Township Administrator’s Corner

As Bath Township welcomes 2025, the community reflects on a year filled with achievements while looking forward to continued progress. Township elected officials, administrative staff and employees have worked together to ensure a safe, vibrant and thriving community, setting the stage for even greater accomplishments in the year to come.

Bath’s emergency services have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the community. With a team of 22 full-time police officers and one part-time officer, the police department initiated or responded to approximately 19,041 calls for service through Dec. 1, 2024, working tirelessly to safeguard residents and businesses. Among those calls, officers conducted 954 traffic stops, responded to 437 residential/commercial alarm activations and handled 396 traffic crashes. Officers made 199 arrests during the reporting period with criminal charges including theft, drug offenses, warrants, domestic violence and OVI. Two detectives support police department operations and were assigned 61 cases for investigation including theft, fraud, burglary and sexual assault.

The fire department continues to provide unparalleled service to the community, responding to 1,615 calls for service through Dec. 1, 2024, operating efficiently out of two fire stations. Significant incidents included five major residential fires and one barn fire on Cleveland Massillon Road, with firefighters exhibiting professionalism and courage under challenging circumstances. Medical calls accounted for 68% of all calls for service, and personnel transported patients to area hospitals in 788 incidents. 

The service department made notable strides in enhancing infrastructure, paving two lane miles of township roads. Additionally, service department employees addressed 330 service requests throughout the year, ensuring that community needs were met promptly and effectively. Despite notice from the Summit County Engineer’s Office of a reduction or possible phase out of roadside mowing on county roads in 2025, Bath’s service department continues to provide this important service on the township’s 63 lane miles of roads. Additionally, during the winter months, the service department provides exceptional coverage for salting/brining and plowing operations on township roads. The Summit County Engineer’s Office maintains roads that co-exist within the township and are separate from the maintenance authority of the Bath Township Service Department. 

Parks and recreational facilities in Bath remain a cornerstone of community life. The township welcomed an impressive number of visitors to all five of its parks, with the Bath Nature Preserve experiencing a remarkable influx of nature enthusiasts. To build on this momentum, the township is evaluating potential improvements to the Bath Community Park, focusing on enhancing its courts to accommodate the growing interest in pickleball. To that end, the township engaged the services of a local design firm to assist with preparation of a Bath Community Park master plan. The plan will be used to evaluate current park utilization at Bath Community Park and address areas of improvement in the overall design. 

The township also plans to renovate a historic home and barn at the North Fork Preserve at 4400 Everett Rd. Grant funds were successfully secured to support portions of these projects, reflecting the township’s commitment to preserving its natural and historical assets.

In 2024, the zoning department was busy issuing permits for eight new residential homes, 34 residential additions, 23 accessory structures, five business use certificates and one zoning map amendment, underscoring steady growth in the community. This development strategy aligns with Bath’s vision of maintaining a balance between expansion and preservation of its unique rural character. As part of the overall master plan for township zoning, the firm Envision is currently working on updating Bath Township’s comprehensive plan, last modified in 2011. The comprehensive plan serves as a guiding document for development in the township. 

The township saw a transition in its fiscal office, with Laura Tuttle stepping into the role. Her leadership ensures that Bath’s financial operations remain seamless and accountable. Township administration is also working diligently with elected officials continuing to manage fiscal resources with precision, prioritizing effective and efficient governance.

Bath Township’s accomplishments in 2024 set a solid foundation for continued progress in 2025. Plans to enhance recreational amenities, preserve historical structures and address infrastructure needs will further enrich the community.

As the township grows, residents and leaders alike remain committed to fostering a safe, welcoming and prosperous environment for everyone. Whether through exceptional emergency services, thoughtful development or sustainable fiscal practices, Bath’s future shines brightly.Here’s to a year of growth, resilience and community spirit in 2025!