PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
TURNPIKE TALK … Northwest Township Fiscal Officer Peggy Disbro and Trustees Paul Green, Robert Kissinger II, and Mary Gniewkowski discussed potential updates coming to the Ohio Turnpike – which would include raising the bridge over the toll road.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Northwest Township regular meeting was held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, to conduct routine business and receive updates on several grant awards. Present were Fiscal Officer Peggy Disbro, Trustees Paul Green, Robert Kissinger II, and Mary Gniewkowski.
While discussing the financial report, Gniewkowski brought up several concerns during the review. She noted that in August of 2025, the Ohio Township Association approved compensation rates for its trustees and fiscal officers for 2026. “The trustees’ collective salary is a little less than $35,000. I’d like to know why you budgeted $48,000?” she asked.
Disbro explained that when allotting salary funds, she draws 70% from the general fund and 30% from the gasoline fund. “But if our general fund is getting into pretty bad shape, I might have to move that percentage down to forty or fifty, and move it up into another area. I want to make sure that the money is there so I can move it around.”
“And why did you add almost $2,000 to yours?” Gniewkowski continued. “I always have it high on purpose so I can move it from fund to fund if I have to,” stated Disbro.
Trustee Gniewkowski mentioned that a resolution or ordinance is required by the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) to move funds. “I haven’t seen any resolution in any of the minutes,” she said.
“That’s for when you move it from fund to fund. But if you move it within a fund – that’s the way I was told to do it,” Disbro said. “I do my resolution not by line item, I do it by salaries and then ‘other.’ So as long as anything is in that ‘other’ category, I can move it.”
Gniewkowski did not approve the financials, but the motion passed with Green and Kissinger both voting yes.
Doug Mason, Maintenance Manager, reported on routine maintenance efforts around the township. He also gave notice that March 6, 2026, would be his last day.
The Northwest Fire Chief announced two grants awarded to Northwest Township. The fire department was awarded a $2,000 training grant and a $36,000 building renovation grant for the fire hall. “All new steel, heat, and AC,” he said.
Trustee Green requested permission to participate in a Zoom call with county and Ohio Turnpike representatives. He explained that, in a couple of years, the bridge over the toll road (County Road 5) will be raised, though the specifics of the project are not yet known. Green will attend the call to gather more information.
Gniewkowski shared updates on the 7-Eleven Speedway project, noting that the zoning process is progressing. “I believe the zoning will be getting permits. I don’t know when the site plans will be coming, that’s just a preliminary,” she explained.
She reported that the company is hoping to break ground in fall 2026, but noted she is unsure of the current condition of the sewer system in the area.
The trustees then proceeded to sign employee and business checks. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:29 p.m. The next Northwest Township Trustee meeting will be held March 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m.