Committee says yes to budget – and Scout recognition

The Mantua Township Committee passed a 2025 municipal budget at its June 9 meeting and also recognized Eagle Scout Ethan James Worst.

The committee cited Worst for his community work as part of the Scouts, including the project that earned him his Eagle rank, a custom fire shed at the Mantua VFW with firewood grate and tools for the post’s flag retirement program.

“The township committee and I want to again congratulate Ethan on achieving the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout,” said Mayor Robert Zimmerman.

Worst is showcasing his project with a poster featuring pictures of the process now on display inside committee chambers at the municipal building.

“Through his many years of Scouting, Ethan learned integrity, respect and leadership skills that will help him become a future community leader, public servant or professional who will carry the values of Scouting into his future,” Zimmerman noted.

The committee’s vote to adopt the municipal budget followed a public hearing. Originally introduced at a May 12 session, the financial plan totals $17,616,789, an increase of $651,534 over last year. It also comes with a $578,451 hike in municipal expenses due to wage increases, contractual salaries and employee health insurance costs.

“We’ve been tightening the belt on spending, and this year’s increase is only the second time in the last five years we’re had to raise taxes locally,” Zimmerman explained. “This budget has no fluff and is reflective of the current state of the economy and the higher cost of living that we are all faced with. Just like all of us today trying to run own households, it’s things like energy costs, gasoline, supplies and materials, etc., that are all more expensive.”

Residents will see a small tax increase, according to the township. An average home in Mantua assessed at $311,000 will have a yearly tax of $110, or $27.50 per quarter.

“Everything costs more today, and we are not immune to the inflated economy that also trickles downward to the municipal government level,” Zimmerman said. “Despite these challenges, we have worked hard to craft a fiscally responsible budget that keeps our township on a path of safety and sustainability.”

The next Mantua committee meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Monday, July 14.