Taxes hold steady as budget is approved

Ross Township commissioners this week overwhelmingly approved a 2020 budget that keeps the tax rate steady and adds several improvements.

The $40.4 million budget passed 7-1, with Jeremy Shaffer dissenting and Patrick Mullin absent. Mr. Shaffer objected to taking money from the fund balance to improve more roads next year.

But commission President Steve Korbel noted that the township’s fund balance was higher than was recommended by state agencies.

“We have parks. We have roads that are falling apart,” he said. “We are investing in our township.”

The budget includes improvements to Denny, Evergreen, Seville and Sangree parks and more than $1.5 million in road paving. It also increases contributions to the volunteer fire departments and providing body cameras for the police department.

Keeping the tax rate at 2.7 mills was approved 80.

In other business, commissioners approved an ordinance amending the zoning ordinance to include Airbnb and other temporary rentals offered online to the section governing bed and breakfast establishments.

Township resident David Barkovich asked why commissioners were considering the ordinance and if they talked either to people who rent their homes or those who stayed there.

He said that he asked police Chief Joe Ley if there were any complaints stemming from temporary rentals, and the chief said that there were not.

But commissioners said that they were receiving the complaints.

“The neighbors were uncomfortable not knowing who was going in and out of the house. They were very concerned about public safety,” said Commissioner Grace Stanko.

Mr. Korbel said a state Supreme Court ruling gave municipalities the right to regulate temporary rentals, and many towns are doing so.

“We thought it was a smart thing to do. If I buy a house in an R1 district, I want to make sure that I am not buying a house next to a motel or hotel,” he said.

Bed and breakfasts are allowed in high-density zoning districts, such as R4.