Brimfield trustees move to seek JED language change after auditor flags 2024 spending

Brimfield Township trustees voted to ask outside counsel to request a formal change to the Joint Economic Development District (JED) maintenance-and-improvement agreement after the 2024 audit identified unallowable spending, including vehicle and equipment purchases.

The board approved a motion to have Deemer and Associates draft identical language for Brimfield and partner jurisdictions and to pursue the change with the JED so the township could, if the partners agree, retroactively reclassify those expenditures. Jasmine, a township fiscal staffer, said the auditor identified that funds had been spent from the JED M&I account for uses not covered under the agreement and that the money was being returned to the JED fund. "General fund is currently standing at negative $53,020.24," Jasmine said in the meeting.

Trustees were told the process would start with attorney outreach to Talmadge's law director, then require identical board votes within 90 days by the partner jurisdictions, and finally JED board approval for the language change. Deemer and Associates — the firm familiar with the existing JED language — will lead the drafting and outreach. The board voted unanimously to pursue that path.

The audit finding already prompted internal corrections: fiscal staff said the unallowed payments were placed back into the JED fund, producing shortfalls at department levels. An unidentified fire department representative warned of concrete operational impacts: "I have to cancel an ambulance," they said, explaining the department had expected that equipment to be paid from M&I funds. Trustees discussed options that included short-term county draws and potential retroactive relief if the three-step language change is approved.

The trustee motion authorizes counsel to prepare retroactive language that would allow certain equipment and vehicle purchases to be funded under M&I. Fiscal staff cautioned that even with that path there may be timing and audit limitations that determine whether 2024 and 2025 expenditures could be restored to departmental budgets.

Next steps: Deemer and Associates will draft the motion language and approach Talmadge and Kent as recommended; the board said it will monitor cash flow closely in coming weeks while the JED process proceeds.