Boardman Township’s new fiscal officer, former Trustee Brad Calhoun, 61, was sworn into office on Thurs., Mar. 6, replacing longtime Fiscal Officer Wiliam Leicht, who resigned his position on Jan. 31.
      Calhoun will face election to the post in the November general elections to fill the remainder of Leicht’s term that expires in 2027.
      Calhoun had served as a Boardman Township Trustee since 2010.
      The township fiscal officer’s position carries an annual salary of approximately $35,000 a year.
      Calhoun was selected from among three persons who expressed an interest in the position. Others mentioned for the fiscal officer’s post included current Boardman Park Board of Commissioners member, Atty. Steve Yacavone; as well as Atty. Matt Gambrel, who has already taken out petitions for election to a seat on the Board of Township Trustees in the November general elections.
      Trustees Tom Costello and Larry Moliterno have until the end of March to name a successor to Calhoun’s seat and indicate anyone who is interested in filling the position will be interviewed prior to naming a successor.
      Among those expressing an interest in Calhoun’s former seat on the Board of Township Trustees, in addition to Yacavone and Gambrel, are Dwight Stickler and David Moliterno. Another person, identified as Marc Cossette, has sent an email to Boardman Township seeking information on the position of township trustee, Administrator Jason Loree said.
      Trustees’ annual salary is $25,600.
      As fiscal officer, Calhoun will oversee the disbursement of funds from Boardman Township’s annual budget of approximately $23.621 million. That budget includes $11.259 million for the Police Department, $6.236 million for the Fire Department and $4.5 million for the Road Department.
      Boardman Township employs 150 people.
      A township fiscal officer also has a duty to maintain township cemeteries, and in Boardman there are two cemeteries the township must maintain.
      Calhoun received his oath of office from Mahoning County Probate Judge Robert Rusu.
      In accepting the appointment, Calhoun said “I’m truly honored to take on this role and deeply appreciate the support of our community stakeholders who have reached out recently.
      “As Fiscal Officer, I am committed to ensuring that Boardman Township’s finances are managed responsibly and transparently. I will work diligently to maintain fiscal stability and accountability for our residents.”
      Calhoun recognized his predecessor, Bill Leicht “for his leadership over the past 30 years. Mr. Leicht has been a great mentor and has established procedures to ensure continued success in the fiscal office.”
      Calhoun emphasized the importance of teamwork in local government, highlighting his eagerness to collaborate with the Township Trustees and a dedicated, hardworking staff.
      “Success in local government is a team effort, and I’m grateful to be working with such an enthusiastic group of public servants. Together, we will continue to make Boardman a great place to live, work, and do business,” the new fiscal officer said.
      Looking ahead, Calhoun reaffirmed his commitment to open communication and community engagement.
      “I encourage residents to stay engaged and reach out with any concerns or questions. Transparency and communication are key to effective governance, and I look forward to keeping an open dialogue with the community,” Calhoun said.