PHOTO BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
TRUSTEES … Gorham Township trustees review and discuss resolutions brought forward during their February 16 meeting.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
The Gorham Township Trustees met for their regular meeting on Monday, February 16, 2026. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, before moving on to discuss the following items.
An update was provided regarding township operations, including work on the township pickup truck and ongoing maintenance around the township hall.
It was stated that fuel would be ordered for the township tanks and stone would be placed behind the building to address mud and grading issues.
The possibility of adding part time help for seasonal or supplemental work if needed was also touched on.Fire Chief Tom Franks then spoke about fire department activity and grant-related purchases.
He said most of the equipment tied to the township FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant had arrived, representing roughly $250,000 in equipment, with some exchanges still pending. He explained the township must pay the vendor upfront and then receive reimbursement from FEMA once proof of payment is submitted.
Franks also reported the department received a separate 50/50 cost-share wildland gear grant. Lastly, he shared plans for a mock disaster drill at the high school on May 6 involving a tornado scenario and coordinated response activity.
Trustees next discussed road and property related matters, including coordination with the county engineer and timelines tied to the County Road R project.
Trustees also discussed an abandoned property where debris remained following the demolition of a structure, noting the township may move forward with formal notice and possible cleanup action if the property owner does not respond.
The board then acted on several financial items. Trustees approved mileage reimbursement at the IRS 2026 rate, along with meal reimbursement for township employees and elected officials who attended the Ohio Township Association conference.
Trustees also approved payment of a final invoice from Dave Wheeler Construction totaling $30,662.36 for work that exceeded the original $24,500 scope.
With $12,250 previously paid, trustees approved the remaining balance of $18,412.36.
Trustees approved hiring Phillips Plumbing and Heating to install a new furnace at the township fire hall EMS/fire office at a cost of $7,500. Trustees also approved the purchase of various township hall supplies and approved hiring Pflager Locksmiths to reset combinations on two safes.
Several resolutions were then adopted. Trustees approved Resolution 2026-16 accepting the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $245,238.09, establishing Fund 4902, and authorizing an advance from the general fund to pay the vendor, with reimbursements to be returned to the general fund.
Resolution 2026-17 was approved accepting a Division of State Fire Marshal Fire Department Training Grant in the amount of $1,900, along with Resolution 2026-18, establishing Fund 4901 as a miscellaneous capital projects fund and transferring $28,118 into the fund.
Next, Resolution 2026-19 was approved authorizing renewal of a Huntington Bank CDARS certificate of deposit totaling $190,186.89.
Trustees also adopted Resolution 2026-20 authorizing a $47,000 transfer to Fund 9001 for remittance to Pleasant View Union Cemetery.
Lastly, Trustees approved Resolution 2026-21 adopting the township’s 2026 permanent appropriations totaling $1,558,000.
Trustees noted the passed budget was selected over an alternative option in order to conserve funds and maintain healthier cash reserves.
With no other items to attend to, the meeting was adjourned at 8:54 p.m.