During a recent government meeting, the fiscal officer provided an update on several key financial matters, including the commencement of the 2023 audit, which is mandated due to the township's expenditure of over $750,000 in federal funds. This audit will be more comprehensive than previous ones, focusing on the allocation of federal resources. The deadline for completion is set for September 30, and all staff members receiving fraud questionnaires from auditors are now required to respond to ensure the audit's completion.

Additionally, the fiscal officer announced a financial sustainability workshop aimed at educating government officials on effective budgeting and responsible taxpayer spending. The workshop, hosted by Metro Parks, will offer continuing education units and includes meals over its three-day duration.

The discussion also touched on the upcoming tax budget, which is a preliminary document used to set tax rates. The fiscal officer indicated that the tax budget would reflect slight increases in appropriations and salaries compared to the previous year. A public hearing and vote on the tax budget are scheduled for July. The board expressed a desire to maintain the same tax rates as the previous year, although the fiscal officer cautioned that this would require careful consideration of the budget's accuracy and the anticipated revenue from new construction.

The meeting also highlighted the need for clarity in the budgeting process, with members discussing the importance of presenting realistic financial projections without inflating numbers to meet desired tax rates. The board emphasized the necessity of adhering to established procedures to ensure transparency and accountability in financial reporting.

In other matters, the administrator reported on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding, noting that additional funds would be required for ongoing projects on King and Peter streets due to unexpected costs related to sewer work. The board will need to deliberate on this funding request in future meetings. Furthermore, updates on opioid settlement funds were provided, indicating that Kroger's recent settlement would be integrated into the overall Janssen payment structure, which involves multiple companies.

Overall, the meeting underscored the township's commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency as it navigates its financial planning and obligations.