A 10-year plan with more than $6.8 million for improvements to Independence Township departments and facilities is just preliminary, according to officials.
The Capital Improvement Plan includes major improvements to water and sewer facilities, and Park’s, Recreation and Seniors Department.
Independence Township Supervisor Pat Kittle and budget analyst Rick Yaeger presented the plan at the July 15 Township Board meeting.
Kittle said it’s time for improvements to the township. The 2016 budget includes $150,000 in CIP improvements.
‘To improve, prioritize and put together a plan that makes sense, $150,000 is not enough,” Kittle said. “A lot of things are aging especially in our parks and recreation, and that’s what scares me.”
They must also consider salary increases for township services, he added.
Parks, Recreation and Senior Director Ken Elwert was asked to include everything he believed was needed to improve the department, Kittle said.
‘I asked Ken to come back with a budget to take our parks to the next level,? he said.
Elwert spoke at a board of trustees meeting in June about numerous plans to improve the department.
Meetings to continue discussions about CIP funding will continue.
Major CIP Improvements proposed for 2016-2026 include township infrastructure such as sewer and water, fire, safety paths and cemetery’s in Independence Township.
The largest part of the CIP plan is Independence Township Park’s, Recreation and Seniors department, with $6.6 million in improvements needed over 10 years.
In 2016, the plan calls for $874,000 for improvements to Clintonwood and McCord parks.
Upgrades totaling $176,000 for Independence Township Hall is scheduled in 2017, with $46,000 in funding to resurface the parking lot and install irrigation.
Cemetery improvements includes $180,000, with $94,000 in 2016.
Safety paths improvements total $59,000 for equipment, with $20,500 in spending planned for 2016.
Over $3.2 million was included for sewer facilities, with $628,000 in improvements starting in 2016. Water facilities would receive $6.9 million, beginning with $628,000 in improvements in 2016.
A total of $5.4 million was requested by the Independence Township Fire Department, with $430,000 planned for 2016. Future upgrades include improved and refurbished equipment, vehicle purchases, and station renovation.