Amherst Township trustees used their November 10, 2025 meeting to approve prior minutes, review finances, move ahead with a one-mill road levy renewal, and set a tentative schedule for their year-end and 2026 organizational meetings.
The meeting was moved from the usual second Tuesday because Veterans Day fell on November 11.
Approval and correction of October 28 minutes
Trustees began by approving the minutes from their October 28, 2025 meeting. Before the vote, they corrected a reference in the road report, clarifying that Rustic Hill Road work is being performed by Sandstone Excavating rather than a contractor listed as “Set in Stone.”
With that revision, the October 28 minutes were approved as corrected.
Township finances and audits
Fiscal Officer Chris Kish reported that bills for the month had been normal first-of-the-month expenses. Year-to-date revenue stands at roughly $1.7 million, with expenditures slightly over $1 million.
Kish asked all departments to delay non-urgent spending to avoid unnecessary end-of-year budget adjustments. She also noted that the state auditor has still not completed the 2022–2023 audit and will likely finish it when beginning the 2024–2025 audit cycle.
Kish reminded trustees that year-end payroll must be submitted by December 15 under new procedures requiring committee chairs to sign timesheets before they are forwarded to the fiscal office.
Cyber security deadline and correspondence
Trustees acknowledged the statewide cyber security compliance deadline under Ohio Revised Code 9.64, with a mandate to meet updated requirements by July 1, 2026. Amherst Township already has a policy approved by the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office, but trustees may update it to ensure full compliance.
Roads, equipment and stormwater
Road Superintendent Kevin Smarsh reported that his crew has been handling leaf collection, storm sewer repairs and regular maintenance. Several township signs were recently damaged in hit-and-run incidents, though some could be repaired by replacing only the posts.
Smarsh said winter operations have begun, with the first snow and icing requiring salt and plow treatment. One township truck needed a steering hose replacement but is now back in service.
Trustees confirmed that ditch cleaning along State Route 113 has been completed.
Trustees also received stormwater updates. Personnel from the Lorain County Stormwater District and the Lorain Soil & Water Conservation District were able to survey the Quarry Creek drainage area during the dry fall weather. Officials are still unsure whether nearby residents will agree to needed easements for the project.
One-mill road levy renewal
A major agenda item involved the township’s one-mill road levy, which expires after the 2025 tax year. Trustee Neil Lynch introduced the required first resolution asking the Lorain County Auditor to certify the township’s current tax valuation and the amount a one-mill renewal would generate.
Trustees discussed whether to pursue a renewal, a replacement or a renewal with an increase. Lynch recommended a straightforward renewal, citing recent countywide trends where voters rejected several new-money levies. He argued that Amherst Township should avoid risking its existing road funding.
Lynch then outlined how previous federal CARES Act and American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds helped the township strengthen its finances: purchasing a cargo van, a new backhoe, a small plow truck and resurfacing park areas. Using ARPA funds for salaries and operations also preserved general fund and road fund balances, improving the township’s ability to match road-improvement grants.
Trustees acknowledged upcoming cost pressures such as reduced investment earnings and increased employee health insurance costs, but agreed the township remains in stable financial condition. The motion to request certification on a one-mill renewal passed unanimously.
Zoning and development
Zoning Inspector Ryan Valentin reported that no new home construction permits were issued in November. However, several permits were issued for accessory structures such as patios and fences. So far this year, the township has issued dozens of home permits and more than a hundred permits for other residential improvements.
Trustees also noted that the zoning commission is preparing for a public hearing on a proposed lot split on Broadway. The applicant intends to create two new residential parcels, both exceeding minimum size requirements, while retaining a larger remaining parcel. The request will proceed through the normal public hearing process.
Administrator’s report
Township Administrator Lynda Ashley reported that the Amherst Athletic Association has paid its annual lease under the agreement approved in July. Copies of the signed lease documents and related payments have been provided to the fiscal office.
Ashley said she is still waiting for the fire department to correct a report related to a previous fire call where the township is attempting to recover costs. After two emails with no response, she said cost recovery appears unlikely.
She also updated trustees on a complaint about a neighbor’s dogs. Ashley spoke with the resident and with the Lorain County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies advised that they need active complaints to respond. Ashley informed the resident to call the sheriff in the spring and summer if the issue resurfaces.
Open enrollment for Medicare is underway, and Ashley has been assisting several residents with their reviews.
Yard-waste grinding contract
Under unfinished business, trustees returned to the issue of accumulated yard waste needing to be ground and recycled. Two quotes were received, with the second being higher and a third vendor not responding. Trustees voted to accept the lowest quote, roughly $10,000, from Rattlund Soils for grinding and recycling the material.
Year-end and 2026 organizational meetings
Trustees discussed how to schedule both the 2025 end-of-year meeting and the 2026 organizational meeting, given that newly elected Trustee Jeremy Watson will take office in January.
They tentatively set Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 7 p.m. as both meetings. The date preserves the township’s long-standing second-and-fourth-Tuesday schedule and avoids conflicts with Christmas.
However, because Watson will not yet be sworn in, trustees will seek guidance from the Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office on whether the organizational meeting must be held after January 1. If required, they may schedule a short follow-up meeting in early January.
Next meeting
The next regular meeting of the Amherst Township trustees is scheduled for Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the township hall.