still plans to remain involved and help where needed.
Trustees also discussed the possibility of future public outreach related to the broader property tax debate taking place across Ohio.
Officials said local governments may need to better educate residents on what township tax dollars support, though no formal plan was adopted during this meeting.
The board then moved into executive session at 7:37 p.m. before adjourning the meeting. The next regular meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 3:30 p.m.