Challenging Finances
Five years ago, Ohio eliminated its estate tax. While this reduced the burden on families when a loved one passes, it created challenges for townships that rely on funding from residents rather than industry. Under Jim’s leadership and creativity, we have met the challenge and consistently balanced the township’s budget.
Jim is a small business owner who also has the ability to contribute high-finance expertise when needed. As a bank board member, he helped local Middlefield Bank grow and become a NASDAQ-traded company. He brings the same discipline to management of Munson’s finances.
Township Roads
Jim has worked extensively with local residents, fellow trustees, and the county engineer to find win-win solutions to the challenge of safety for everyone, balancing the budget, and respect for our rural environment.
Jim has been instrumental in finding additional monies for our township roads. He helped secure $175,000 dollars of OPWC Issue 2 money to help offset a reduction of money from the Ohio Local fund.
Parks
Munson has two township parks and is home to three county parks. Jim has ensured the county takes responsibility for its parks and Munson concentrate on the recreational and sports facilities at its parks. In 2014, we installed a new playground at the Town Hall to get more kids to “Come Alive Outside.”
Also, Jim with the other trustees and using Ohio LAEPP resources, the township was able to keep the Hilltopper Farm in agricultural operation in a way that maintains our rural atmosphere without losing property tax revenue.
Law Enforcement
Munson remains a blessedly safe community and Jim, as the township’s liaison to the County Sheriff’s office, is proud to have such an excellent working relationship with Sheriff Hildenbrand and Deputy Pavlik.
Sadly, the national problem with opioid use is spreading in Ohio and now in Geauga County as well. Jim has personally supported the Red Tulip Project, a provider of safe and sober housing for women, and is committed to engaging Munson Township in this battle now, before it becomes a major problem in our local community.
Recycling
The Geauga Maple Leaf reported, “Jim McCaskey had good news at the August 22 trustees meeting about relocating the township’s recycling center.” We procured a grant of $1,100 from Geauga-Trumbull Waste Management District and will soon use it to build a new recycling center.
. . . and the Unexpected
Like a parent or small-business owner (of which Jim is both), a township trustee spends a tremendous amount of time dealing with the unexpected.
Sadly, in 2015, our driver had to make a split-second call. He ditched the fire truck and was seriously injured. But he saved the lives of others and has since recovered nicely.
Jim helped find a way to replace the fire truck in a way that saved money and increased safety of residents, businesses, and drivers.