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Operational Budget Reflects New Economic Environment
The 2012 Operational Budget for West Chester Township, presented to the Board of Trustees at a work session Jan. 17th, takes into account a changing economic environment with a look ahead to leaner and more challenging times.
The 2012 Operational Budget responds to revenue reductions from varying sources, West Chester's commitment to fiscal restraint and its traditional approach to conservative revenue projections and budgeted expenses in order to further weather economic challenges and effectively allocate resources for the most critical needs of the community.
"This practice has allowed the Township to remain within self-imposed budgetary constraints and build reserves by fund which will benefit the community through leaner times ahead," said Township Administrator Judi Boyko. "Additionally, the traditional strategy of budgeting based on need and not on availability of funds, further ensures staff expends within the budgetary constraints."
Regardless of how well the economic storm has been weathered to date, West Chester acknowledges it experienced the first dramatic effects of a struggling economy with reductions in property values in 2011 for the first time since 1996. Revenues in 2012 are even more impacted based on Butler County's announced property value decreases for a total impact of $3.8 million for West Chester Township.
The State's distribution of Local Government Funds (LGF) will also significantly impact local government revenues in 2012. In previous years, West Chester has received up to $1.5 million in Local Government Funds, but with HB 153 and the Governor's Ohio JobsBudget, this revenue source is cut 25% in the first year and 50% in the second year, based on the State's fiscal year.
"In light of these revenue reductions, each Township department is challenged in 2012 to deconstruct the way they operate and deliver services and then reconstruct the same with a regenerated approach," said Mrs. Boyko. "This will be a bridge year in which staff will critically analyze how we deliver service and how we can rebuild our operations in an even more cost-effective way."
West Chester's 2012 Operational Budget for all funds totals nearly $38.9 million. This does not include the Township's TIF funds.
The operational budget includes funding transfers from the General Fund to the Roads Funds to support infrastructure maintenance and replacement, as well as an expanded partnership with the Butler County Engineer's Office with an approximate $300,000 savings to taxpayers.
The operational budget does not represent individual expenditures or encumbrances, but rather is a detailed illustration of expected expenditures by account code assigned to specific budget priorities which are set by the Board of Trustees.
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ODOT to Close Portion of U.S. Route 42
Support of local U.S. Route 42 businesses is encouraged as the Ohio Department of Transportation project to improve U.S. Route 42 through West Chester continues.
On a positive note, mild winter weather has allowed crews to continue work as they focus on the relocation and installation of drainage infrastructure throughout the corridor.
In order to expedite the project and limit inconvenience, however, ODOT has announced a planned closure of a portion of U.S. Route 42 beginning Saturday, February 18th, weather permitting. While the closure is being planned for 14 days, crews are committed to completing the necessary work sooner and opening the road as soon as possible, again weather permitting.
The closure is necessary in order to replace a large culvert under the roadway.
The closure will take place near the 8700 block of U.S. Route 42, between Butler-Warren and Cox roads. Access to all businesses and properties will be maintained throughout the closure. Motorists may want to allow extra time for travel.
An approved detour route will be posted that directs traffic north on Cox Road, east on Tylersville Road and southwest on U.S. Route 42. The route is reversed for those headed southwest on U.S. Route 42.
ODOT's $9.1 million project includes the widening of U.S. Route 42 to three lanes providing a through lane in each direction and a middle two-way left-turn lane from Fields-Ertel Road north to Butler-Warren Road. The project also includes the addition of left turn lanes on both approaches of Dimmick Road, designed to provide safer roadway conditions for the traveling public. The project is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2012.
West Chester Township has no direct control over the construction process as the project is managed by ODOT, but the Township has been working closely with business and property owners to support them through the process.
West Chester Township hosts a monthly update meeting related to the project at 7:30 a.m., the first Wednesday of every month at West Chester Township Hall, 9113 Cincinnati-Dayton Road.
West Chester University: Police Accept Applications for Citizen Police Academy
The West Chester Township Police Department is now accepting applications for its sixth session of Citizen Police Academy, offered as part of the community's ongoing education program called West Chester University.
The Citizen Police Academy is designed to give civilians a closer look at the workings of the Police Department. The 10-week program will be offered on Tuesday evenings beginning March 6.
"The Citizen Police Academy was created to build a strong and lasting partnership between the Police Department and the community," said Police Chief Erik Niehaus. "Participants will learn firsthand about our operations to foster a better understanding between police and the public."
Applicants must be at least 21 years old and either reside or work in West Chester Township.
Curriculum for the Citizen Police Academy will include: Patrol Operations, Criminal Investigations, Special Operations, Traffic Investigations and much more. Participants will visit the shooting range, the township jail and forensics lab.
West Chester University is a series of informative programs offered to encourage better communication between West Chester Township government and the residents and businesses of the community.
CITIZEN POLICE ACADEMY APPLICATION |
