Ross didn’t have an interim manager for long.
Commissioners on Feb. 2 unanimously named Jessica Crawshaw as the township’s new manager, less than a month after she had been appointed to the position on an interim basis.
Crawshaw replaces Ronald Borczyk, who retired effective Jan. 9.
Crawshaw’s appointment was effective Feb. 2.
Crawshaw, who lives in Richland with her husband and two children, started with Ross as a receptionist in 2016. She was an administrative assistant in community development followed by executive assistant to the manager before becoming assistant manager in September 2024.
“I am honored to be appointed Ross Township manager. I recognize the significance of being the first woman to serve in this role; however, more importantly, I appreciate the commissioners’ confidence in selecting me as the right person for the position,” she said.
“I am confident that my deep institutional knowledge and experience within Ross Township have provided me with an invaluable perspective and established relationships that uniquely position me to lead our community forward,” Crawshaw said. “That background, combined with my commitment to effective leadership, prepares me well to guide Ross into the future. I am committed to doing what is best for our residents and to serving the community with care, accountability and respect.”
Commissioners approved beginning a search for a new assistant manager to replace Crawshaw in that position.
In other business
• Commissioners approved the emergency demolition of a condemned house at 268 Bascom Ave.
A contract for the work was awarded to Minniefield Demolitions Services, the lowest of four bidders at $16,000. Other bids ranged from $21,900 to $30,802.
Community development director Dominic Rickert reported that the house has collapsed on itself and is leaning toward an adjacent home.
• Ross will explore borrowing $1.5 million to pay for replacement of the municipal building roof.
The township had budgeted $500,000 for the work this year, with the idea of half being done this year and the other half in 2027. However, bids for the two sections each came in at about $750,000.
Commissioners agreed with Chairman Dan DeMarco, who said it would be best to do the entire roof at once.
“The roof’s a priority. We need to get it fixed. We can’t push it off any longer,” he said. “The roof’s not fixing itself. It’s not getting any better. We’re now at a tipping point.”
Finance director Dan Berty reported that First National Bank of Pennsylvania had proposed five-year loans, for either $750,000 or $1.5 million, each at 3.73% interest.
Berty was directed to shop around for interest rates with loan lengths of three, five and 10 years.
• Ross will be looking for a new garbage hauler for 2027.
Crawshaw said the township will not exercise an option year for service next year with Waste Management, with which it has a contract through the North Hills Council of Governments.
Ross will seek bids for garbage service on its own that is customized to the needs of its residents, Crawshaw said.
The four-month residential rate increased by 9%, from $145 in 2025 to about $158 for 2026. Since 2023, the cost increased nearly 30%, from about $122 to $158.
• Police Chief Cristyn Zett reported that her department had received $502,000 in federal funding through U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Fox Chapel, for body-worn and vehicle cameras.
The money was part of $185.4 million for four projects sought by Deluzio. The bulk of the money, about $184 million, went to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to modernize the Montgomery Locks and Dam in Beaver County.
The Municipal Water Authority of Aliquippa received $900,000 to buy updated wastewater treatment equipment, while Allegheny Valley Regional Police received $125,000 to buy a river patrol boat.