Washington Township

Washington Township in southernMontgomery County, Ohio, offers the best of all worlds - award winning schools,vibrant and affordable neighborhoods,abundant activities, and a strong sense of

place. Our mission is to provide for andpromote the general health, safety andwelfare of Township residents andemployees as we create an environmentfocused on building for the future.

Sharon LowryTrustee PresidentEvery year brings change, but the year 2020 brought changesbeyond our wildest expectations. Collectively, we could not haveimagined that a global pandemic would impact many majordecisions made by residents, businesses and publicorganizations. As your Board of Trustees, we are proud to serveyou - the residents and businesses of Washington Township.

Despite the unprecedented changes and challenges, it was still a

Scott Paulson Trustee Vice President

Dale BerryTrustee

Gary SmigaFiscal Officer

Jesse LightleTownship Administrator

Sharon LowryTrustee President

productive and exciting year for the Township. We offer this annual report as a way to shareprogress and provide highlights on projects and initiatives that happened in our communitythroughout 2020. As Washington Township continues to grow, it remains important to us toprovide transparency, engagement, and a high level of customer service to our residents.Thank you for making Washington Township the best place to live, work and play!

The Zoning and Development Services department worksdirectly with residents and businesses to approve permits,proactively identify zoning violations and work with potentialdevelopers on residential and commercial site plans. Zoninginspectors can often be found driving through the Townshipand visiting homes and businesses, offering assistance,enforcing Washington Township's zoning resolution andanswering questions.

Overview

Home improvement projects were incredibly popular in 2020with 585 total zoning certificates issued for fences, decks,home additions and more. Throughout the year, thedepartment focused its attention on assisting businessowners and helping them understand and adapt to thechanging landscape of the pandemic. Washington Townshipcontinued to be a leader in Montgomery County with 25% ofnew residential developments happening in the Township.Noteworthy projects included the Washington Glendevelopment, which will bring 255 single-family homes toYankee Street along with turn lane improvements andexpanded multi-use trails in the south end of the Township.

2020 SummaryThe first ever virtualTownship Business Breakfastwas held in October with localbusinesses receiving videoupdates, virtual networkingand prizes.

In early 2020, elected officialsattended the official ribboncutting for the new SICSA PetAdoption and WellnessCenter. We are proud to havethem as part of theWashington Township family!

A resolution was passed thatpermitted businesses totemporarily utilize outdoordining areas during thepandemic. The Board isconsidering extending thatresolution through 2021.

HIGHLIGHTS2020

Development Services staff remained committed to helping businesses navigate the challenges of2020 by offering comprehensive and efficient services to the community, while observingguidelines from the State of Ohio for the health and safety of residents. Staff worked with localrestaurants to allow outside dining and local churches to allow outside worship, all whileresponding to a record number of zoning certificates for a wide variety of property improvementsand construction. This high level of activity continues into 2021.

The Development Services department hasseveral major initiatives underway including anoverhaul of their comprehensive plan andupdating the streetscape enhancementguidelines. As part of the comprehensive planupdate, the Township will be working to rewritethe current zoning codes over the coming yearwith a more customer-oriented approach.

Ryan Lee | Development Services Director

A new multi-family residential development iscurrently being planned for McEwen Rd, between I-675 and Washington Square Apartments. Thecondos would be intended for purchase and wouldinclude 37 total units.

2021 Plans

The Township is currently undertaking a refresh oftheir Streetscape Enhancement Guidelines so thatentrance way corridors and commercial corridorscan be enhanced and improved. Connectivity wouldalso be included in these improvements.

Plans are also moving forward for the muchanticipated United Dairy Farmers (UDF) on thecorner of Far Hills & Whipp Rd and residents canexpect to receive updates about that projectthroughout 2021.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, Washington Townshipremains in solid financial shape at the close of 2020. Accessto coronavirus relief helped cover the expenses needed toensure safe working conditions for staff and visitors to theRecPlex and administrative buildings while the finance teamcontinued to operate at the highest level, providing fulltransparency with accounting practices that ensured wecontinued to be good stewards of taxpayers funds.

2020 marked the 30thconsecutive year that theTownship has received highestrating available from the StateAuditor's Office. This meansthere were no materialproblems found in theTownship's 2019 financialstatements and accountingpractices. A clean audit doesn'thappen on its own and I amincredibly proud of our financeteam for this achievement.

MESSAGE FROM THEFISCAL OFFICERThe Washington Township Finance Department falls under

the direction of the fiscal officer and Township administratorand covers a variety of responsibilities including recordretention, payroll processing, the annual budget and more.

Overview

2020 Summary

A foundation of trust is built ontransparency, particularly as itrelates to finances. This is avalue that our staff takes veryseriously as our budget,meeting minutes, and onlinecheckbook are always availablefor residents to review.

The finance team maintains afive year budget that acts as aroadmap and ensuresaccountability, financialforecasting and helps tocontrol costs.

Gary Smiga | Fiscal Officer2020 Total Revenue: $36,584,359

6.9%4.5% 8.5%

16.6%

1.6%

13.5%

48.4%

Recreation

COVID Relief General

Road & Related

Fire

Vehicle Main.

Police

The main source of revenue in Washington Township comes through property taxes. In 2020, thelargest portion of revenue increase came from new millage for fire department services thatvoters approved in 2019.This revenue will be used to fund new full-time positions and build a newfire station to replace Station 41. The Township form of government continues to be highlyresponsive to residents because most revenue comes from property tax levies which must be approved by voters.

A mill means 1/1,000. Therefore, each millgenerates $1 of taxes for every $1,000 of a property's assessed value. Of the ten millsassigned by the state, Washington Townshiphas been allocated 3.05 mills from residentsof the unincorporated area and .7 mills from the incorporated area. The rest is voter approved.

Mike Barlow | Finance Director

Revenue

Where do your property taxes go?

Many public entities are funded by property tax. The graph below shows how WashingtonTownship's property tax factors in to the overall tax bill paid by residents in the unincorporatedportion of Washington Township. The residential effective rate for incorporated WashingtonTownship residents is 90.64. Property tax is based on the value of a tax payer's property and theamount of millage voters have approved.

2020 Total Expenses: $28,716,983

Aside from the General Fund,Washington Township's budgetoperates using restricted funds,meaning the money in that accountcan only be used for the designatedpurpose, and nothing more. Thisgraph depicts those expenditures for2020. In working toward fulfilling itslevy promise to voters, the FireDepartment hired 14 new full-timefirefighters in 2020.

Expenses

42.8%

8.8%4.2% 9.5%

16.5%

2.1%

16.1%

53% School District19% Washington Township18% Montgomery County4% Sinclair College3% Library3% Park District

RecreationCOVID Relief General

Road & Related

Vehicle Main.

Police

Fire

HIGHLIGHTS2020 The Washington Township Fire Department remains the onlyaccredited fire department in the Miami Valley and one of onlynine in the State of Ohio. The department provides emergencyservices to Washington Township and City of Centervilleresidents, businesses and visitors. These services include firesuppression, emergency medical services, technical rescue,operations-level hazardous materials mitigation, and othercommunity risk reduction services. Our fire department pridesthemselves on utilizing the best industry practices to ensure thehighest level of service is provided to our community.

Hired 11 new firefighters, 1battalion chief & numerouspart-time staff.

Awarded an Assistance toFirefighters Grant to purchaseself-contained breathing units.

Highest number ofcredentialed officers in theState of Ohio.

Overview

2020 SummaryThe department’s primary focus of 2020 was our response toCOVID-19. Weekly incident action plans were developedoutlining our response mode during that operational period.Collecting data and following up on patient outcomes helpedus continually evaluate where we stood with our response tothe pandemic. Securing PPE, cleaning products, and assuringsafe working environments were a top priority. Our COVID-19response team, which included all chief officers, did anexcellent job assuring we were doing what needed to be doneto protect our community and staff.

2018 2019 2020

10,000

7,500

5,000

2,500

0

Our training division is assigned to a battalion chief who oversees all training and education for thedepartment. The division utilizes three training lieutenants, the department’s 36 fire instructors, 16EMS instructors, and our fire marshal to provide training to approximately 100 firefighters, EMTs,paramedics, and fire safety inspectors. Training is a vital aspect of our operational programs and theintroduction of new concepts advances the safety and effectiveness of our members duringemergency incidents. Training for all disciplines includes scenario-based drills designed to enhanceindividual, company and multi-company skillsets and proficiency.

EMS33%

Fire25.2%

Driver/Operator9.8%

Officer9.8%

Inspector9.7%

HazMat8%

Admin2.8%

Instructor1.6%

Num

ber o

f Cal

ls fo

r Ser

vice

7,751 8,068 7,808

Scott Kujawa | Fire Chief

Professional DevelopmentProfessional development goes far beyond thetraditional fire and EMS training that typicallyoccurs in the firehouse. Our members realize theimportance of professional development and theneed to obtain it for future promotions. Thedepartment has incorporated specific professional

development criteria in its succession planso that our members are fully aware of therequirements to promote. We had severalmembers complete their degrees rangingfrom Associate’s to Master’s. As a firedepartment, we hold 12 credentialedofficers - the most in the State of Ohio. This demanding process recognizes theprofessional accomplishments andtechnical competence of fire and

Training

emergency services officers.

Training Hours

The most significant crime increase in 2020 was in identity theft crimes including fraudulent credit cards, cell phones and online purchases using a victim's information. While home security and business assessments were mostly put on hold, the pandemic couldn't stop the substation from continuing their community outreach efforts.The community resource trailer was used multiple times to deliver school lunches while childrenwere attending school virtually in partnership with Centerville City Schools. Funds were raised by thesubstation to purchase lunch for several local hospital emergency departments and Deputies"adopted" a graduating Centerville High School senior, presenting her with a gift card and basket fullof items to congratulate her. Finally, MCSO assisted in the Township's Super Saturday events wherethey collected unused prescription drugs for safe disposal.

2017 2018 2019 2020

40,000

30,000

20,000

10,000

0

MONTGOMERY COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

HIGHLIGHTS2020The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office provides full policeservices to Washington Township residents through a costeffective contract with the Board of Trustees. This enablesresidents to benefit from the service and expertise provided by alarge department and to negotiate the level of police servicesappropriate for the community. Washington Township continues torank among the lowest in per capita expenditures for policeservices among south Dayton communities.

Overview

2020 Summary

With 67.5% in favor,Washington Townshipresidents approved a 2.3-milpolice services replacementlevy. Thank you, residents!

Number of Calls Per YearMCSO partnered with a local,non-profit, communitybehavioral health agency toprovide resources to residentsexperiencing mental healthcrises. This Crisis InterventionTeam program has proven tobe incrediby effective.

Although many communityevents were cancelled,Deputies held their popular'Coffee with a Cop' event inearly March before theshutdown occurred. The eventwas well received by the public.

32,01927,719 27,286

20,855

2017 2018 2019 2020

600

400

200

0

The School Resource Officer oversees nine schools in WashingtonTownship and educates students on alcohol, actions versusconsequences, social media safety, drug awareness and prevention,anger management and more. The SRO also assists with counselingsessions, safety drills, child custody issues, child welfare, truancyissues, school bus safety and more. With in-person classespostponed, the SRO participated in virtual education programs andcontinued to meet regularly with school officials to advise on anumber of issues.

Traffic safety is one of the Township's top priorities.Overall, 2020 saw a decrease in traffic-related incidents,which could be partially due to less people on the roadbecause of the pandemic. Friday's were the busiest daysfor traffic crashes, accounting for 70% of all crashes.MCSO has a Deputy Sheriff dedicated to traffic serviceswho oversees accident reports, OVI training,reconstruction and mapping and more.

School Education

Mike Brem | Police Captain

Traffic Services Traffic Crashes

520452 421

369

The Washington Township Public Works Departmentoversees the construction, improvement and maintenance ofTownship roads, sidewalks, traffic signs and signals, curbs,gutters and storm sewer system. The department also leadsthe Township's Super Saturday events, leaf pickup, snowremoval, beautification efforts and maintenance of sixcemeteries. Crews maintain public flower beds andlandscaping while also clearing snow from parking lots at theRecPlex, fire stations and administrative buildings.

HIGHLIGHTS2020Overview

2020 SummaryThe essential duties and servicesprovided by the department continuedthroughout the pandemic in 2020. TwoSuper Saturday events were held withan average of 800 cars attending eachevent. Additionally, crews beganimplementing the early phases oflandscape updates in concert with theTownship rebrand including newmedian planters and refreshed flowerbeds. Finally, the Street ImprovementProgram resurfaced approximatelyeight miles of public roadway andreplaced more than 14,400 feet ofdeteriorating curb.

Over 2,300 miles of roadwaycleaned by the street sweeper.

A mild winter brought only 8inches of snow and crewsplowed and salted roads ononly eight days.

19 burials & 11 cremationsperformed and 1 veteransplaque was placed.

Improved software helped thedepartment document &itemize vehicle repairs andlabor costs while detailedmonthly reports enhancedrecord keeping.

Mike Wanamaker | Public Works Director

Staffing

Staffing proved to be one of the greatest challenges posed by thepandemic in 2020. Traditionally, the department would hireseasonal part-time staff to assist during peak leaf collectionseason. However, given the risk of adding outside personnel to thecrews, the department decided to operate independently, usingonly in-house staff. In a typical leaf season, crew totals averaged26 employees. In 2020, they had 14 employees. This meant staffworked longer hours than usual however, the 2020 season wentsmoothly with crews continuously exceeding expectations.Additionally, while the RecPlex was closed in the spring, recreationstaff were temporarily reassigned to Public Works to help withwatering, mulching, and planting flowers.

2021 Plans

Similar to 2020, the Public Worksdepartment will be resurfacing 18 streetsin 2021 for the Township's Street ImprovementProgram. This program focuses primarily onresidential streets and includes curb rehabilitation, roadresurfacing and sidewalk repair. Also, the continued implementation of the Township's Streetscape Enhancementproject will remain a priority for the department throughout2021.

Partnerships

Some roads and bridges in the Township are maintained by either the county or the state. When repairs are needed, the Township works collaboratively with our partners to notify residents, provide updates and participate in hearings. In 2021,the county is currently planning two bridge construction projects including Whipp Rd and Lyons Rd.While road construction can be inconvenient, the department's first priority will always be serving ourresidents and putting their safety first. Additionally, the Township is a full partner with localbusinesses who might be affected by the construction.

The Washington Township RecPlex serves the residents of Washington Township and Centerville witha mission to build a shared sense of community for all by providing diverse programs in a safe and

When a public health mandate closed the RecPlex on March 16,staff immediately began preparing for an eventual multi stage re-opening. CDC and state guidelines pertaining to capacity,session length, social distancing, face covering, sanitizing andCOVID-19 testing were met, or exceeded, through modificationsto the 33 acre campus encompassing the RecPlex, EnrichmentCenter, Town Hall Theatre and Countryside Park.

2020 Summary

engaging environment. While 2020 posed significant challengesfor the recreation department, staff prepared and implementedprotocols unique to each program while continuing to strengthencommunity partnerships. Because of this preparation, the RecPlexholds the distinction of being only a handful in the region able tore-open all of its programs in full compliance with CDC directiveson the dates permitted by the state.

HIGHLIGHTS2020

Overview

Completed the Strategic &Business Development Planthat provides a roadmap forthe department for the next 5years.

Made 2 rounds of wellnesscalls to 3,760 patrons age 65and older to ensure their well-being during the shutdown.

Upgraded the department'sRecTrac programmanagement software aftermonths of testing and training.

Delivered meals and madeweekly calls to over 125homebound seniors throughthe STAR program.

Operated a 12-week, fullcapacity, on site summercamp for 72 weeklyparticipants in 9 separatesites.

The department worked alongside Centerville High School and the Sharks swim teams to safely host 5 swim meets while continuing to provide safe access to training facilities. The expanded fitness center proved to be popular with over 11,000 visits while almost 300 patrons took advantage of the virtual fitness classes offered. While the Enrichment Center was closed, members had full access to the RecPlex and took advantage of the lap lane reservations, senior fitness classes, and walking track. Additionally, transportation services resumed in June 2020 and served 20 monthly riders. Town Hall Theatre seamlessly switched to virtual performances while alsoholding onsite classes for almost 80 participants.

Touchless features in restrooms, plexiglass shields in high trafficareas, motion activated entrance and restroom doors and sanitizerdispensers in multiple locations are just a few of the facility upgradesthat the department implemented to ensure the safety of patronsthroughout 2020.

When schools moved to virtual learning in the fall, theRecPlex partnered with Centerville City Schools to run fullday, onsite Rec'ing Crew programs for students in grades

1-5. As the schools pivoted between virtual and hybridlearning models, so did the RecPlex, initially offering daily

virtual classrooms and moving to once weekly virtualclassrooms for 180 total participants.

Mark Metzger | Recreation Director

Safely Serving the Community

Programming

Awards & Recognition

Town Hall Theatre received a $1,000 grant from OhioParks & Recreation Association for their virtual programs.They were also awarded 3rd place in the AdaptivePrograms category for the sensory-friendly performanceof "Frozen, Jr". Ohio City Manager's Associationpresented the Award for Innovation in Local Governmentfor the STAR program and the Outstanding Citizens of theYear award was presented by the Ohio Parks & RecreationAssociation to Arti & Hemant Garg for their philanthropicefforts on behalf of children and the RecPlex.

In the spring, recreation staff deliveredmeals to Enrichment Center members who were part of the registered nutrition lunch program. Typically, members would come in once a week for a healthy lunch at the Enrichment Center but in light of the shutdown, staff took the meals to them! Additionally, the Washington Township Fire Department and Montgomery County Sheriff's Office assistedCenterville City Schools in delivering meals to students who qualified for the state's free and reduced-price meal program during the school closure. Although the pandemic made 2020 a difficult year, we found how just how strong our community truly is when we work together.

With traditional Santa visits out of the question in 2020, the Fire Department gotcreative. For two nights inDecember, a fire engine drove Santa around the Township to wave at all the kids. Routes were created and approximate times were given in the days preceding Santa's tour, all shared through social media. The show of support from the community was overwhelming and was truly a bright spot in 2020.

When the Woodland Lights festival had to be cancelled due to thepandemic, recreation staff quickly pivoted to "share the light"

with the community. Staff placed decorations and vignettes at twenty different locations throughout the township and

posted a map online so residents could enjoy the light displays from the warmth and comfort of their cars.

Community EngagementShare The LightSanta Tour

Mask RepairsMeal DeliveryTown Hall Theatrestaff spent hourshelping the OhioDepartment of Healthrepair faulty N95masks at a time whenPPE was in very shortsupply. Volunteersworked on repairingthe masks at homeand then returnedthem to the Health Department once they were fixed.