Brookfield going to voters for police levy | News, Sports, Jobs

BROOKFIELD — Township officials plan to put a replacement levy on the November general election ballot to raise money to hire full-time personnel for the police department.

Trustees also will seek grant funding for sidewalk improvements at the Center Green off state Route 7.

On the levy, Trustee Chairman Dan Suttles said the current 1-mill police levy generates around $53,000 per year. A replacement levy would bring the valuation up to 2021 rates, which would mean 1 mill would generate about $137,000 per year.

The county auditor is certifying the millage rate.

Officials said the owner of $100,000 home would pay $18 more per year if the levy passes.

Suttles said the police department has many part-time members, leaving it limited at times. The additional $84,000 per year would allow the hiring of a full-time officer and the funding of the school resource officer, with the township and school district splitting the cost, he said.

As for sidewalks, Haun said trustees and members of the local historical commission are reviewing options of available funding.

“We want to see if this is an affordable venture and what we will be able to do,” he said.

Haun said he spoke to the Trumbull County Engineer’s Office and checked on grant funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program.

There are sidewalks around the green but not on the sides along state Route 7. Shannon Devitz of the historical commission said, “We would like to have connectivity between the green and nearby neighborhoods with the sidewalks. This is a beautiful place with a park.”

Haun said depending on available funds, the township will install sidewalks on both sides opposite the green to Grove Street or do part of it or only one side.

Trustee Gary Lees said trustees also are looking at Safe Routes to School grants for sidewalks leading to the school complex off Bedford Road.

Trustees also announced a virtual meeting will be held 5 p.m. Tuesday hosted by Ohio Department of Transportation for safety improvements at intersections of U.S. Route 62 at Bedford Road and Broadway Avenue. Both intersections are located southwest of the state Route 82 interchange.

Haun said many vehicle accidents have occurred at the two intersections.

ODOT District 4 will host the meeting to present information and solicit public comment on alternatives for the proposed project. Suttles said ODOT will explain making the Bedford Road a rare restricted crossover U-turn, while Broadway Road intersection will be blocked to prevent crossing over U.S. 62.

“We have received a lot feedback from the citizens of what is planned mostly at Broadway Road,” he said.

Suttles said ODOT checked fire and police response times and how they would be affected with changes at the intersections as well as bus school routes.

The project is tentatively scheduled for construction in spring 2023.

Attendees can join online at https://publicin put.com/ODOT110589 or by phoning 855-925-2801, and using meeting code 8777.