PHOTO BY BRIANNA BALOGH / THE VILLAGE REPORTER
NEW BUSINESS … Fiscal Officer Jodi Radabaugh reviews a lengthy lineup of new‑business items during Monday’s session.
By: Brianna Balogh
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The St. Joseph Township Trustees met at the Township Hall on Monday, March 23, 2026. All trustees, Roger Muehlfeld, Cade LaLonde, and Kip Pahl, were in attendance as well as Fiscal Officer Jodi Radabaugh and road man Mark Krill.
Muehlfeld called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited before focusing on the night’s agenda.
MINUTES AND FINANCIAL REPORT
The first order of business was approval of the previous meeting minutes, which were passed unanimously with no corrections or additions.
As the bank reconciliations and purchase orders were distributed for review and signatures, Muehlfeld moved to pay the bills and Pahl seconded.
The receipt report for March was also distributed to the trustees. Radabaugh noted the payment from the county auditor was abnormal due to the first half payment of regular real estate tax and real estate tax from Mobile Home Estates in addition to the normal monthly disbursements.
OLD BUSINESS
At the previous meeting, both LaLonde and Muehlfeld signed an Entity Authorization form for The Hicksville Bank. With Pahl having been absent, his signature was still needed.
Radabaugh also explained that the application for the deposit of public monies, recurring every five years, is due, requiring all trustees to sign.
Radabaugh updated the group on an out-of-use laptop. After contacting the prosecuting attorney, the only ethically compliant options were to sell, donate, or dispose of the laptop.
After suggesting disposal, the trustees agreed that would be the better option. Radabaugh assured that she would obtain an invoice for the disposal.
The trustees received the Certificate of Insurance for Armstrong Backhoe for the year.
Radabaugh updated that the certificate of annual appropriations from the county auditor was approved. This was submitted with the permanent appropriations, meaning the budget is good for the year.
SALT BARN
At the previous meeting, Muehlfeld distributed a letter from Mary Carr, a USDA Rural Development representative, stating that the salt barn can be built prior to receiving the grant money.
Radabaugh reached out to the State Auditor’s office to verify that the grant money could be reimbursed upon project completion.
While they typically have a more formal agreement, the representative stated they can be flexible and this would likely pass the audit.
Muehlfeld reported that he was able to speak with Edon Village Administrator Chad Ordway regarding their salt barn. At 16 by 20 feet, it can hold 60 tons.
Muehlfeld felt this may be too small and suggested a 20-by-30 or 20-by-40-foot building. Pahl suggested that once the weather improved, the group physically stake out the building size for a better visual.
The proposed building would potentially be constructed using precast concrete blocks. LaLonde offered some old surveys he had which would help determine where service lines are.
Muehlfeld noted that there is no time limit for the grant. A permit from the village will also be required before construction can begin.
PUBLIC RECORDS TRAINING
The last item of old business was Certified Public Records training, which Radabaugh will be completing on April 16.
NEW BUSINESS
Radabaugh distributed a quarterly newsletter from the Ohio Township Association Risk Management Authority (OTARMA) to the trustees. Radabaugh also confirmed with Muehlfeld the upcoming West Buffalo Cemetery meeting on April 7 at 5 p.m.
Radabaugh noted, especially for new trustee Pahl, that she would need his annual driving abstracts to be submitted to the state.
Upcoming will be the 2024-2025 audit, probably closer to June or July. This will be a more in-depth audit than the past year.
CONFERENCE AND TRAINING
Radabaugh will not be attending the Local Government Officials Conference (LGOC). As an alternative, Radabaugh is requesting approval to take 12 recorded courses through the Ohio Township Association Winter Workshop at a cost of $185 — significantly lower than the $300 conference fee.
That fee covers a full year. Muehlfeld moved to approve. LaLonde seconded the motion, which was passed with no objections.
Radabaugh also invited the trustees to attend a cyber security meeting offered through the county IT department. The training on Thursday, March 26, would cover guiding principles, guidelines, and code requirements. Radabaugh plans to attend.
CHIP AND SEAL PROJECT
Discussion turned to an upcoming chip and seal project covering approximately 7.1 miles. Resolution 6-2026 was passed at the previous meeting. A quote was distributed and discussed.
Pahl suggested making sure it was limestone or gravel. Muehlfeld stated that they usually receive a figure sheet containing the exact material amount depending on the miles. Pahl was tasked with obtaining additional options and quotes.
OTARMA AND POLICY REVIEW
OTARMA reached out stating they like to meet with members once every five years to review policy and highlight additional benefits to their programs. Radabaugh asked if any trustee would like to meet, and Pahl suggested asking for potential dates to better plan.
BOUNDARY ANNEXATION AND REAL ESTATE TAX
The Williams County District Advisory Council met on March 5. With no township trustees present, no update could be given.
Radabaugh noted that information on the 2026 Boundary Annexation Survey is available and can be forwarded to any trustee who may be interested.
The Ohio Township Association (OTA) is providing a communication tool kit for township services and local funding. The tool kit is in anticipation of the proposed abolition of real estate tax being placed on the ballot.
The topics discussed will cover how and where real estate tax is used as well as what programs would immediately suffer upon its enactment.
OTARMA MORE GRANT AND ROAD SIGNAGE
Muehlfeld asked for an update on the OTARMA MORE grant, a risk-reduction program offering funds for safety equipment, training, or OTA conference fees. Krill is working on signage needs and the replacement of a few vehicle fire extinguishers.
Radabaugh shared a picture of wooden frames built by Krill for some of the road signage, which is planned to be submitted with other documentation for the grant application.
Pahl asked about acquiring newer plastic ones. Krill stated he could use some assistance in locating vendors; however, as a one-person crew, the sandbags required to weigh them down can be difficult to manage. He is confident in being able to maneuver the wooden frames.
Muehlfeld brought up a needed sign and light on County Road C75 to warn of the impending stop sign.
Pahl agreed, noting that on an icy road it can be particularly dangerous. Estimating the sign would cost approximately $1,000, Pahl volunteered to follow up on pricing. Krill also noted the need for additional high water signs.
CEMETERY UPDATES
Updating from the previous meeting, the deeds for lots 35-38 at Farnham Cemetery have been completed following work with Steve Jennings on the purchase of those lots. Payment will be submitted to Radabaugh.
Radabaugh reported three dead trees needing to be taken down in the cemetery. Cemetery maintenance grants will open July 1 and can be up to $5,000.
Radabaugh plans to look into applying. Radabaugh also would like to discuss the possibility of raising lot prices at Maple Grove Cemetery and plans to pull comparisons to other local cemeteries as a starting point.
DITCH AND CULVERT WORK
LaLonde asked about any planned or upcoming ditch or culvert work. Krill is currently working through smaller projects removing sediment and debris from drainage channels to restore water flow.
LaLonde informed Krill of an ongoing issue on County Road 3. Krill said he would look into it, noting it has been fixed before and he was familiar with the location.
FIRE STATION COMMITTEE
Muehlfeld informed the group that he was asked to serve on the Fire Station 30 committee to discuss plans for a new fire station in Edgerton.
The meeting is set for March 30 at 4 p.m. Radabaugh asked about transitioning to a fire district, to which Muehlfeld replied that the new station would take precedence given the grant’s time constraint.
ADJOURNMENT
With no other new business to discuss, LaLonde motioned to adjourn. Muehlfeld seconded and the motion was passed, adjourning the meeting at 6:37 p.m.
For more on local township governance and road projects, see NORTHWEST TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES: Township Eyes Safety Camera Program, Bridge Upgrades.
The next trustee meeting is scheduled for April 27, 2026, at 6 p.m.
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