Officials reflect on 2019, ready for 2020

It’s been a steady year of transition for Concord Township.

And while a failed fire station levy during the November general election may have generated opposing perspectives, the township’s officials and administration nonetheless achieved a handful of substantial municipal projects, among other accomplishments.

New faces

The township’s longgoverning core of trustees also saw a significant shift, with Carl H. Dondorfer being named to the board by Trustees Paul Malchesky and Caroline “Connie” Luhta in April to fill the seat vacated by Christopher A. Galloway when he officially resigned to become the new Lake County Auditor.

Additionally, Morgan R. McIntosh was elected trustee Nov. 5 and will assume office Jan. 1. Luhta, who served for 28 years, is retiring effective Dec. 31.

However, one of her last duties, along with Dondorfer, was the recent appointment of Amy L. Lucci to the trustee seat which was vacated by Malchesky, who was elected judge of Painesville

Municipal Court last month. Malchesky’s remaining unexpired term ends Dec. 31, 2021.

Lucci will be sworn in Dec. 27.

Looking forward

Through the whirlwind of change, Administrator Andy Rose knows the township continues to move in the right direction.

“We completed a major road replacement project on Jason and Christian avenues which was on time and under budget,” he said. “Our State Infrastructure Bank loan (line of credit) was also paid to zero over 15 years early.”

Elaborating on the budget, Fiscal Officer Amy L. Dawson emphasized the township is in a healthy position and anticipates a $5.5 million carryover to next year.

“This is due to the increase in gas tax and the (2019) road projects (coming in under budget),” she said. “As a result of this, we will add to Lancaster Court (Ohio Public Works Commission grant) next year with some supplemental projects.

“Our official certificate of estimated resources shows a revenue budget of approximately $15 million next year. Realistically, I predict expenses for 2020 to be

around $12 million to $13 million.”

Major projects

Rose noted that educating the public on the fire station project was the biggest challenge of the year, and previously stated that “review and reevaluation” plans are underway and moving forward.

“The fire station replacement project is our main priority,” he said. “We also have an aggressive road program slated for 2020 including the full replacement of Lancaster (Court) along with entering into a joint road program with two other communities in order to get the best bid price.

“We also want to continue to maintain a strong and robust recreation program for our residents in addition to an expansion of our cemetery,” Rose said. “Looking to 2020, I think we should recognize the opportunity we have to utilize a fresh perspective with a brand new board (of trustees).”