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By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief
BRANCH TOWNSHIP — The residents of Branch Township and surrounding areas will have the opportunity to visit the new township municipal building in two open houses scheduled for Friday, Oct. 4 from 5 to 8 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 6 from 1 to 4 p.m.
The newly constructed 80-foot by 100-foot framed building is being mostly funded through a 20-year .3096 mill bond approved by township voters in November 2022. The millage raises about $1 million. It is located at 6532 E. US 10, just west of Walhalla Road.
The complex houses the township offices, including a meeting space and kitchen, and the Branch Fire Department.
“We are so grateful to the voters of our township,” said Branch Township Supervisor Michael Shoup. “The vision for this building began over a golf game in 2013. Kim Cloud and Pete Barton, who were both on the fire department, started talking about the need to replace the old fire station. From there, they started to talking to others and over the next nine years the conversation grew.”
The fire station includes two drive-through bays
The soon-to-be retired Branch fire station was built in 1970.
“It’s outlasted its existence on many levels,” Shoup said. “First, and foremost, the firefighters are just out of space. There is barely any room to fit the firetrucks in the station, which means that there is no room for anything else in the station. Plus, it’s a 50-plus-year-old building. Technology has changed considerably over the years, especially in the fire service.”
The old fire station is also located on the south side of US 10 just east of Walhalla Road.
“Another serious issue with that station is that it’s located right on the curve,” Shoup said. “Over the years that has caused some serious traffic concerns.”
The new building also replaces the old township hall located at 6688 E 1st St., east of Walhalla Road.
The township meeting/gathering room.
“Unlike the old township hall, this hall has offices for township officials,” Shoup said. “There is no secured storage at the old hall.”
The new hall also includes a meeting/gathering room, a large kitchen, and bathrooms equipped with shower facilities.
“This building was designed with emergencies in mind,” Shoup said. “If needed, it can serve as a shelter.”
The building includes meeting spaces for the fire department.
The Branch Fire Department is part of the Mason County Rural Fire Authority, which consists of seven fire departments. While the fire authority is funded through a millage which pays for operations and equipment, the authority’s charter calls for the municipalities it serves to host the fire departments. A portion of the Branch Township Municipal Building will be leased to the fire authority for $1 a year. The authority will cover utility costs for the fire station portion.
“This building was built with separate utility meters for the township side and the fire department side,” Shoup said.
The fire station includes drive-through bays, a state-of-the-art exhaust system, office and meeting space and a second floor that covers the length of the township hall, which can be used for trainings.
The building’s general contractor was Ivan Hershberger.
“This building cost just under $1 million,” Shoup said. “However, we believe we used tax dollars very wisely and kept it practical. We also utilized over $100,000 in township general funds to cover some of the paving costs of the driveway and parking area. Plus, we are very thankful to Pete Barton who donated this property which sits on 8 acres in memory of his parents, Joe and Eve, who used to own the property.”
Shoup said the building will eventually be dedicated to the memory of Peter “Joe” (1914-1988) and Eva (1919-1973) Barton.
The building has not officially opened yet. Shoup said it should be occupied by both the township and the fire department by winter. He said the township board has not yet decided if it will rent out the township hall portion of the building for private events. He said there is some discussion being held to rent out the old township hall.
“We stopped renting out the First Street hall prior to COVID because of security reasons,” Shoup said. “There is no place to secure sensitive township documents in that building. But, now that those items are being moved to the new complex, we may consider renting that out, at least for a time.”
Shoup said the First Street property had been donated to the township and the township is not clear if it can sell that property. However, it can sell the fire department property, which it intends on doing.
“We really want the public to come out and see what we have done here,” Shoup said. “This has been a project that has had so many of our township residents involved and we are thankful to all of them.”
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