Bath fiscal officer resigns after 3 1/2 months

by Laura Bednar

July 15 special township trustees meeting

Fiscal Officer Jen Hardin resigned her position, effective July 16.

In her resignation letter, she wrote, “It is with deep regret that I announce my resignation from the office of fiscal officer. … I truly appreciate the support and kindness that many of you shared with me during my tenure.”

Hardin took office April 1 after running unopposed in the November 2023 election.

“We wish her well in her future endeavors,” said Troike.

A township press release stated the township is requesting letters of interest and resumes from residents interested in applying for the vacant position. Candidates must be 18 years old and a Bath resident. Accounting and budgeting experience is highly preferred.

The position posting will remain open until Aug. 5, or upon the vacancy being filled. Interviews will be done on a rolling basis as qualified applicants are identified, according to the release. Inquiries and documents can be sent to Kasha Brackett at kbrackett@bathtownship.org.

Budget approved

Trustees approved a township budget of $17.2 million for 2025. The budget is used for operations, maintenance and capital expenditures.

Township Administrator/Police Chief Vito Sinopoli said township revenue in 2023 was $13.5 million and expenditures $11.9 million. He reported that the township has no outstanding debt.

Some of the budget highlights include $3.3 million allocated for the general fund, $850,000 for the permanent improvements fund and $753,000 for the JEDD Rural Preservation fund.

The police department has a budget of $4.2 million, and other police expenditures include $180,000 for two cruisers with equipment, $50,000 for Flock camera fees and a 3% full-time wage increase per collective bargaining agreements.

The fire department budget is $3.2 million, and the service department’s is $2.5 million. Also budgeted for the service department is $150,000 for the service building expansion.

The parks budget is $708,961 with preliminary projects in 2024 to include parking lot improvements, trail improvements, North Fork Preserve building renovation and tennis/pickleball court construction.

Trustee Sharon Troike noted that the budget includes just over $1 million of American Rescue Plan Act funds. Trustee President Sean Gaffney reiterated that the budget gives the township the authority to spend but does not mean Bath will spend all $17.2 million budgeted.