By Gus Pearcy
The biggest news out of the 2021 State of Washington Township address that was held virtually, Feb. 9, is the vote the township board took on the bond issue for the aquatic center. Before Township Trustee Don Hodson spoke about the township’s goals, the board voted to proceed with Murphy Park and bids and bonding. Hodson said if the bids and bond rates are favorable, the proposed $15 million water park could break ground as early as late spring.
The other big news is the progress on the new fire station which is proposed near county roads 100 N. and 900 E. Hodson told the Zoom attendees that a bond was secured for the new station at a better interest rate than anticipated.
The township ended the year with $13 million in the bank.
The township set up the rest of its goals for 2021 for the rest of the meeting. Most of last year’s goals were postponed due to COVID.
Hodson wants to start selling burial plots in the township’s five cemeteries. There are some plots available at these abandoned cemeteries that fall to the township for upkeep. The cemetery by Avon Town Hall has a few plots available for sale and a few for pauper burials. The previous township board approved selling the plots but the public health emergency kept the execution from happening.
Also, the township is working on a succession program in anticipation of Fire Chief Dan Smith’s retirement. Although no retirement was officially announced.
