Commonly Asked Questions

This webpage will be updated as needed with commonly asked questions about specific Madison Township issues. Use the buttons below to jump to the different sections.

When will the Community Center reopen for rentals? (Updated 3/4/2022)

The Madison Township Community Center is taking reservations.

How can someone contact the Madison Township Board of Trustees? (Updated 12/23/20)

There are several different ways a Madison Township resident can get in touch with the Board of Trustees, department heads, and administration. Among those are email, phone calls, website contact forms, and public comment at regular board meetings.

Via the website, madisontownship.org, you can find contact information for all of the trustees, each individual trustee, each department, and the administration office. If you're unsure who you need to contact, call the main administrative office at (614) 836-5308 between 8 am and 4 pm Monday through Friday.

Another way to address the board is through Public Comment at a regular Board of Trustees meeting. Though not required by law, Madison Township uses this time as a way to hear directly from citizens about what they want to know. Near the beginning of each regular meeting, there is a time for the public to speak about issues they have, questions, comments, etc. for a period of time. To do this, a resident must sign up in advance, for record-keeping purposes. If the meetings are in person, a speaker's form must be completed and submitted prior to the 6 pm start of the meeting. See the current rules for Public Comment on our website, here.

What do I do if a street light is burnt out on my street? (Posted 7/2/2021)

While most street lights in Madison Township are owned and serviced by AEP, residents are welcome to call the Madison Township Administration office at (614) 836-5308 to report a light that has gone out. AEP can also be called directly at 1 (800) 672-2231.

How do I get updates on that street light if it hasn't been fixed yet? (Posted 7/2/2021)

Residents are welcome to call the Madison Township Administrative office for updates but may find it much faster to call AEP Customer Service at 1 (800) 672-2231.

Why can’t answers to questions be posted in the comment section on Facebook? (Updated 8/2/2022)

As per the current Social Media Policy for Madison Township, the official Madison Township Facebook page does not respond to comments, with the exception of stating that a personal message either is being sent or has been sent. Madison Township is constantly reviewing policies for efficacy and benefit to the community, but as of right now, that is the policy.

Why does the fire engine go on some EMS emergencies with the ambulance? (posted 1/27/21)

The ultimate goal of every emergency response is to provide the best possible care as quickly as possible. Sometimes, a fire engine is the closest piece of equipment to an emergency. The fire engines have the same life-saving supplies on board as the ambulances do, so the engine operators can begin life-saving measures while the ambulance is en-route. A second possibility is that the complexity of the call may require more personnel than an ambulance can provide, requiring the engine to respond as well.

Who pays for the firefighters’ meals? (posted 1/27/21)

Madison Township Fire Department employees are on a 24-hour shift schedule every three days. In one shift, the firefighters typically eat two meals. Each employee has the option to pack their own food, order from a restaurant, or participate in the group meal. Each group meal is budgeted at $5 per person, which they pay for out of pocket and cook themselves. The Township budget is not impacted by their regular meals.

Why is the fire engine at the grocery store? (posted 1/27/21)

If the fire engine is at the store and not responding to a call at that store, the firefighters are most likely getting their groceries for the day. There are several reasons as to why they would take an engine instead of a personal vehicle or a department pick-up truck. First, taking the engine allows them to respond to a potential emergency call if needed. Second, there may not be enough people on staff to allow an employee to take a station truck and still have enough firefighters at the station if an emergency would occur.

Is it illegal to have trash cans out by the road? (posted 3/29/21)

No, it is not illegal to have your trash cans at the end of the road all week. However, It is recommended to put your cans back up against your residence after the trash is picked up on Thursdays to prevent litter, pests, displacement due to wind, theft, and as a courtesy to the rest of the neighborhood.

If your trash can is overflowing or trash is spilling out throughout the week, then Madison Township may take action.

Why are some roads in Madison Township plowed by the Franklin County Engineer? (updated 2/26/21)

Some of the roads in Madison Township are maintained by the Franklin County Engineer or municipalities, while others are maintained by the Madison Township Public Works Department. Road maintenance includes, but isn't limited to, snow plowing, major construction projects, and filling potholes.

The Madison Township Public Works Department is responsible for 41.245 miles of road in total. The township does not maintain all roads in its area. This is because road responsibilities were determined decades ago by the Ohio Revised Code, the Franklin County Commissioner, and the Franklin County Engineer.

Click here to view a color-coded map of which roads are maintained by Madison Township, the Franklin County Engineer, or one of the cities.

Can people play basketball in the street? (posted 3/29/21)

Please see Madison Township Police Chief York's statement on the issue here.

Does Madison Township have a portable speed radar trailer and who/how determines where they are used? (Updated 12/23/20)

Madison Township has two speed trailers at its disposal.

One is completely owned by Madison Township and one is shared between Madison Township and several other municipalities. They are placed in varying locations and neighborhoods by Police Commanders and/or the Police Chief based on need.

If there are high reports of speeding cars in an area, the trailer can be used to collect data in that area. The trailer doesn't take any photos or videos, it only logs the highest speed, lowest speed, and the average over-the-limit speed. This data is then used to make patrolling decisions.

To report speeding cars or request the speed trailer be placed somewhere, please email policeadmin@madisontownship.org or call the police office during normal business hours at (614) 836-5355.

What is a reserve police officer and what does their job entail? (posted 12/1/20)

A Madison Township Reserve Police Officer has all of the normal capabilities of a full-time officer once they complete all orientation and training. Once fully trained, there will be no difference in role and responsibility between the reserve officer and a full-time officer. The reserve position is volunteer without pay or benefits. A reserve officer must work a minimum of 16 hours per month with the township.

What do police officers do to prevent cross-contamination when people are transported in the back of their cruisers? (posted 12/1/20)

After each transport is made in a Madison Township Police Department vehicle, all surfaces are thoroughly disinfected and cleaned to ensure the health and safety of everyone in contact with the vehicle.

What is the CARES Act? (posted 12/1/20)

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act is a federal economic stimulus package aimed at assisting America’s response to and recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The bill that was passed through the legislature and signed into law by President Trump allotted $150 billion to be distributed around the United States.

What can Madison Township spend this money on? (posted 12/1/20)

There are three main guidelines for the spending of CARES Act funding.

1.) Expenses must be directly related to COVID-19.

2.) The Township cannot use this money for items that were already in the budget.

3.) Purchases must be made between March 1, 2020, and December 30, 2020.

An example of a previously budgeted expense that was not covered by CARES Act money was the police cruiser that was planned to be purchased this year. Four additional cruisers were purchased with CARES Act money because they will help prevent cross-contamination between officers and were not in the 2020 budget.

Is CARES Act money being used for every-day expenses? (posted 12/1/20)

No. Funding from the Federal CARES Act is strictly controlled by the United States Treasury Department and has significant limitations on what the money can be used for. Essentially, the CARES Act money can only be used for expenses incurred by the government-enforced shutdown in response to COVID-19 and preparation for future COVID-19 outbreaks.

How is CARES Act money being used to benefit the community? (posted 12/1/20)

Madison Township used a portion of CARES Act funding to provide sub-grants to Groveport Madison Human Needs, Canal Winchester Human Services, Groveport Madison Schools, and Canal Winchester Schools. All of this means that Madison Township is better able to serve the residents of the township in a healthy and safe manner.

What does this mean for Madison Township? (posted 12/1/20)

This money was an incredible help to Madison Township. Along with purchasing personal protective equipment (PPE), thermometers, and plexiglass barriers to keep staff and residents safe at all times, it facilitated the purchase of touchless faucets, automatic room lighting, special equipment to disinfect areas and high-touch surfaces, cruisers for the Police Department, and trucks for the Public Works Department.

All of this means that Madison Township is better able to serve the residents of the township in a healthy and safe manner.

It is important to note that funds must be used by December 30. Any leftover money is to be returned.

How much money did Madison Township receive from the Federal CARES Act? (posted 12/1/20)

Madison Township received a total of $978,420.86 in three payments.