A half-mill levy for fire protection will likely be sought by Centerville Township based on discussion Saturday during an Annual Meeting of inhabitants.

Fourteen people, including county Commissioner David (Chauncey) Shiflett attended the meeting at the township hall at Bodus and French roads.

Supervisor Leonard Kelenski reviewed the history of contributions toward operations of the Cedar Fire Department, operated jointly with Solon Township. At one time, the township supported the fire department with a 1/2-mill levy. But the property tax was dropped four to six years ago, after which the township [ulled its contribution toward department operations from revenue from its state-allocated millage.

“In 2006 we contributed $47,307 and in 2007, it was $50,136. Both times it was taken from our general fund,” Kelenski said.

Funds normally used for the department are needed for other township activities including road improvements and improvements to the township hall.

For years, township residents have been complaining about the condition of Schomberg Road between Holy Rosary Church and Bodus Road. The road, which in years past incurred limited traffic, has handled more traffic as the result of the completion of Schomberg from Bodus north to Hohnke Road. Cost of reconstructing a 2.3-mile section of the road is estimated a $150,000 to $200,000. Conversations with Road Commission engineer Jim Johnson confirm that the county is also aware of the deteriorated condition of the road, but also has limited funds to contribute.

In addition to the cost of improving the road, officials are considering improvements at the township hall to provide designated “office space” for use by the township assessor and zoning administrator. The hall is also in need of new shingles. An oil furnace was replaced by one operating on natural gas for $1,725 last year.

A half-mill levy would generate an estimated $51,000.

“We’ve been robbing Peter to pay Paul,” Supervisor Kelenski said, adding that the board may act to place the millage request before voters in August.

No salary resolutions were adopted by the board prior to Saturday’s Annual Meeting, meaning that without a vote initiated by residents no pay raises would be provided township elected officials. No action was taken at the annual meeting.

The supervisor’s compensation will remain at $8,000; clerk, $10,000; and treasurer, $13,677.

Overall, township officials anticipate an 11 percent increase in revenue in the 2008-09 budget, from $153,900 to $164,900 or $11,000. Some $51,000 in property tax revenue is expected. An additional $22,000 is generated on a 1 percent tax administration fee collected in the township. Centerville also expects $75,000 in state shared revenue in 08-09, up from $65,000 in 07-08.

Under expenses, the township budgeted $12,000 for repairs and maintenance of the township hall. Additional moneys have also been earmarked for legal and professional fees relating to zoning issues.

As of March 12, the township’s fund balance was $246,000 up from $238,272 at the end of last fiscal year.

One seat empty at the Annual Meeting was that of longtime Trustee Richard Pleva, who died last month. The board is seeking letters of application for the post with an April 15 deadline. Action to appoint someone to the vacant seat is anticipated at the board’s April 16 meeting. The appointee will serve through November, the end of Pleva’s four-year term. The seat will be filled in the General Election.