Crescent Township Finishes 2010 with $80,000 Surplus

Bill Cook, president of Crescent Township's Board of Commissioners, commended the township's employees last night, describing a 2010 full of accomplishments for the small community. 

"The office has been very busy and the township has been working hard for the residents," Cook said at the board's first meeting of the year. 

The township decreased spending by 7.1 percent last year, finishing 2010 with a budget surplus of more than $80,000, according to Commissioner Karen Patton. 

But Patton said the sluggish economy posed problems for the township's administration. 

"Due to the state of the economy, this township received no grants," Patton said. "It was a struggle for us. We pinched pennies this year." 

Commissioners presented their 2010 report, which included details about a $17,000 FEMA reimbursement for damages from last winter's blizzard, township events and the renovation of the township's multipurpose room. 

The township also received a report from interim Police Chief Martin Zimmel, who has been in the position since Oct. 1. Crescent Police Chief Todd Miller has been absent for two years after injuring his knee while on duty. Zimmel was hired in September. 

In other business: 

• Commissioners passed a resolution allowing the township to participate in a new energy-efficiency grant. 
• Resident Paul Burton was reappointed as a member of the township Vacancy Board for the year. 
• Resident Colleen Keller was reappointed to the Recreation Board for a term of five years. 
• Residents Bill Cook and John Teleha were appointed to the Planning Commission for terms of four years.