Brimfield Township Fiscal Officer Appointment Upheld After Legal Review

Brimfield Township’s appointment of Jasmine Golden as fiscal officer stands after the Portage County Prosecutor’s Office ruled trustees lacked authority to rescind the appointment made July 28.

Trustees held an emergency meeting July 31 attempting to reverse Golden’s appointment and temporarily reinstate retiring fiscal officer John Dalziel, citing concerns about bonding and background checks. However, Trustee Chairman Nick Truitt announced at Wednesday’s meeting that the prosecutor’s office determined the rescission was invalid under Ohio law.

According to Truitt, once Golden’s appointment was submitted to the Portage County Board of Elections, it became final and could not be rescinded. The emergency meeting actions “do not hold legal standing,” he said.

Golden is scheduled to be sworn in Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. following the regular trustee meeting where she addressed the community directly.

“I applied to be fiscal officer because I believe I have the skills to make a difference and the passion to serve,” Golden said. “I had no political agenda. I wasn’t handpicked. I simply showed up prepared, qualified, and ready to work.”

The appointment process included interviews conducted July 17 with a panel including trustees, the business manager, police captain, county auditor staff and HR personnel. Background checks were completed through digital screening and fingerprinting before the July 28 appointment.

Questions arose about potential favoritism after it was revealed that Golden and Business Manager Holly Woods participated together in the Leadership Portage County class of 2025. Truitt addressed the allegations directly, stating Woods disclosed the connection during the interview process and that others on the panel also knew other applicants.

“Working or living in a small town, especially in government, means that you will likely cross paths with or converse with a large number of residents at some point,” Woods said. “Just because that happens doesn’t mean that any wrongdoing is taking place.”

Golden acknowledged criticism about her past business bankruptcy, calling it a “painful and humbling chapter” that taught valuable lessons about stewardship and transparency. She said the bankruptcy stemmed from a failed bakery project involving contractor delays and lost financing.

During public comment, residents criticized trustees who supported the failed rescission attempt. One speaker called the emergency meeting “unlawful” and said trustees “lied” about Golden’s background check status.

The township uses faithful performance coverage through its insurance rather than traditional bonding. Golden’s appointment runs through December 1, with the position appearing on November’s ballot.

Trustee Mike Kostensky was absent from Wednesday’s meeting. The township has requested a financial audit during the fiscal officer transition.

**Zoning Amendment Approved Despite Opposition**

Trustees approved eliminating outdoor storage restrictions for light industrial properties after a contentious public hearing.

The amendment removes the current 5% maximum floor area restriction for outdoor storage yards in light industrial districts. Zoning Inspector Mike Hlad said the restriction was difficult to enforce and recommended approval.

One resident opposed the change during the morning public hearing, expressing concerns about impacts on long-term residents and the township’s rural character. The resident said the changes seemed to benefit specific property owners at the expense of neighboring homeowners.

Hlad explained the township has only 3.8% industrial land use compared to 28.5% agricultural, contradicting claims that agricultural land was being lost. He said many existing businesses were already non-conforming under the old rule, making enforcement problematic.

The amendment still requires outdoor storage areas to be screened by six or eight-foot privacy fencing and maintain required setbacks from property lines.

**Fire Department Hires Three Entry-Level Firefighters**

Fire Chief John Law announced three new entry-level firefighters started Monday in the department’s innovative training program.

The firefighters will work three weeks on regular shifts before attending fire academy for 12 weeks, followed by additional emergency medical training and paramedic school. The two-year process allows the department to train personnel according to its standards while providing immediate staffing help.

“Sometimes we just need hands for lifting and mopping floors,” Law said, noting the program’s success with a previous group of three firefighters who recently completed training.

Trustees approved $15,000 for fitness testing contracts with North Greenville Fitness as required by union agreements and $12,000 for lights, sirens and lettering for a new fire department vehicle.

Financial Audit Approved for Fiscal Transition

Trustees unanimously approved requesting the Portage County Auditor conduct an audit of township finances during the fiscal officer transition.

Chairman Truitt said the audit would provide a high-level review to verify financial records as Golden takes over from Dalziel. The state conducts more detailed audits on a regular basis, but trustees wanted additional verification during the transition period.

Liquor Permit Hearings Declined

Trustees voted against requesting hearings on liquor permit applications, including one for Discount Drug Mart and a comprehensive review of all existing township permits.

Trustee Sue Fields said based on past experience, the state typically approves permits that fall within population-based guidelines regardless of local objections, making the trip to Columbus ineffective.

Bond Validation Process Approved

The board authorized moving forward with legal validation proceedings for up to $1 million in bonds for fire station and administration building projects.

Truitt emphasized this does not commit the township to borrowing the full amount but allows attorneys to begin the structured legal process required for municipal bond issuance. Actual borrowing amounts will be determined through negotiations and the township’s financial review with the new fiscal officer.

Other Business

Road Superintendent reported completion of tree work on Meloy Road and upcoming road closures for pipe replacement on Cline Road. Thomas Weese concluded his summer employment with the road department to return to college.

Parks and Recreation Director Cassie announced completion of community center electrical work and upcoming financial wellness programs with 717 Credit Union scheduled for September 8-9.

The township is linking the community center and road garage via wireless internet connection to reduce costs, with the project paying for itself within five months.