By: India Kenner
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
india@thevillagereporter.com
The Bridgewater Township Board of Trustees convened for its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Township Hall in Bridgewater Center. The session was called to order by Chairman Brandon Hinkle at 8:00 p.m.
Present for roll call were Trustees Austin Rummel, Mike Elser, Chairman Brandon Hinkle, and Fiscal Officer Nicki Cogswell. Also in attendance was Charles Headly.
The board unanimously approved the minutes and financial report from the previous meeting on a motion by Hinkle, seconded by Elser.
A subsequent motion by Elser, seconded by Rummel, authorized payment of the township’s bills. Trustees then signed the bank reconciliations for December 2025 and January 2026.
Trustees reviewed fire run reports submitted by the Village of Montpelier Fire Department.
An email from the township’s insurance provider, Hylant, informed the board about coverage related to towing motorists and included a disclaimer form to be signed before using township equipment for any such activity. Trustees confirmed that the township does not engage in vehicle towing and agreed to keep the form on file for reference.
Hylant also shared results from a recent audit of the township, noting that no recommendations were issued.
The board reviewed several road right-of-way permits. Trustees discussed current road conditions and identified areas of concern but took no formal action at this time.
Hinkle reported that a promotional banner for the Northwest Township Fire Department’s annual Pancake Breakfast had been placed outside the Township Hall.
The event was scheduled for Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., as part of ongoing fundraising efforts to support local fire services.
The meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m. on a motion by Hinkle, seconded by Elser. The minutes were approved and signed by Fiscal Officer Nicki Cogswell and Trustees Austin Rummel, Mike Elser, and Brandon Hinkle.
Bridgewater Township, located in Williams County, holds regular meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 8:00 p.m. at the Township Hall. The next meeting will take place March 18, 2026.