A quiet Wheelersburg neighborhood turned somber after a resident discovered her neighbor deceased inside a home and dialed 911.
When Scioto County deputies arrived, they were unable to immediately reach next of kin. In such cases, the responsibility often falls to a township trustee, who steps in to make arrangements. A trustee was contacted and directed officers to notify a local funeral home. Eventually, relatives were reached and informed of the situation, but not before the trustee ensured the deceased was treated with dignity.
The Role of Township Trustees
In Ohio, township trustees are elected officials who carry a surprising amount of responsibility for the day-to-day life of their communities. Their duties include:
- Roads and Maintenance: Trustees are responsible for maintaining township roads, bridges, and ditches. They decide where paving, plowing, and repairs are needed.
- Cemeteries: Trustees oversee township cemeteries, including upkeep, record-keeping, and in some cases, arranging burials for residents without family.
- Budgets and Taxes: They manage township finances, set budgets, and oversee how local tax dollars are spent on services like fire protection or road improvements.
- Emergency and Human Services: Trustees often serve as the go-between for law enforcement, funeral homes, and families during emergencies, especially when next of kin can’t immediately be located — as in this case.
- Community Resources: They may also help organize services for seniors, parks, or community events, depending on the size and needs of the township.
While the discovery of a body is always a heartbreaking moment for families and neighbors, it also underscores the sometimes unseen — and often difficult — duties that township trustees perform. Beyond the paperwork and budgets, they are the ones called upon in moments of crisis to make sure their community members are treated with respect, even in death.