By: India Kenner
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
india@thevillagereporter.com
The Madison Township Trustees met in regular session on June 22, 2026, at the township office. Board President Terry Huffman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Trustees Terry Huffman, Mark Schmucker, and Jennifer Zuver were present. Also attending were Tony Carpenter, Austin Douglass, and Dan VanArsdalen.
The board approved the minutes from the June 8 meeting following a motion by Mark Schmucker and a second by Jennifer Zuver.
Trustees then reviewed and approved payment of routine bills, including trustee wages, fiscal officer wages, propane expenses for the fire department, road maintenance payroll, MARCS radio service, and the purchase of fire department equipment.
During department reports, the Fire Department reported no new business.
Under the Maintenance Department report, Road Superintendent Tony Carpenter informed trustees that 12 concrete barriers had been purchased and installed along the south side of the township building property. Carpenter indicated he would like to purchase an additional four to six barriers at a cost of $55 each.
Carpenter also recommended purchasing at least two loads of road salt while supplies remain available through the county, noting additional loads may be needed to completely fill the township salt shed before winter.
Trustees discussed equipment needs for the road department, including a quote received from Kalida Truck Equipment for a stainless-steel truck box.
Carpenter explained the quote was obtained to compare the cost of upgrading a used truck versus purchasing a new one.
The stainless-steel box alone was quoted at approximately $65,000, while a fully equipped new truck through the state bid program would cost approximately $138,526.
Carpenter also reported locating a 2026 used truck in Perrysburg equipped with a stainless-steel box for approximately $53,000.
Trustees discussed maintenance concerns at a township-owned property in Kunkle ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. Carpenter noted he has a sickle mower available and asked whether anyone could assist with cleanup efforts.
Under trustee reports, Huffman reported speaking with the Williams County Auditor’s Office regarding the Cole property and a residence on County Road N65. He said discussions focused on options for addressing property maintenance concerns.
Huffman was advised that such cases are handled by the prosecutor’s office in limited numbers, though involvement from the health department may be possible if utility-related issues exist at the properties.
Trustee Mark Schmucker reported obtaining pricing from National Oil for a 300-gallon fuel tank to store diesel fuel. Estimated costs ranged between $1,600 and $1,700.
Trustees also discussed the status of street signs for the Kunkle area. Carpenter reported the order was placed during the first week of June, and the signs will be manufactured as scheduling allows. The township plans to purchase nine signs from the Williams County Engineer’s Office at a cost of $29.64 each.
Additional discussion centered on a proposed annexation. Huffman reported meeting with Anthony Burnett and Tom Thompson to review the proposal and discuss compensation related to tax revenue impacts from both a previous annexation and the proposed expansion.
Huffman shared that the parties proposed payment for loss of taxes on the previous annexation as well as the new property annexation they are requesting. A total of $1,575.21 would be paid to Madison Township yearly for lost taxes.
Huffman stated he is okay with this arrangement but noted that if any ground in the future is annexed that is developed, an agreement would need to be made for compensation.
As there was no further business, Mark Schmucker made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Jennifer Zuver. The meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be July 13 at 7 p.m.