MOUNT VERNON — More than 70 township officials packed the lower level of Knox Memorial on Tuesday for the quarterly Knox County Township Association.
That’s about six times more than the scant baker’s dozen who attended the June 16 meeting.
Because of declining attendance and interest, no one has stepped up to fill leadership roles. The treasurer and secretary both served for four years.
They resigned their positions after repeatedly asking others to step up to no avail.
At the June meeting, Heidi Fought, executive director of the Ohio Township Association, told the association why it was essential to continue to exist and the role it plays in fighting for township rights.
She encouraged members to brainstorm ideas to recruit new leadership.
Making changes
On Tuesday, she reviewed those reasons, and the group discussed meeting dates, times, and different ways to structure leadership.
“This association is critical to keeping townships in Ohio,” Fought said.
After 90 minutes, the members made some decisions, including changing quarterly meetings to biannually with no meal.
Starting in 2026, the association will meet in March and September. In election years, it will meet in December for a group swearing-in.
Nick Beckley, Butler Township trustee, volunteered for another year as president. His fellow trustee Doug Beckley likewise volunteered to serve another term as vice president.
College Township Trustee Will Houston stepped up to serve as secretary.
Monica Severns, Jefferson Township trustee, said she is willing to serve as treasurer provided she is re-elected in November. In the interim, Nick Beckley will serve as treasurer.
Nick Beckley said property taxes are a perfect example of why the townships need the association.
“If we don’t go out and we don’t explain those things to our community, it’s not going to be good for any of us in the longevity of it,” he said.
“I’ve got three little girls growing up, and this is a way that I feel like I can make a difference in Knox County to make sure their life is better coming up, the way I knew Knox County to be.”
