Although exact numbers haven't yet been determined, the Washington County commissioners recently agreed to give 20 percent to 40 percent of the county's one percent permissive sales tax funds to townships for road maintenance and repair, an increase over current funding levels.
Even more importantly, commissioners say they want to closely examine the funding formula for townships, something we think is very important.
Township trustees approached commissioners to ask for a greater share of the sales tax revenue but before that number can be determined, how the money should be fairly divided among townships must be discussed.
Currently, the formula is solely based on the miles of roads each township has and doesn't take into consideration other criteria.
That means a revenue-heavy township would get the same dollar amount for the same amount of roads as a township with little opportunity for additional revenue.
Roads and all infrastructure are vital to have a thriving county. We agree that townships likely need a greater piece of the financial pie.
It only makes sense that before the budget is final, all the criteria is re-examined, as is has not been for years.
We hope the commissioners follow through on their promise to do so.
