BY JOHN A. DARNELL JR.
      associate editor
      Meeting on Monday night, Boardman Township Trustees approved an operating budget of $22.841 million for 2023.
      The motion, proffered by Township Fiscal Officer William Leicht, read --- “Move to adopt the 2023 appropriations of $29.28 million by object code in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code
      “By adopting these appropriations, the Township Trustees (Larry Moliterno, Tom Costello and Brad Calhoun) are approving the operating budget for 2023 in the amount of $22.841 million.” It passed unanimously.
      A breakdown by departments appropriated for 2023 includes $9.84 million to the police department, $5.2 million to the fire department, $3.938 million to the road department, and $715,710 to planning/zoning.
      Boardman Township public employee wages are projected for 2023 at $11.031 million (up from actual wages paid in 2022 of $10.572 million); and 2023 benefits are projected at $5.09 million (up from $4.345 million in 2022).
      The Fiscal Office called attention to the rising costs of health insurance, noting the coverage cost Boardman Township $2.338 million in 2022, and that could increase to more than $2.971 million in 2023.
      “Health insurance represents a 20 per cent increase for 2023, based upon usage and trends of costs increasing.
      “As we get closer to renewal time, were can make better assumptions,” Fiscal Officer Leicht said.