Madison Township trustees approve temporary spending plan for 2026

MADISON TOWNSHIP — Madison Township trustees on Monday approved $4,356,212 in temporary budget appropriations for 2026, a spending plan about 6-percent less than 2025.

The move came during a special meeting at the township hall at 817 Expressview Drive. For comparison, the 2025 permanent appropriations were $4,642,856.74 — $286,644 more than the temporary plan for next year.

Leanna Rhodes, the township fiscal officer, said the spending plan will be revisited in February once final numbers for 2025 are figured.

Under Ohio law, the township must approve a temporary plan by Dec. 31 and a final budget by the end of March.

“Temporaries are supposed to get us through the first quarter,” Rhodes said.

According to Rhodes, the Richland County auditor’s office estimated $3,614,517 revenue for Madison Township revenue in 2026. The township estimates it will have a carryover of $3,390,567 going into the year.

Insurance premiums and electricity

Rhodes said she checked with Rinehart Insurance and the township liability insurance premium will increase by 9%. The 2026 temporary appropriations estimate $6,050 for liability insurance, compared to $5,500 in 2025.

She also said the township is seeking bids for health insurance due to rising rates. Rhodes added there is a possibility electricity costs could increase by 40%, though that would not take effect until summer.

“In April of 2025, we started a 14-month contract,” Trustee Tom Craft said. “So it will end in June.”

Fire and EMS funding

The 2026 temporary appropriations show Madison Township’s fire and EMS operations will start the year with funding levels similar to 2025.

Fire education: Funding remains the same at $1,000 for training services and other expenses.
Fire operations: 2026 temporary appropriations total $2,330,236.26, compared to $2,098,474.09 in 2025. This includes salaries, Medicare, insurance, Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund contributions, training services, rents and leases, repairs and maintenance, electricity, and more.
Fire Levy 1.75: 2026 temporary appropriations total $252,517.90, compared to $320,127.49 in 2025. This covers tax collection fees, contracted services, machinery, equipment, furniture, small tools, minor equipment and more.
EMS: 2026 temporary appropriations total $480,015, compared to $511,818 in 2025. This includes salaries, social security, workers’ compensation, training services, operating supplies, and more.
Fire Misc. Spec Revenue: The 2025 permanent appropriation was $8,163.15, which remains the same for 2026.
Fire Opioid: The 2025 permanent appropriation was $10,000. Balances available for appropriation are $30,825.68, with 2026 estimated revenue at $11,915, bringing the total available for appropriation to $42,740.68.