Fort Shawnee dissolved nearly six months ago. At that time, Shawnee Township trustees and state officials hoped for a quick transfer of property and services. However, trustees now expect the process to continue into the summer.
After years of financial problems, village residents voted to dissolve in November 2012. Since then, township trustees have been working on the transition. Trustee Dave Belton says the process takes time because there is no official handbook to refer to.
Many services, such as snow removal and police patrols were picked up by Shawnee township. Two part time police officers were hired to handle calls. However, Chief Mike Keith says outstanding tickets and reports from Fort Shawnee's mayor's court have been forgiven since the extra work and time would outweigh the extra fines.
Police cars and other property of the village have also been transferred to Shawnee Township's control.
Belton says officials from the state auditor's office are working with local officials to close the Fort's books. Once that is finished, a final audit will be done, and the process will be complete.
There is no timeline for that, but Belton is hoping the paperwork will be finalized before the fall.
