Assessor reviews draft budget as trustees approve bills and a six‑month lease extension

Assessor Ivana Awana presented the draft assessor budget and the township’s third‑quarter financial report at the Cunningham Township meeting May 11, telling trustees that most budget changes are in salary and personnel lines because of last year’s raises and proration decisions.

"Predominantly, most of the changes have taken place within the salary section as well as the personnel other expenses section," Awana said, explaining that pay raises were applied mid‑year and some lines are being adjusted to align fiscal years.

Awana answered trustee questions about a combined $9,200 computer and software charge in the bills packet, saying it covers the annual charge for the JRM Consulting platform that hosts electronic property record cards, plus antivirus/malware protection and email hosting for staff.

Board business: Trustees approved payment of the bills by voice vote after the assessor’s explanations. The supervisor read line items for March, reporting the town fund at $52,084.84, the general assistance fund at $282,765.72 and total expenditures of $335,880.56.

In new business the board approved resolution T2026‑05‑008R to authorize the supervisor to sign a six‑month lease renewal with Lincoln Square LLC while the township continues discussions about funding for an office move. "We just need to extend our lease renewal by 6 months," Supervisor Chenoweth said as she introduced the resolution. Trustee Mary Alice moved the measure and Trustee Quisenberry seconded; a roll‑call vote recorded Yes from Trustee Wu, Trustee Evans, Trustee Hersey, Trustee Jones and Trustee Quisenberry and the resolution passed.

What to watch: Awana said the assessor salary line is prorated because the assessor’s term begins Jan. 1 while the fiscal year starts July 1; she also noted a recalculation for FICA that will be covered within budget lines. The supervisor said some budget amendments will be needed because the township incurred unexpected expenses related to the public winter emergency shelter.

Next steps: The assessor will consult with the finance and operations director to finalize the appropriate salary line for the FY27 draft; the supervisor will pursue funding options and report on the office‑move timeline.