West Chester Community Report Winter 2021

TOWNSHIP BUDGET

West Chester’s commitment to taxpayers and the sustainability of the community

Each year West Chester sets out to plan an operational budget that is reflective of the community and pilots a course of sustainability for not just the year ahead, but for the next year, the next year and the year after that.

Township government is one of the most basic forms of government. The services township governments are obligated to provide are limited.

The Ohio Revised Code requires townships to approve Permanent Appropriations and submit these to the county budget commission each year. The Permanent Appropriations Resolution provides only the most basic picture of township resources, reporting anticipated revenues and projected expenses by fund, but this is considered a township’s official budget.

“West Chester Township demands more budgetary diligence and accountability so we go the extra step to develop an operational budget,” said Finance Director Ken Keim. “The operational budget becomes the road map for how taxpayer money will be spent throughout the year with controls in place to keep on task and on track.”

Keim and his finance team work with the Township Administrator and department directors starting each summer to assemble an operational budget that is presented to the Board of Trustees each January. The operational budget includes 10 primary funds – General Fund, four separate Roads Funds, Cemetery Fund, West Chester Community Television Fund, Police Fund and Fire and EMS Funds. The operational budget assigns expenses with more specificity to budget priorities by account code.

“It is the more stringent guidelines of this operational budget that have helped map a conservative and successful course for the organization and maintain cash carryover in all critical funds,” added Mr. Keim. “The operational budget reflects priorities and illuminates short and long term goals.”

At the time of this writing, the 2022 operational budgeting process was not yet complete and not all numbers referenced in this publication are final, but the content of this newsletter is intended to enlighten and inform our community of the Township’s position financially and its commitment to being good stewards of taxpayer dollars.

The 2021 Operational Budget for the Township was $48.1 million, a 5% decrease from 2020. The 2022 Operational Budget proposal

will be presented to the Board of Trustees in January. It is estimated that the total 2022 operational budget will be about $51 Million. Of this total, the lion’s share goes to public safety services with the Police and Fire & EMS Funds having levies specifically assigned to these services.

As a resident or business owner in West Chester Township, it is important to know that the operational budget does not include the resources of TIF (Tax Increment Financing), even though TIF is a frequent topic/issue of debate and conversation. TIF is a funding source that gives townships local control of new property taxes collected as a result of commercial development within set areas. While not included with other revenue sources, West Chester has utilized TIF to offset some expenses that would typically have weighed on the operational budget.

“While its uses are limited by state statute, TIF has been a gamechanger for this community off-loading costs of things like new fire stations, fire apparatus, police vehicles and community amenities like parks and libraries, when appropriate, from the backs of residential taxpayers to corporate investors,” Mr. Keim said. “TIF, however, is not an answer to everything and can only fund actual equipment, buildings, etc., not the people needed to operate and manage additional services to the community. Likewise there are geographical limitations. Sometimes citizens may think why there, or why not here. The answer is usually about having the funds available for the specific area and following the rules.”

Acceptance of the operational budget by the Board of Trustees does not demonstrate a blanket approval for those services and equipment identified in the budget. Individual expenditures greater than $7,500 come before the Board of Trustees for approval throughout the year.

Meet Your Township Finance Director: Ken Keim

Finance Director Ken Keim joined West Chester in April 2007 and this is his 15th budget cycle with West Chester. He is a proud graduate of The Ohio State University with an MBA from Northern Arizona University. He is a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Management Accountant.

Save the Date: You’re Invited to the 2022 Operational Budget Work Session!

The West Chester Township Board of Trustees welcomes the public to attend the 2022 Operational Budget Work Session beginning at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 18 at West Chester Township Hall, 9113 Cincinnati-Dayton Road. West Chester Township Administrator Larry D. Burks will present the budget proposal to the Board of Trustees with Finance Director Ken Keim. Police Chief Joel Herzog, Fire Chief Rick Prinz and Community Services Director Tim Franck will also deliver remarks on the budget proposal and offer a recap of 2021.

Can’t make the work session? The session is video recorded and will be available at www.westchesteroh.org and the Operational Budget summary will be posted there as well. Citizen comments are not typically accepted at the work session.

WHERE YOUR TAX $’S GO

PAYING THE BILLS

A closer look at West Chester’s revenue sources

Property taxes make up the largest portion of West Chester’s operational budget revenues that are put to use to serve the community. West Chester itself has no mechanism to collect taxes, but rather receives funds distributed by Butler County, the State of Ohio and in some cases the federal government.

Part of the complexity of serving a township of more than 64,000 residents and 3,600 businesses is diversifying revenue streams to benefit the community and lessen reliance on the more volatile sources of revenue that come to the community.

In total, Township revenues in the operational accounts are approximately $48 million annually. Budgeted expenses are always within available resources.

Property taxes, of course, are the primary source of revenue. West Chester receives 1% of every tax dollar for general government services and 1% of every tax dollar for roads. This is considered “inside millage” and is the only property tax collection that comes to West Chester that is not voted upon by residents.

The approximately $1.8 million collected in property taxes annually for general government services funds West Chester Township’s administration, finance, human resources, community development, parks, planning & zoning, etc.

“The Township must be frugal to provide the types of services the community demands within the constraints of revenues,” said Finance Director Ken Keim. “Obviously, property taxes alone cannot support these services and so we rely on other funding sources as well.”

The Township also receives funding from the Local Government Fund (State of Ohio), from a permissive tax applied to hotels and based on room stays, from liquor permits, fees and fines; and from interest. These funds are typically more subject to the overall economy (travel, etc.) and therefore West Chester plans and budgets for these revenues in a more pessimistic way.

The implementation of a Joint Economic Development District in the community in 2009, made the biggest difference in diversifying the Township’s revenue stream without increasing property taxes for general government services. West Chester currently has one JEDD – a defined area in which a township can collect a 1% income tax from those working in the defined area. West Chester’s only JEDD is at the corner of Cincinnati-Dayton Road and Union Centre Boulevard and is occupied by GE Aviation.

The approximately $1.8 million raised each year through the JEDD is shared by the General Fund (general government services) and Police and Fire.

“Revenue resources such as JEDD and TIF have allowed the Township to be sustainable and remain conservative in terms of maintaining carryovers,” Mr. Keim said. “There is still no magic wand that casts a spell ensuring that West Chester will always reap the benefit of these resources, so in planning and budgeting it is important that West Chester recognize its limitations as a township to manage services in the long run without a dedicated revenue source to support it.”

Residents sometimes cite a desire for more parks and similar opportunities. It is important to note that in the early 2000s West Chester residents voted against a park levy and community center then leaving parks to be funded from general government funds and supplemented through TIF.

Townships are sometimes referred to as “ala carte” government

because in order to get “extra” services a new dedicated levy is likely required to do so.

Public Safety has clearly been a service supported by the community as is evidenced by passage of two new levies in 2020. Township Police and Fire services are funded primarily with these levy funds, but the Township endeavors to stretch this funding through grants, EMS billing, fines, liquor permits, JEDD and TIF. The police department also partners with Lakota in a commitment to the mission of protecting youth and a shared responsibility for employing school resource officers through the full year.

Sources of Township Funding

Your Property Values. Your Property Taxes.

The value of your property is determined by the Butler County Auditor’s Office which is required to do a revaluation every six years with minor changes each year; and the property taxes you pay is determined by tax levies approved by voters and by an inside millage.

West Chester Township levies 1.49 mils that go toward general government and roads (2% of each tax dollar) which is a millage approved by statute without voter approval. This inside millage is permitted via Article XII of the Ohio Constitution. The state Constitution allows for up to 10 mils to be assessed without voter approval and this amount is segmented among various levels of government. West Chester Township’s portion was set in the early years of the state and has remained the same since.

West Chester also has four voter-approved levies, two each for Police and Fire - 9.0 gross mils for Police and 8.0 gross mils for Fire & EMS.

Many equate increased property values with increased property taxes. While that is the case to some extent, most levies are constricted to the collections that were set at the time they were approved. The inside millage collection can increase with increased property values, which is applied to West Chester’s 1.49 mills or 2% of your tax dollar.

A formula called the effective rate however, is applied to all properties within the jurisdiction to reduce individual tax collections so overall collections do not exceed the amount approved at the time the levy was approved.

Use the QR code to access a video that shows how this works.

An increased property value is generally a good thing. Taxes might increase in some cases, but primarily it means your investment is doing well and ultimately the owner will reap the benefit.

Assessed valuation is 35% of actual property value. Property taxes are based upon levies applied to the assessed value of the property.

Learn more about your property’s value and how it translates to property taxes paid by visiting the Butler County Auditor’s website.

TIF IS A GAME CHANGER

Corporate investment in TIF means community control of resources

Tax Increment Financing was introduced by the State Legislature in the early 1990s as a way for growing townships to encourage economic development and extend local control of revenues that could be reinvested locally.

The statutes governing how TIF is to be implemented have changed slightly over the years, but the basic premise has remained the same. Within set geographic areas, new commercial investment can be assessed a PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) that can be retained by the local community for capital improvements to that same geography. The PILOT is based solely on the new value (not the existing value of the property).

The money collected as part of the TIF can be used for public infrastructure (buildings, equipment, roads, etc.) with a life of at least 5 years and for private infrastructure development that inspires further economic investment.

Since the construction of the Union Centre Boulevard interchange, West Chester has endeavored to deploy TIF resources in a balanced way benefitting the overall community interest and the pursuit of continued private corporate investment.

“TIF is sometimes viewed unfavorably by residents, but these resources which come from the private sector have allowed West Chester to develop parks, build a library, purchase fire apparatus, and build fire stations without burden to residential property owners,” said West Chester Township Administrator Larry D. Burks. “The Township also steers TIF funding to projects which might be viewed as having more benefit to business than residential tax payers – such as roads, utilities, and the DDI.”

West Chester annually sets aside TIF funds for paving Butler County roads in the districts, as well as funding for defined projects such as the Union Centre DDI and landscape, The Square, and firetrucks. The DDI configuration has increased safety at the interchange since it opened and increases capacity to handle vehicles. The DDI landscape project, still underway, helps define the community to those using the interchange making it marketable and welcoming.

TIF funded the recent construction of the $3.8 million Fire Station 73 on Duff Road.

West Chester Township has eight TIF Districts and collects $15 –

Carryovers Support Positive Budget Planning

Cash carryovers have always played an important role in West Chester Township’s financial success. Budgeting to need, rather than available resources, has kept West Chester financially sound throughout bleak economic times of recession and play a vital role in extending expected lifespans of public safety levies and West Chester’s enviable Aaa bond rating.

Carryovers in the Township’s most critical primary funds – Police, Fire, Roads and General - give confidence in times like 2020 when revenue collections and other revenue sources might have experienced decreases; as well as during the Great Recession.

“Saving money and having cash on hand demonstrates fiscal constraint and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources,” said Finance Director Ken Keim. “If the Township found itself in financial

$20 million total into these districts annually. Some districts collect more than others with UCB being the most lucrative. Some districts are obligated to specific projects such as the Liberty Way interchange.

The Lakota Local Schools receive annual payments of approximately $5 million from West Chester TIFs.

“It’s all about working to build a well-rounded community for our residents and businesses,” Mr. Burks said. “It can be challenging to identify the right projects that add to the overall community interest, can be sustainable into the future and don’t create added burden for the future.”

While TIF can be used to build things, it can’t be used to pay people to manage them. Adding park spaces, for example, has to be well thought out because with a new park comes new maintenance responsibilities. If park size and amenities are considered and kept in line with what can be managed with existing staff, the project is sustainable.

The Midpointe Library is another example. TIF funds were used to construct the library, but the Midpointe Library System takes all responsibility for operating, managing and maintaining the facility. It becomes an amenity that did not require our township government to grow.

MidPointe Library

crisis, there would still be some breathing room before services were cut or taxpayers were asked to pay more.”

West Chester sets carryover goals in each of the primary funds. These goals give some confidence in funding for the next year’s payroll especially in the levy supported public safety funds.

West Chester entered 2021 with carryovers in each of its primary funds: General Fund - $9.9 million; Roads Funds$2.9 million; Police Fund - $12.9 million; Fire & EMS Funds - $13.4 million.

The books aren’t yet closed on 2021, but new carryover figures will be available as part of the 2022 Operational Budget Work Session.

COVID RELIEF FUNDING

was left with an allocation of $3,913.505.90 from the CARES Act.

“After considering the guidance for eligible expenses for CARES Act funding, it was determined by the Board of Trustees that personnel costs for first responders during the pandemic was permitted by the legislation and would offer benefit to all taxpayers across the board,” said Township Administrator Larry D. Burks. “By relieving levy funds of some of these costs, there was potential that levies could last longer and translate to savings for all.”

The more than $3.9 million from the CARES Act paid for personnel costs for Police, Fire and EMS and Dispatch from April 10, 2020 payroll to July 3, 2020 payroll.

There isn’t really a single part of our collective lives that were not impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in some way. Lives were lost and families will be changed forever by the health/ medical implications. Businesses struggled and some were lost while others reinvented themselves in a new way. First responders and health care workers stared the pandemic in the face and persevered.

Government stepped in to try and “make up the difference” in people’s economic position. This was done in direct payment to families and also through grants made to local governments and agencies.

As with all grants and funding awarded through these types of processes, there are strings attached. Working within the constraints, West Chester balanced the deployment of new resources its received in response to the pandemic and will continue to do so.

Since 2019, West Chester Township has been granted approximately $7,998,431.95 through various COVID-19 programs, with an additional $3.3 million expected in the next couple years. Smaller grants from OTARMA ($500) and similar went directly toward purchase of personal protective equipment for first responders. Larger grant awards to the Township as part of county, federal and state legislation came with more guardrails in place and required more direction.

Funds distributed through the CARES Act and the more recent American Recovery Program Act (ARPA) were awarded to local governments to respond to loss of revenue and impacts of response to COVID-19.

The CARES Act awarded in October 2020 was slightly more restrictive in its constraints than the more recent ARPA funding.

“Because of the way our Township is funded – primarily property taxes – and the more stable nature of our local economy, West Chester Township did not experience the same negative impact on revenues of similar communities that rely on income and sales tax,” said West Chester Finance Director Ken Keim. “Our hardest hit revenue account was the hotel tax.”

In terms of expenses, West Chester Township incurred added costs primarily for PPE, overtime for first responders and technology to support some work-from-home. Regardless, funding was made available through these programs and West Chester sought the most responsible approach to deploy that funding.

In October 2020, the Board of Trustees created a Coronavirus Relief Fund (Fund 275) as part of its accounting structure to receipt and spend resources directly assigned from the CARES Act (HB481 and SB 357). After paying for approximately $70,470.85 for PPE and technology directly related to COVID response, West Chester

More recent legislation through the American Recovery Act awarded West Chester Township $6.6 million with current guidelines for local government slightly less constrained with regard to direct response to COVID-19. In this case, the Office of Management and Budget defines the calculation for loss revenue and sets the guidelines for allowable use of this funding which must be spent by the end of 2023. Half of the funding was released in 2021 with the remainder to come West Chester’s way in 2022 and a requirement to spend the money before close of 2024.

“With the ARP funding, the Board of Trustees again wanted to look at the current expenses and liabilities of the Township that were allowed for the funding and would benefit the overall interests of the Township,” Mr. Burks said. “In this case, water systems and storm pipe were qualifying expenses and this is the current focus of use for the ARP funding in the Township.”

There has been discussion annually at budget time about the implications of the Township’s aging storm pipe infrastructure. West Chester was developed within a very short window of time and these pipes will likely all fail within a short window of time. In recent years the Township has stepped up replacement of pipes, but the ARP funding will expedite replacement of many of these pipes without impacting the ability to also pave roads or the potential necessity of increased property tax collections through a levy.

“When funding resources like this come our way, it is critical that we think long-term,” said Mr. Burks. “The Board of Trustees is always mindful of growing government. Replacement and repair of these storm pipes is not glamorous or fun, but it is a great use that benefits all.”

Small Business Grants Awarded

As part of COVID-19 relief funding, West Chester Township did have access to funds that could be distributed to qualifying small businesses that demonstrated hardship as a direct outcome of the pandemic.

This funding came through Butler County and was distributed to local governments and agencies with the ability to manage funding distribution.

Nineteen West Chester businesses were awarded grants of up to $10,000 based upon qualifying applications. In total, $287,583 was distributed.

Businesses awarded money through the WCT Cares program were from the services, food and medical sectors.

PREPARE FOR THE WORST. HOPE FOR THE BEST.

West Chester Township Community Services team is on the frontline of foul weather response. Whether Mother Nature brings heavy rains and flooded streets, severe winds and fallen trees, heavy snow or icy conditions making roads treacherous – West Chester road crews are prepared for quick response.

At the earliest indication of winter weather conditions, West Chester’s snow response fleet is prepared. Weather conditions are monitored. Predictions and experience together help make the decisions of when to deploy.

“Our crews are called in whenever needed during snow events,” said Community Services Director Tim Franck. “We pre-treat roads when appropriate and let the brine and salt do its work before plowing.” Mr. Franck said expectations for snow removal are high in West Chester and decisions are made with safety in mind for the travelling public.

“Safe road conditions are what we deliver to the travelling public,” Mr. Franck said. “We also try to be responsible stewards and allow salt to be effective and help melt the snow before we come through again and plow up the snow and the salt we just dropped.”

Snow removal in West Chester is a job shared by three different agencies: The Ohio Department of Transportation, Butler County Engineer’s Office and West Chester Community Services. Together, they share a mission of keeping roads clear and safe for motorists.

West Chester Township road crews are responsible for about 225 miles of road and 600 cul-de-sacs. The community is divided into 19 snow routes and the Township has 24 vehicles equipped to salt and plow roads.

When budgets are prepared each year, weather conditions for the year are not known. There is no certainty. So, West Chester always plans for the worst-case scenario, budgeting accordingly and keeping salt available.

“Prices for road salt and its availability can be volatile, but we take advantage of the Butler County Engineer’s salt contract to get good pricing and make sure our domes are kept well stocked to avoid shortages during the snow season,” said Mr. Franck.

West Chester budgets about $200,000 each year for salt supplies, about $160,000 per year for replacement of one of its snow fleet/roads services vehicles, and sufficient salary to cover overtime and on-call snow plow operators if needed. The vehicles and personnel, of course, are used all year round for road work, parks and other purposes.

During a typical snow event, West Chester has sufficient manpower on staff to manage the response. For significant snowfall or ice events that last for days, however, the Township also has available a contingent of qualified on-call plow operators that can be called upon when needed.

To join the on-call force, visit westchesteroh.org for requirements and details.

How Can You Help?

There are some simple things that residents and motorists can do during a snow event to make snow response a little easier and safer.

•Delay non-essential travel until after roads are clears. Time spent navigating traffic slows the snow removal process. It’s best to give the crews the room they need to work.

•During significant snow events move vehicles off the street and onto your driveway. This allows trucks to plow streets curb to curb.

•When clearing your driveway, don’t shovel snow into the street.

•To avoid shoveling your driveway entrance twice, wait until the plow truck is finished plowing the street. Plow truck operators have no choice of where to push the snow. Snow has to go to the side of the road which includes driveway entrances.

•When driving, don’t pass a snow plow. Don’t assume the plow driver can see your vehicle. Every truck has blind spots which reduce visibility.

•Allow plenty of stopping distance during winter weather.

•Add extra time onto your trip. Don’t be in a hurry.

•Keep headlights on low beam.

•West Chester Township prioritizes roads to be cleared based upon how heavily traveled the road is and special concerns such as hills, curves, etc. Crews clear subdivision streets as soon as they are able and then cul-de-sacs.

If you have issues/concerns about snow response on your street, please use the Contact Us form at www.westchesteroh.org to report. Staff will respond as soon as able.

Mailbox Casualties

It is true that mailboxes and lawns can become casualties when plowing of snow is required. Driving a snow plow, regardless of your experience, can be a little like the proverbial bull in the china shop. Every effort is made to avoid damage to mailboxes and lawns, but if you believe a Township snow plow damaged your property, please report the damage using the form at www.westchesteroh.org.

Properly installed, standard mailboxes will be replaced as soon as possible if damaged by a snow plow.

1823 PLAZA

New plaza becomes focal point to oldest commercial district

The finishing touch to the Cincinnati-Dayton Road widening project is nearly complete and will serve as a focal point to one of the community’s oldest business districts.

The 1823 Plaza at the corner of Cincinnati-Dayton and Station Road is named for the year our community was founded and serves as a place of respite and focus in the busy Olde West Chester corridor.

West Chester Township and Butler County embarked on a largescale roadway project in this area with Butler County in 2018. The project improved the movement of traffic and enhanced safety, but it also reduced frontage for many of the property owners and resulted in demolition of a neglected building at the corner where the Plaza now sits.

“Because property owners in the Olde West Chester corridor were faced with the new roadway moving closer to their front doors, they welcomed the development of a small pocket park to provide a space to sit or just visit,” said Community Services Director Tim Franck.

The corner property was acquired by the Butler County Engineer’s Office for the project and could have been left as a vacant unbuildable lot with a steep drop-off. The Township, however saw an opportunity to build a simple plaza space to be enjoyed for years to come either by people stopping to sit or just passing by in their cars.

“It was a challenging property to build on due to steep drop-off in the back and the utility poles and lines, but Kleingers did a great job designing a space that was simple, beautiful and can be easily maintained for years to come,” Mr. Franck said. “We knew the property owners in Olde West Chester would not be satisfied with the lot had it been left vacant, but now there is something special in the spot that the entire community can enjoy.”

New sidewalks and pedestrian crossings make the 1823 Plaza accessible from all parts of Olde West Chester including Boys and Girls Club, the VFW Post, area churches and businesses.

Union Township (now West Chester) was founded in June of 1823 when Liberty Township was divided into two sections. The Olde West Chester area was already established by that time as one of Union

Township’s first business districts and was called Mechanicsburg and even Hogtown in its earliest days.

“1823 Plaza seemed an appropriate name for this small park,” said Barbara Wilson, director of West Chester Public Information & Engagement. “The celebration of our community’s bicentennial is just a short time away and the new History Center is soon to open in the former West Chester School just down the street; so calling attention to our heritage at this spot seemed appropriate.”

The orange construction fencing is not quite down yet as a few last-minute details for the plaza are expected. The Plaza was funded with TIF dollars.

Since the start of the Cincinnati-Dayton Road widening project, Olde West Chester has experienced quite a bit of new investment and welcomed several new businesses and agencies to the neighborhood.

Get involved in planning West Chester’s bicentennial, by visiting the QR code here and signing up.

Taking Shape: The West Chester Township business community’s investment at the Union Centre Boulevard takes shape as grading, hardscape and landscape is added to the successful DDI project. The design being implemented at the interchange is using Tax Increment

Financing Funds generated by commercial development. Maintenance of the landscape will be achieved through the UCB Landscape District which is also funded by local corporate investors. Project is expected to be complete in Spring 2022.

WORKING FOR YOUR COMMUNITY

Personnel costs make up the largest expense of local government

departments in West Chester make up more than 80% of these department’s expenses annually. Considering these operations have to be effective 24/7, 365 days per year, this is an expected outcome. Personnel costs come from the voter-approved levies for each department. Assigning a major share of West Chester’s CARES Act funding to this expense in 2020 provided some relief to this taxpayer expense.

As with most service industries, personnel costs make up the largest expenditure of your local government. Police, fire & EMS, 911 dispatchers, roads and general government services require people to perform the day-to-day operations and provide the services residents demand.

During the past 10 years, West Chester’s full-time equivalent employee population (as reported in the Township’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, CAFR) has gone from 287.5 in 2011 to 264 in 2020. The CAFR reports the total number of full-time equivalents on the last payroll of the year with seasonal and part-time employees counted as .5.

Operational budget considers positions rather than people. Some positions may be vacant, but they are budgeted with the assumption that they will be filled at some point during the year.

The Township anticipates authorizing a total of 332 positions as part of the 2022 Operational Budget. This is three more fulltime positions than were budgeted in 2021 and one additional seasonal position.

“Our employees are our most valuable resource in bringing innovation to our operations and providing exceptional service to the community,” said Township Administrator Larry Burks. “Investing in the Township’s workforce is a key component to our success as a community.”

There are five collective bargaining units representing West Chester Township employees and a smaller number of management and non-contract personnel not represented by contract. In 2021.

In the first two decades of the 2000s, West Chester Township leaders set out to “right-size” the organization consolidating departments and adjusting staffing levels through attrition. Since 2020, employee numbers and wage ranges have again been analyzed to build a workforce up to the challenge of exceeding community expectations. In 2021 the Board of Trustees made an investment in addressing wage ranges for non-contract employees to encourage innovation, retention and attraction to these positions.

“Our goal is not to grow government, but to think strategically about the deployment of our Township personnel resources and be an employer that encourages and awards exceptional service,” said Mr. Burks.

While personnel costs make up the largest expenditure in the operational budget, the percentage remains fairly consistent from year to year when looking at revenue. Since 2005, personnel costs overall are 60% to 70% in comparison to revenue collected. In 2020, personnel costs were approximately 57.5% of revenue collected.

The costs associated with personnel in the Fire and Police

In 2022, the Police Department will budget for 102.5 positions. Among these are 86 sworn officers, plus two captains, one assistant chief and one chief. The remainder are civilian administrative personnel.

In 2022, the Fire Department will propose increasing its workforce to 129, adding three lieutenant positions. The effect of this change is expected to be reduced overtime expenses

Learn more about West Chester’s employee demographics by visiting DIG (Data Informed Government).

Learn More About Where Your Money Goes

Track Township employee demographics, finances, police reports, fire reports and more by vising www.westchesteroh.org

Internships & Seasonal Jobs

West Chester welcomes the opportunity to encourage interest in public sector positions through available internships and seasonal positions. These positions offer an inside look at a variety of public sector jobs.

Positions in administration, planning & zoning, community services, parks and public engagement/events are available periodically and postings can be found on West Chester’s job site. Scan the QR code for available positions.

POLICE RECRUITMENT: EMPHASIS OF 2022 PLANNING

The West Chester Police Department is primarily funded by a levy approved by voters specifically for police services. In 2020 expenses for the department were about $12 million. This is much less than the $14.8 million in 2019 mostly because $2 million from the CARES Act was used for police personnel costs that otherwise would have come from the Police Levy Fund.

The Police levy brings in $16.6 million in property taxes each year largely due to the 2.0 mill levy voters approved in November 2020. Police expenditures were greater than revenues in both 2018 and 2019 and while carryover made up the difference, the new levy is expected to alleviate any shortfall in the coming years.

Each year, the Police Department allocates about $450,000 for the replacement of high mileage vehicles and vehicles that are no longer fit for service.

The greatest expense of the department of course is personnel making up about 85% of the Police Department budget. The West Chester Police Department budgets for 102.5 positions.

More than 30% of the department’s employees have five years or less experience with West Chester and 50% have more than 16 years with the department.

“The future continues to present some challenges for the police department – attracting the best officer candidates to serve, assembling a team that is reflective of our community; and guarding critical institutional knowledge as so many of our officers near retirement,” said Police Chief Joel Herzog.

Law enforcement agencies around the country face issues recruiting police officers to serve, as fewer people enter the field and others leave the profession. West Chester typically sees more qualified applicants than many surrounding jurisdictions, but recruitment continues to be central to the efforts of the department.

With so many West Chester officers approaching retirement, the Township has made important use of the retire/rehire practice to benefit from institutional knowledge of long-time employees, while retaining experienced officers at a reduced salary. In 2019, the police department saved more than $150,000 by accepting retire/rehire of longtime officers; and in 2020 an additional $120,000 in savings was realized from the program.

If interested in becoming a police officer, learn more at www. westchesteroh.org/police.

West Chester Police respond to more than 40,000 calls for

Auto Thefts & Thefts From Autos

West Chester Police continue to work alongside other regional agencies to investigate multiple auto thefts that occurred during the fall months and theft from auto is consistently one of the most common crimes in our community.

A few simple precautions, however, can considerably reduce risk of becoming a victim of this type of crime.

In nearly every case of car theft, police report that vehicles were left unlocked with key fobs inside the car. Valuables left in unsecured vehicles are also likely to be stolen.

“We are investigating the crimes and criminals will be prosecuted,”

service each year. In 2020, they made 300 drug-related arrests, 211 arrest for the more serious Part 1 crimes; and 864 arrests for Part 2 crimes. Crime data by neighborhood is available at www. westchesteroh.org/DIG.

Live The Dream: MLK Day

For more than two decades, the communities of West Chester and Liberty townships have annually commemorated the life and work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Friends and neighbors are invited to walk side-by-side in an MLK Day march and come together for a special program on the day of the federal holiday. This year’s march begins at Cabela’s on Tyler’s Place at 10 a.m. and will continue to the Liberty Center mall.

In lead up to the January event, students in grades K-12 who attend Lakota Local Schools or live in the district are encouraged to enter the Live the Dream: Our Declaration of Unity art & writing contest. A keynote address and special awards ceremony recognizing student contest winners and their work is part of the Monday program, which follows the morning outdoor march for unity.

Bring your family for the MLK Day activities and/or become part of the Live the Dream: Our Declaration of Unity planning committee. Find complete information at livethedreamwcl.weebly.com and connect on social media with #MLKdayWCL.

said Police Chief Joel Herzog. “But there is no place safe enough to leave your car unsecured.”

Police are encouraging residents to secure vehicles at all times and remove valuables. In cases experienced in the past few months, criminals have stolen cars and also have gotten away with computers, purses, wallets and even firearms that were left unsecured in vehicles.

“Even when you’re home, keep the garage doors closed and your car locked,” Chief Herzog shared.

FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET

Strategizing for best outcomes in fire staffing

The West Chester Fire Department is funded primarily by voter-approved levies. After about 16 years, the Township sought and won approval from voters in 2020 for a new 2.0 mill to support fire services. This levy now generates about $14.8 million in revenue through property taxes.

End of year figures and 2022 budget were not ready at the time of this publication, but typical annual expenditures for Fire & EMS are about $14 million.

Staffing and equipment make up the most significant portion of the Fire Department’s expenses. Turnout gear for firefighters can cost about $3,000 each and the department has 150 sets. This is just the firefighter coats and pants – not helmets, gloves, boots etc. Replacement of this equipment is required every 10 years and each firefighter gets two sets of gear for firefighter safety.

HOLIDAY RECYCLING

The holidays generate all sorts of stuff – boxes, decorations, gift wrap. Please remember to discard these items responsibly and recycle when appropriate.

West Chester Township’s recycling centers accept cardboard boxes, but please make sure boxes are broken down and fully disposed of in the recycling bins. DO NOT leave items outside of the bins.

Most holiday gift wrap and bows are NOT accepted for recycling. These should be placed in your regular trash.

Christmas trees will be accepted for recycling through the end of January at two West Chester Township parks.

Trees should be cleared of all decorations and should not be wrapped in plastic as this requires extra time when mulching. Garland, wreaths and artificial trees will not be accepted. Trees will be chipped and mulch will be used throughout the year in West Chester parks. Any remaining mulch will be discarded responsibly.

Tree drop-off locations are Keehner Park on Barret Road, near the athletic courts; and at Beckett Park, off Union Centre Boulevard, in the parking area just before the gates. Please look for signs designating the correct drop-off spot.

The Christmas tree recycling collection is for a limited time and is only for live holiday trees. Other yard debris is not accepted.

In terms of the large apparatus required, a medic unit costs about $280,000 to replace and a fire engine can be as much as$600,000 to $800,000.

While these may not be annual expenses, they are costs of doing business in the fire industry.

The West Chester Fire Department does benefit from Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Funds which can cover qualifying infrastructure costs such as the 2021 construction of the Duff Road Fire Station and the purchase of replacement fire apparatus.

“TIF makes it possible for us to not always dip into levy funds for these types of big ticket items,” said Fire Chief Rick Prinz. “Our goal is to always make a levy last as long as possible while still providing the best service to the community.”

Part-time staffing continues to be a challenge for the department with recruiting and retention a high priority. The Department has a complement of 47 part-time firefighters which is rarely filled as a result of continuous movement among this group. There are also 63 career firefighter positions.

The Fire Department continues to be innovative and provide solutions for attracting and retaining the best workforce, while developing the most fiscally responsible strategies for staffing five fire stations, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A new staffing proposal may be considered for 2022 that could help reduce overtime and added personnel costs. About 82% of the Fire Department’s budget goes to personnel expenses.

The West Chester Fire Department responds to nearly 8,000 calls for service each year and more than half of these are EMS calls, conducts about 3,300 fire inspections and reviews nearly 600 construction plans each year.

Fire Prevention Education Programs & Inspections Play Critical Role in Fire Department Services

The opportunities to meet and talk with community members about fire prevention and educate them about fire safety and CPR/first aid are a critical part of fire crews’ work.

Fire crews meet with all age groups whenever possible to share safety messages. October marks the official fire prevention week, but this type of education is really a year-round effort.

“Cooking fires make up the largest number of fires we see in West Chester,” said Fire Captain Scott Brooks. “Educating our residents about cooking safely became the focus of our fire prevention week activities, but the advice is critical year round and especially during the holiday season.”

A full guide on cooking safety is available at www.westchesteroh.org/Fire.

The winter months also present unique dangers with home heating, space heaters and great potential for carbon monoxide poisoning.

“Your house should only be heated with a system designed for that purpose and that system should be inspected regularly,” Capt. Brooks said. “Space heaters should only be used in a very limited way and they should be unplugged and turned off when unattended.” For more on heating safety, visit www.westchesteroh.org/Fire