In Brief: Township Trustees Approve TSC Tax Abatement, Retiring Firefighter Honored

Retiring firefighter honored

Guy Balok, a employee of 27 years who is retiring from the fire department, was honored last week by the township board of trustees and staff for his service.

Fire chief Richard Marinucci presented Balok with a retirement badge. Public Safety director John Werth also commended him for his service.

“Thank you so much for giving so much to the community,” Werth said.

State Rep. Kurt Heise was also on hand to present Balok with a commendation.

TSC tax abatement approved

The Township trustees approved a five-year tax abatement application for tech company , located near Five Mile and Beck roads. The area is currently zoned for research, development and technology.

CEO Allen Ibara talked about ’s operations. He said that upcoming production will eventually require the company to expand to three shifts of workers. The company will begin producing batteries at one million parts per month, he said.

According to language in the tax abatement resolution and application, TSC plans to create 79 jobs from its expansion. In weighing the decision of whether or not to award the tax abatement, the board of trustees considered whether or not the business met the research, development and technology zoning criteria.

The tax abatement was recommended by township staff based on a point system. TSC reached enough points to earn the maximum – a five year tax abatement.

TSC's tax abatement application indicates that about 20 percent of the company's personal property will be used for office space, 20 percent for research and development and 60 percent will be allocated to manufacturing.

Township resident Mike Reynolds, who lives in a subdivision near TSC, expressed concerns about the tax abatement and zoning variances down the line.

“Was this what was intended in the master plan?” he asked the board.

Specifically, the perceived “high production” and three-shift-schedule of workers in a potential 24-hour facility concern nearby residents, Reynolds said.

“It only opens the door for them to come back,” he said, referring to one variance leading to others.

Ultimaltely, the board voted to approve the tax abatement. TSC will be holding an open house on May 11 at 3 p.m.

Update on school sinking fund election

Trustee and clerk Sue Hillebrand discussed the upcoming . She said that about 67 percent of the absentee ballots are in.

She also reminded that voters can head to their usual polls to cast ballots. Hillebrand indicated that the township would be able to bill the school district for some of the costs.

The millage is for capital improvements thoughout the district. It cannot be used for things like salaries.

Water bill correction

Township public services director Don Weaver reported that the hours for watering are incorrectly stated on the most recent water bills.

He reminded that per the township ordinance, despite the error on the water bills, the hours for watering are from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m.