Canaan Township 2025 Year End Review

Throughout the year, Canaan Township Trustees focused on responsible fiscal management, public safety, infrastructure improvements, and community partnerships.

In January, the Trustees accepted the amounts and rates as determined by the Morrow County Budget Commission, authorizing the necessary tax levies and certifying them to the County Auditor. This ensured proper funding levels were in place to support township operations and services.

February brought a triennial review of township practices. Prior to the regular meeting, the Trustees and Fiscal Officer met with KLA Risk Consulting as part of the scheduled every-three year survey. The review focused on best practices, risk management, and safety compliance. The assessment concluded that the township is operating effectively and following recommended procedures.

In March, the Trustees and Fire Chief jointly addressed issues related to township fire protection. Discussions included the upcoming expiration of the current fire levy in December 2025. Additionally, concerns were discussed regarding emergency service boundaries within the township. Because the current 911 call assignment divides response areas by school districts, unrealistic response times can occur. The Trustees and Fire Chief agreed to moved forward re-establishing boundaries based on roadways to create clearer and more efficient coverage areas.

April focused on environmental stewardship and long-range planning. The Trustees reviewed correspondence from the Morrow County Recycling Program regarding the annual Spring Trash Bash. The Country Guys & Gals 4-H Club and Clover Posse 4-H Club partnered with the township to pick up litter along County Road 59 and other township roads. Their efforts were greatly appreciated as they helped keep local roadways clean and well maintained. Additionally, several projects were discussed for the OPWC grant application, centering on the widening and paving of Township Road 133. A grant was submitted in November, and if awarded, work could begin in 2026.

In May, the township utilized the Morrow County bid to chip and seal around seven miles of local township roads. This project covered parts of Township Road 60, Township Road 66, and Township Road 67. These improvements extended the life of the roads and enhanced safety for both residents and motorists. Paperwork for a new 3-mill fire levy was submitted to the Board of Elections for the November ballot.

June saw continued maintenance efforts with repairs made to the ditch line along Township Road 72 to improve drainage and prevent future roadway damage. A new CPA firm. Balestra & Company, was chosen by the Auditor of State and preformed the audit for years 2023 and 2024. Canaan Township received a clean audit report.

At the July meeting, the yearly budget was reviewed and approved by the trustees. The budget was approved by the Auditor and the County Budget Commission. This budget serves as the first Official Certificate for 2026.

In August, the Trustees reviewed the renewal insurance from OTARMA and a new quote from the Ohio Plan provided by Rinehart Insurance. The renewal from OTARMA had risen by more than $1,100 compared to the previous year. The Ohio Plan offered a comparable policy priced at $2,096, which would save the township $2,308. After considering the options, the trustees decided to leave OTARMA and join the Ohio Plan.

During the September meeting, the trustees examined Ohio Revised Code 9.64, which was introduced by House Bill 96, requiring political subdivisions to create and enforce standards to guard against cybersecurity threats and ransomware attacks. The trustees approved a resolution to implement a cybersecurity policy, which was then adopted at the November meeting.

In October, Chief Canterbury and Chief Carey met with the trustees to discuss integrating Canaan Township into the county’s 911 mapping, as it was previously excluded due to First Consolidated operating its own taxing district. They explored creating run cards based on each department’s response area to reduce confusion. The trustees also approved a snow removal contract with Mitchell's Trucking for the 2025–2026 winter season to maintain safe and accessible roadways.

In November, the trustees adopted a Cybersecurity Policy to protect the township from attacks and outline procedures for responding if one occurs. Canaan Township submitted an OPWC grant application for widening and paving Township Road 133. The new 3 mil fire levy failed by a vote of 51 for and 63 against.

At the December meeting, the trustees approved placing a 2.5-mill renewal levy on the May 2026 Primary ballot. If approved, it will fund fire protection for residents outside the First Consolidated Fire District for five years (2026–2030). The trustees also signed a one-year contract with the Mt. Gilead Fire Department to cover the portion of Canaan Township outside the First Consolidated Fire District. The contract will be funded through the existing fire levy.

As 2025 ends, the trustees and fiscal officer thank Canaan Township’s 900 residents for making our community a great place to live. We remain committed to ensuring safety, efficiency, and quality of life for all of Canaan Townships residents.