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Wayne Township Meeting Summary

Transition of Leadership

WAYNE — The Wayne Township meeting held on Monday night not only marked the conclusion of the calendar year but also signified the end of supervisor Mark Labowski’s tenure, as his term is set to conclude on December 31. As a gesture of appreciation, Labowski was presented with a certificate recognizing his contributions and dedication to the township’s development and community well-being.

Full Agenda of Business

Financial Resolutions

Before addressing the farewell to Labowski, the board had a packed agenda to navigate, tackling various resolutions and matters crucial to the township’s operations. Among these was a significant focus on financial resolutions related to the 2026 budget and tax levy, alongside a letter of resignation from an auditor and subsequent new appointments to the board.

Most notably, the supervisors unanimously voted to adopt the 2026 budget, which is projected to balance at an estimated $1,058,885 in both income and expenses. According to secretary-treasurer Chris Hornick, this figure represents a substantial reduction from the budgeted amount of $1,957,058 for the previous year, 2025. The budget includes allocations for a capital reserve fund, general fund, state highway and road maintenance, street lighting, and sewer/sanitation services.

Tax Levy and Resident Charges

Furthermore, in a move to maintain fiscal stability, supervisors passed a resolution to hold the line on taxes for 2026, keeping the rate at 1.24 mills. However, streetlight charges for residents will see a slight increase as a means of balancing costs. Residents in areas such as Hillcrest Drive and a section colloquially known as “Beaverdam,” which encompasses the intersection of Route 6, North Main Street in Elgin, and Route 89, will face an additional charge of about 10 to 11 cents per foot.

Changes in Township Personnel

Resignation and Appointments

During the meeting, the resignation of local elected auditor Gerri Wellington was accepted with regret. In her place, Judy Green, Christa Knight, and Lisa Puckly were appointed to serve, though they will eventually need to run for election in an upcoming ballot.

In a related decision, supervisors voted to increase the pay rate for auditors from the previous $10 to $18 per hour, acknowledging the growing demands of the role.

Supervisor Compensation

Regarding their own compensation, despite the increased cap set at the state level, supervisors decided to maintain their current meeting fee at $45. Board chairman Mark Sander emphasized the board’s commitment to community service, stating, "My opinion is, let’s just keep it the same."

Upcoming Meeting Dates

Looking ahead, the board has scheduled its meeting dates for 2026 to fall on the second and fourth Monday of each month. Notable exceptions include a reorganization meeting on January 4 and the meeting following Memorial Day, which will take place on a Tuesday.

Contractual Agreements and Expenses

In terms of operational expenses, the township received a single bid for diesel fuel from Lictus Oil & Propane, priced at $2.48 per gallon. This price reflects the current rack rate for the month, with an additional delivery fee of 28.5 cents per gallon. While the total estimated contractual cost stands around $10,000, Sander indicated that the issue would be tabled for further discussion in the next meeting.

Roads and Equipment Updates

Report from Roadmaster

In the report presented by Roadmaster Logan Mather, he highlighted that crews had been actively engaged in snow removal and applying sand on the township roads. Additionally, Mather mentioned a recent issue concerning water accumulation on Stateliness Road, where the drainage system was failing. A ditch was excavated to allow the standing water to drain properly to its designated sluice.

Community Concerns Addressed

EMS Coverage Issues

Under correspondence, Sander read a letter submitted by a concerned resident regarding the emergency medical services (EMS) coverage, specifically spotlighting issues pertinent to Elgin-Beaverdam Hose Co. The resident articulated worries surrounding the broad coverage area, which includes Elgin Borough and parts of Concord Township alongside Wayne Township, noting a concerning lack of volunteers available to respond to emergency calls. Suggestions were made regarding the potential modification of service maps and the possibility of automating dispatch for the Corry Fire Department for certain emergencies.

Sander welcomed representatives from the fire company to engage in a discussion on this subject during the upcoming meeting scheduled for January 12, 2026.

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Sander emphasized the importance of community input, stating, “I understand your concern,” reiterating that open dialogue is vital for effective governance and public service. The AI legalese decoder can help facilitate this dialogue, empowering residents with the knowledge they need to participate constructively in township matters.

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