Township contracts and assessments underway to meet Ohio cybersecurity law deadline

Crosby Township trustees heard a cybersecurity update from Entrust IT and discussed next steps to comply with Ohio House Bill 96.

Dave Hatter of Entrust IT, the vendor that conducted a gap assessment for the township, summarized findings and said he would meet with trustees and staff to review recommendations. "We did a gap assessment... I'd be happy to meet with you all individually," Hatter said, noting the company is local and experienced working with municipalities.

Fiscal officer Charlie Sabin reminded the board that House Bill 96 requires cybersecurity implementation by July 1; he said this includes procedures, policies and training even if procurement of all hardware and software is still in progress. "It doesn't mean we have to have all the hardware and software in place, but there's a lot of procedures and policies and training... that have to be in place," Sabin said.

Administrator Tris said he has reviewed communication proposals and will examine Microsoft Teams phone integration and other options before purchasing. Trustees agreed to seek a second bid for firehouse computers and to expedite cybersecurity procurement as needed, including the possibility of a special meeting to approve software or services prior to the next regular board meeting.

No formal procurement award was approved during the meeting; trustees asked staff to gather bids and to schedule follow‑up.