Brockway Twp. considers fire hall roof work, preps for elections

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been updated to reflect that a new shingle roof for the Brockway Township Fire Station is estimated to be between $70,000 and $130,000.

BROCKWAY TWP. — The 24-year-old roof of the Brockway Township Fire Station is in rough shape, firefighters say, with a notable hole near the front. 

The Brockway Township board knows roughly how much a replacement will cost, but at its July 14 meeting delayed a decision to hire a roofing company until Aug. 11 to wait for the fire millage results in the upcoming Aug. 4 election.

Despite its condition, Chief Chris Hubbard says there is no visible water damage in the hall, though the department is pursuing a “band-aid” for a hole now and eventually a whole roof replacement before winter.

A new shingle roof could cost between $70,000 and $130,000, based on recently received estimates. In the meantime, the board approved spending $300 for a temporary fix by Moza Construction.  

A public safety millage proposition in August’s primary election would renew a tax of 1.7739 mills for funding through 2030. Per the proposal language, the funding, including $118,750 that would be raised in its first year, would be used for maintenance and upgrades of fire department equipment, maintenance costs for the fire station, and potentially to purchase a new fire truck.

Upcoming elections

Voters across the state will soon fill out their ballots for primary elections. 

In Brockway, early voting between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. begins Saturday, July 25, running through Sunday, Aug. 2. However, there is no voting on Monday, July 27. 

Election Day is Tuesday, Aug. 4, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Voters will determine who advances to the general elections in November. The governor, U.S. senator and Ninth District representative, 12th and 25th District state senators, and 63rd, 64th, and 65th state representatives top the ballot in St. Clair County.

Seats for clerk, treasurer and one trustee are open in Brockway. None of these seats have more than one candidate running, per the county’s election candidate list online. 

For Brockway voters, two millage renewals for public safety and township also appear on the ballot. 

The former would fund upgrading and maintaining firefighting equipment through 2030, and would raise $118,750 in its first year, taxing residents $1.77 per $1,000 of taxable value. 

The latter details funding chloride application, construction, and general improvements to township roads. The prop, again running through 2030, would collect $112,200 in its first year, taxing residents about $1.67 per $1,000 of taxable value. 

New accounting software

The township is considering a switch from its existing accounting software system, QuickBooks, to a new system to handle its taxing, assessing, payroll, and related township responsibilities.

New software being considered would allow data to be stored on the cloud, versus a local server. 

St. Clair County is leading the charge, with its Board of Commissioners approving a switch to BS&A for its tax collection services on June 18. The switch is to be implemented between August and September 2027. 

“Because they are changing, most everyone in the county is also changing,” said Brockway Treasurer Terry Wright. Following the county’s lead will save the township $5,000, she added.

The change would necessitate a nearly $50,000 up-front cost, which the township could elect to pay in five installments. From then on, the township would pay about $10,000 annually, Wright said, noting the amount is less than what the township pays now. The township did not specify what that amount is when asked following the meeting. 

The board can ask questions of a BS&A representative at its Aug. 11 meeting before moving forward with any agreement.

Housekeeping and Bills

Township staff were granted the ability to shop for new blinds for three township offices, which could be approved next month. Following the custodian’s resignation, the township is seeking a successor. 

The township board approved general funds bills totalling $26,359.25, fire department bills of $9,463.56, and parks and recreation bills of $4,295.28. 

— Max Kappel is a reporter covering local government and agriculture for The Yale Expositor and is a Report for America corps member. Report for America recruits, places and supports talented journalists in local newsrooms across the United States. Make a tax-deductible donation to support his work and Report for America will match it dollar for dollar. Go to: tinyurl.com/2s372ebu. Reach him at max@yaleexpositor.com.