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Trustees press for better sheriff communications; county official outlines E‑911/siren options
Summary
Trustees raised concerns about poor communications with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and changes to contracted patrol hours; county disaster services advised that relocating a 10‑HP siren would cost about $3,500 while the township’s unit is 7½ HP.
Norwich Township trustees pressed the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office for clearer communication after trustees said patrol hours appeared to have changed without township notice.
Trustees recorded concerns that deputies had not attended a special meeting to explain the placement and hours of a township patrol car. Chief Richard Ellwanger said he believed the county added coverage with other cars but acknowledged the board’s concern that they were not consulted; Mr. Rice told the board "we are paying for the car and he feels we should be able to set our own hours." (board comment in meeting record)
Separately, county disaster services staff briefed the board on E‑911 and siren options. Tim Bourdess of Franklin County Disaster Services explained that relocating a 10‑horsepower siren could cost about $3,500 and noted the township’s siren is a 7½‑HP unit. He said placement must observe setback specifications where a siren is within about 300 feet of a residence and that the township could offer the existing unit to another township if it chose not to relocate it.
Trustees asked for a named liaison from the Sheriff’s Office to attend future meetings and directed staff to follow up with county dispatch and E‑911 organizers about the township’s participation and siren placement.
