Joe Cazier, left, Turkey Creek Township Trustee, discusses with the Turkey Creek Township Advisory Board what should be considered for the capital improvement plan at a special meeting held Wednesday, Sept. 24. Clockwise from Cazier are Matt Dunithan, advisory board president; Fire Chief Mickey Scott, MaryPat Odon, attorney, and Dennis Darr, advisory board member. Not present was John Heckaman, advisory board member. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

By Lauren Zeugner
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE  — In a brief 20-minute special meeting, the Turkey Creek Township Advisory Board approved a capital improvement plan. The special meeting was held Wednesday night, Sept. 24.

Joe Cazier, township trustee, explained the state can take up to 30% of the rainy day fund and the general fund for road improvements, unless the money in those funds is already allocated to a project. Cazier also included the fire equipment replacement fund, even though those funds are considered “safe.”

“Keep in mind, this has be be done every year, so if something comes up, we can change it,” Cazier said.

Matt Dunithan, president of the advisory board, asked if a higher priority pops up after the capital improvement plan is approved, can the funds be reallocated. Cazier said he believed reallocation is possible.

Cazier based the numbers for 2026 on what the township has received in the past, while also trying to be conservative with the estimates for 2027-2028.

He recommended using the entire amount, $140,698, in the rainy day fund to restore the seven cemeteries in the township.

He also recommended using $30,000 for a cemetery site surveyor; $40,000 for a bunk room upgrade for the fire department; $35,000 for a fence around the new training center at Fire Station II; $85,000 for a scuba compressor and gear for the fire department; $40,000 for firefighter PPE cleaning equipment; $150,000 for fire hose exhaust systems; $40,000 for the ladder truck wrap; $20,000 in workout equipment for the firefighters at Station II; $40,000 on restoration, cleaning and beautification on the seven cemeteries; and $40,000 on drives and parking in cemeteries and easements.

Funding for these projects would come out of the general fund.

He explained the additional $40,000 for restoration of the cemeteries as added cushion in case expenses are more than the funds in the rainy day fund.

For 2027 Cazier recommended $40,000 be allocated for site improvements for easements and cemeteries and $30,000 be allocated for the same in 2028.

Cazier noted the estimated cash balance for the general fund in 2026 is $422,968 with $420,000 allocated to the capital improvement plan leaving a balance of $2,968.

The township is still required to come up with its own road and infrastructure fund, which Cazier recommended allocating $890 for 2026.

“We have projects. This will put our noise to the grindstone and get them done,” Cazier said.

Dennis Darr, advisory board member, expressed concern about the state not wanting any funds kept back in reserve in case of an emergency. Dunithan wondered if it was worthwhile to ask if money could be put back in reserve in case of an emergency.

The board passed the capital improvement plan unanimously.