MADISON TOWNSHIP — Madison Township trustees approved the purchase of new Lifepak heart monitors and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for the township’s fire department.

The board’s approval comes after trustees previously postponed the decision to review finances following voter approval of the township’s fire levy.

At earlier meetings, trustees expressed support for the equipment but wanted additional financial clarity before taking action.

Discount, trade-ins reduce overall cost

Originally projected at a total cost of $222,328, the approved purchase will now total $217,117.24.

Fire Chief Kenneth Justus said the reduced cost is the result of new pricing terms offered by Stryker.

Justus said a Stryker salesman told him he was authorized to offer a $5,000 discount if the township signs a purchase agreement before Dec. 29.

He said the agreement gives the township flexibility, allowing officials to cancel the contract at any time before delivery and delay shipping until June 2026.

“We don’t have to pay for anything until it is delivered,” Justus said.

He added the township can also utilize an additional $10,000 trade-in incentive for older devices. The trade-in offer expires Jan. 1, and Justus told the trustees waiting could significantly increase the overall cost.

“If we don’t sign it before Dec. 29, it will be $232,000,” Justus said.

Justus said the salesman noted Stryker typically implements price increases of 3% to 5% in February or March.

“I feel like we need to do this now, because if we don’t it is going to cost us a lot more,” Justus said. “I really hate to spend another $15,000 after the new year.”

The purchase includes three new heart monitors, three AEDs for emergency vehicles and additional AED units for township buildings. The new monitors will replace aging Zoll units with 10 to 12 years of service, exceeding the manufacturer’s recommended lifespan of eight years.

Justus previously stated the new monitors offer enhanced cardiac monitoring capabilities, including 15-lead readings providing views of both the front and back of the heart — technology not available with the department’s current equipment.

Zoning inspector seeks to manage township Facebook page

Zoning Inspector Chris Manley asked trustees for permission to become an administrator of the township’s Facebook page, which he said is currently inactive.

Manley said the fire chief created the page, but it is not being used, adding the page could be a useful tool for sharing public notices and improving transparency — noting many residents already use Facebook.

“I think it is something we need to start utilizing,” Manley said.

Trustee Dan Fletcher said township officials must follow the social media policy.

“You have our permission, and that is what you need,” he said.

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