CENTER TWP — Despite continued comments from a dissenting resident, supervisors voted Monday, Jan. 6, to continue health benefits into 2025.

The vote was held during the reorganization portion of the meeting and passed unanimously. The vote extends health benefits to all five supervisors and their families until 2026.

Gary Rauschenberger, who voiced his displeasure at the agenda setting meeting on Thursday, once again gave his opinion.

After thanking the board for its work, Rauschenberger proceeded to state that he felt the health benefits were “greatly excessive in comparison to the wages paid” for the supervisors.

Supervisor Bob Sloan responded to these claims by explaining the work done by the board outside of regular meetings, including special meetings, union negotiations, applying for grants and more.

After listing his personal contributions both in and out of the position, supervisor Donald Pringle added, “We’re doing the best we can, sir, and I’m sorry that you don’t like it.”

Rauschenberger once again affirmed his position, believing that while there is a case for health benefits for the supervisors, he feels that the extension to family is “over the limit.”

After public comment, the meeting continued as scheduled.

In other business, the board approved a small increase of the mileage reimbursement rate, from 67 to 70 cents a mile.

Supervisors approved paid federal holidays for nonunion employees.

The board also hired Jacob Hershey as a security consultant for its data systems. The board established a limit of $2,000 without further approval for the consulting.