Madison Trustees weigh zoning software, radios & new plow purchase

MADISON TOWNSHIP — Madison Township Trustees agreed to change their start times from 7 to 6 p.m. at Monday night’s first meeting of 2026.

Township officials also discussed a new zoning software purchase aimed at modernizing the permit process and improving record-keeping.

Zoning Inspector Chris Manley asked trustees to approve the software, which he said would benefit both residents and staff.

Modernizing zoning records

The software initially carried a $10,000 price tag, including $6,000 per year for access and a one-time, $4,000 setup fee for the first year.

Manley said he secured a $1,500 concession, lowering the total cost to $8,500.

“Residents will be able to go online and file for permits, it will track all the permits,” Manley said. “Each address will have its own account, so I will be able to pull up that account and see if they have any violations, past permits, anything I gather from our records.”

Manley said the system would allow him to track records into the future while making the process easier for the public. Previously, the township handled all zoning records and permits through paper files.

Manley said the township must sign and return the contract the following day, with payment due within 30 days of submitting the signed agreement.

Trustee Dan Fletcher voiced concerns about the cost of the software.

Brandt made the motion to purchase the iWorQ software. Brandt and Trustee Tom Craft voted in favor, while Fletcher opposed the motion.

Radio upgrades and funding plan

Fire Chief Kenneth Justus updated trustees on plans to replace fire department radios and expand access for the road department.

Justus said he and Road Superintendent Larry Weirich discussed replacing the radios so the road department could subscribe to Ohio MARCS.

Justus said Ohio MARCS would assign a dedicated channel specifically for the Madison Road Department, rather than requiring shared channels.

“I have some radios that were purchased about six or seven years ago, they’re like brand new, but not really suited for fire department work,” Justus said. “They were bought with a grant just so we could get started.”

Justus said he would sell those radios to the road department and use the funds to purchase newer radios better suited for fire department operations.

The total cost for eight new radios would come to $19,553.

The road department would contribute $10,800, leaving the fire department responsible for $8,753 from this year’s funds.

Fiscal Officer Leanna Rhodes recommended waiting to make a final decision until trustees approve the 2026 budget.

“They’ve went decades without radios, I suppose a couple months won’t hurt anything,” Weirich said. “I just want to make sure something is in place and we are moving forward.”

Staffing and equipment requests

Justus also requested approval to hire three, new, part-time firefighters. Trustees approved the request.

Weirich requested approval to purchase a new road plow at a total cost of $15,950, which includes the plow, blade, shoes and rubber deflector.

“I do have those funds in the temporary budget to do that,” Weirich said.

He said the backup plow currently in use has become hazardous on roadways.

“I believe this and another one was bought from one of the ODOT auctions,” Weirich said. “They’re over 20 years old.”

Weirich said approving the purchase now would allow the department to have the equipment ready for use next year, even if it does not arrive in time for the current winter season.