Since January 1: An Update on My Work as Trustee

Since taking office on January 1, I have focused on strengthening fiscal oversight, clarifying governance processes, and ensuring that township decisions are grounded in data, statute, and public transparency.

Much of this work occurs through meetings, document review, and policy development before items appear on a public agenda. Below is a summary of the areas in which I have been actively engaged in my role as trustee.

Fiscal Governance & Budget Oversight

Since being elected, I have been meeting with and advising with the Fiscal Officer, Karen Walder, to review the Trustee and Fiscal Officer responsibilities under Ohio Revised Code 5705. Under Ohio law, her institutional knowledge has proven to be invaluable to me as a new Trustee:

• The Fiscal Officer certifies available funds.

• Department heads submit budget requests.

• Trustees appropriate funds and certify levies.

Since taking office, I have:

• Encouraged early discussions regarding 2027 budget modeling.

• Supported conservative forecasting assumptions.

• Raised awareness of statewide conversations surrounding property and income tax reform as context for long-term planning.

• Emphasized careful sequencing of any future levy discussions.

• Encouraged thoughtful, hands-on trustee engagement in long-term financial oversight.

• Expressed interest in evaluating approaches that may help stabilize tax rates and reduce volatility during re-evaluation cycles.

All budget and levy decisions occur through publicly noticed meetings and formal board action.

ADP Review & Technology Governance

Following questions regarding ADP billing and software implementation, I participated in a structured review of the process with the Police Chief. To evaluate what we did right in this situation and what we did not do right.

That review identified the absence of a township-level end-user agreement for certain software implemented at the request of the Sheriff’s Department. The concern was procedural clarity rather than individual fault. We identified that we could have clarified installation expectations in advance.

As a result, I drafted a proposed internal policy addressing:

• Formal authorization prior to hardware or software implementation.

• Scope verification before installation.

• Clear department head accountability.

The proposed policy was submitted to our HR legal counsel for review, revised accordingly, and has been placed on the February 19, 2026, public meeting agenda for consideration by the full Board of Trustees.

Any adoption of the policy will occur through a formal vote in open session.

Public Safety

During my ADP conversation, I discussed body camera implementation with the Police Chief and its role in promoting transparency and public trust. We are now considering moving the deployment of body cameras from 2027 or 2028 to 2026.

I have also reviewed timing considerations related to potential fire department levy discussions in the context of broader statewide tax conversations.

All funding and equipment decisions remain subject to public discussion at the meeting and formal board vote.

Transportation & Infrastructure

I sent a letter to ODOT requesting documentation related to prior discussions concerning:

• The SR 306 & 87 intersection.

• Traffic control concerns near SR 306 & Music.

The goal is to ensure that any future consideration is based on current data, engineering input, and formal agency guidance.

I am also meeting with the Road Department to review road safety concerns in the Hemlock Hills subdivision. That discussion will focus on evaluating current conditions, reviewing available data, and understanding which options are available within township authority and budget parameters. Any potential action would be discussed in a public meeting and considered by the full Board of Trustees.

During the recent cold snap, residents raised concerns about snow-packed roads, and township leadership, working with the Road Department, increased plowing and salting on hilly roads in response.

Zoning & Property Maintenance

I have scheduled regular meetings with the Zoning Inspector to review ongoing matters.

Enforcement efforts are guided by the township zoning resolution and the Ohio Revised Code. In some cases, informal compliance efforts are appropriate. In others, formal documentation, written notice, photographic evidence, and consultation with the Assistant Prosecuting Attorney may be necessary.

Regarding the propane tank business at SR 306 & Music, we received confirmation that there are no underground tanks. The Zoning Department is documenting the matter, will pursue any action permitted under applicable township and state law as appropriate, and will update the Board of Trustees at public meetings.

Administrative Succession Planning

In anticipation of the Board Administrator’s retirement, I have begun reviewing administrative structure considerations.

This review will include:

• Consultation with the Fiscal Officer.

• Consultation with our HR legal counsel.

• Review of statutory requirements of the position.

• Consideration of workload, fiscal impact, resident services, and service continuity.

No decisions have been made. Any structural changes would occur only after public discussion and formal board action.

Internal Culture & Leadership Approach

I have continued to build upon the township’s “Doing Things the Russell Way” framework.

My leadership approach emphasizes:

Lead with Kindness, Then Be Curious, Not Judgmental.

In practice, that means encouraging solution-focused discussion, discouraging a blame culture, and reinforcing professionalism and role clarity within township operations.

Legislative & Policy Development

The concept of harm reduction has been discussed in an open session. Building on that discussion, I have drafted a proposed resolution to expand access to Naloxone and fentanyl test strips, along with a proposed stigma-reduction framework aligned with state guidance and an internal implementation outline.

I am continuing to refine these proposals and anticipate requesting placement on the agenda for a future public meeting, potentially during one of the March meetings. Any consideration or action would occur only after public discussion and a formal vote by the Board of Trustees.

Closing

Since January 1, my focus has been on strengthening fiscal oversight, clarifying governance processes, supporting public safety transparency, and reinforcing institutional stability.

All township decisions are made through publicly noticed meetings, open discussion, and formal votes of the Board of Trustees.

As always, I welcome thoughtful engagement from residents.

Amy Heutmaker, Russell Township TrusteeLead with Kindness, Then Be Curious, Not Judgmental

Disclaimer: This post reflects my individual perspective as a Trustee. It should not be interpreted as representing the official position of the Russell Township Board of Trustees or any other township department or official.