BUDGETING STRATEGICALLY FOR THE FUTURE

Public safety software purchased in 2021 modernizes how the Police, Fire and EMS and Emergency 911 Communications Center work every day in response to the public. The software purchased from Central Square is being integrated into reporting, response and data collection to streamline these critical services and is already showing benefit.

Drones, officer-worn body cameras, chest compression devices, robotic cameras to inspect underground infrastructure and many more technologies have been implemented in service to the community.

Your West Chester Township government focuses attention each Fall on formulating budgets for the next year that are reflective of the community. The Operational Budget will be presented to the Board of Trustees in a public work session Jan. 17th, 2023 (third Tuesday of January), but much of the planning takes place months ahead.

The operational budget includes the Township’s primary funds: Police, Fire and EMS, Roads and Cemetery and General and Multimedia. It is not a formal budget, but a spending plan that touches on specific planned expenditures throughout the year.

Appropriations are the Township’s only official budget required by Ohio Revised Code, but is a much more general accounting of planned expenses.

“West Chester goes the extra step with the operational budget to ensure that departments are working within the priorities of the Township Trustees, and to emphasize well-considered expenditures within available resources,” said West Chester Finance Director Ken Keim.

West Chester Township’s 2022 Operational Budget was $51.7 million. Nearly 70% is assigned to Police, Fire and EMS and Emergency Communications. Another 12% was assigned to roads and infrastructure.

Technology Deployed & Planned

In all disciplines of public service, investment in technology influences the Township’s operational budget overall. Technology projects identified to modernize the Township’s internal operations and technology to better serve the overall community can help to create efficiencies on all levels.

Auditing Excellence

As West Chester prepared to close its 2022 budget year and begin 2023, it’s noted that Auditor of State Keith Faber recently recognized West Chester Township’s 2021 financial audit as having no findings and worthy of distinction. The Auditor made a presentation to the West Chester Board of Trustees and Fiscal Officer on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 in West Chester Township Hall.

Out of 6,000 agencies considered, only about 3.5% earn the Auditor of State Award with Distinction. Since 2012, West Chester Township has earned the recognition eight www.westchesteroh.org/dig times.

In 2022, the Township spent nearly $460,000 with Tyler Technologies to streamline internal functions of finance and HR/payroll for the Township. This software suite is now being prepared for installation and integration into the Township’s work.

To better serve our community in interactions with local government, the Community Development Department is working with LaserFiche to launch online permit submittals for the public. Park shelter rentals moved online in 2022.

These devices and software are considered as part of budget planning in the fall months and considered again before the Board of Trustees throughout the year. These projects cross all disciplines of your Township government. Some are seen by the public, others work in the background to make operations run more smoothly and efficiently.

D.I.G (Data Informed Government), a tool powered by OpenGov, makes it possible for our community to follow Township finances and other data online. D.I.G. is a technology the Township invests in annually to be transparent with our community.

“By keeping accurate financial records, governing bodies demonstrate their commitment to efficient, effective and transparent service,” Auditor Faber said.

Fiscal Officer Bruce Jones accepted the award from Auditor Faber.

The community can track West Chester Township’s finances by visiting www.westchesteroh.org/DIG