Township holding its Annual Meeting Saturday morning

No salary increases are included in Solon Township's 2007-08 budget, which will be among the issues discussed at the Annual Meeting of township inhabitants at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Cedar fire hall.

The budget review will likely take a back seat to two other topics: the planned municipal sewer system in the unincorporated village of Cedar, and criticism of the Solon-Centerville fire chief Albin Rosinski from some members of the volunteer department who have called for his resignation. (See related story on Page 1.)

A total of $198,200 in estimated receipts, up $9,000 (4.5 percent) from this year’s adopted budget, are forecast in the new spending plan. That does not include some $114,504 the township has in various funds for road improvements, computer equipment, sidewalk improvements, and a fire department sinking fund.

The budget also includes an estimated $100,000 in state shared revenue for the township, which is unchanged from this year. Some $45,000 is expected to go in township coffers through the annual millage levy, up $4,300 from this year.

The half-mill levied by Solon for fire operations is expected to generate an additional $37,000.

Board members made no provisions for increases in salary for township officers in 2007-08. Unless an increase is initiated and supported by those attending Saturday’s annual gathering, compensation for the supervisor, clerk and treasurer will remain unchanged. In the budget year that ends March 31, salary levels were $9,810 for the supervisor, $11,200 for the clerk, and $11,960 for the treasurer.

The proposed fire department budget will also be reviewed at Saturday’s Annual Meeting.

Total anticipated income for the department is $501,162. However, the total includes $276,162 of unallocated funds, of which $100,000 is restricted for rescue services/equipment only. In addition, fire and rescue operations will receive support from both Solon and Centerville townships totaling $97,000. Both townships have earmarked general fund contributions of $11,000 in addition to $37,500 from the half-mill levy from Solon and an identical match from Centerville from its general fund.

Contracts with Kasson and Cleveland townships for $43,000 will generate $86,000 for the department, in addition to $35,000 in anticipated ambulance run revenue.

The fire budget for 2007-08 is estimated at $162,800 and includes $32,000 for insurance; and $18,000 in salaries and supplemental work performed by the clerk and treasurer. Line items of $12,000 are figured into the budget for building repairs and maintenance, firefighter compensation, and fire training supplies. Additionally, $7,700 is earmarked for radio repairs and maintenance, and $9,900 for equipment upgrades. Another $7,200 is identified for both department physicals and replacement of fire coats.

At year’s end, the department’s fund balance is estimated at about $187,000.