Brentville Township approves interview panel for school officer selection

Tensions ran high at the Brimfield Township Board of Trustees special meeting on July 14, 2025, as officials grappled with financial discrepancies and the formation of an interview panel for school officer positions. The meeting highlighted ongoing concerns about missing TIF (Tax Increment Financing) funds, which have left the township in a state of uncertainty regarding its budget.

Trustee discussions revealed frustration over the county's handling of TIF money, with officials noting that significant funds intended for local schools had not been received. "We didn't get any of that TIF money from the first half," one trustee remarked, emphasizing the potential impact of the missing funds, which could amount to tens of thousands of dollars. The board is now awaiting clarification on the status of these funds, with hopes that future distributions will rectify the situation.

In a pivotal moment, the board moved to establish an interview panel for selecting school officers, proposing a team that includes three elected trustees, the HR business manager, and a representative from the county auditor's office. However, the discussion quickly evolved as trustees advocated for the inclusion of Captain Chris Atkins, citing his extensive knowledge of the township's budget and fiscal matters. "There is not one person in this township that knows that budget like Chris Atkins does," one trustee asserted, highlighting the importance of having a knowledgeable and neutral party involved in the selection process.

The meeting concluded with a motion to amend the interview panel to include Atkins, reflecting a consensus on the need for transparency and expertise in the decision-making process. As the board navigates these financial challenges, the outcome of the interview panel and the resolution of the TIF funding issues will be closely watched by the community.