Oshtemo Township Board - August 26, 2026 Oshtemo Township Budget Meeting

Updated 2 days ago

In the Township Board Meeting on Budget and Financial Planning held on August 26, 2026, the board reviews the current financial status, focusing on millage rates and their impact on various departments including parks and public safety. The meeting highlights the need for potential adjustments in millages to support operations and future projects. Discussions also cover the importance of strategic financial planning for the development of a community hub and other infrastructure projects. The board considers different scenarios for millage adjustments and emphasizes the need for dedicated funding sources for parks to alleviate the general fund. The discussion includes the challenges faced due to declining state revenue sharing and the need for sustainable financial strategies.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:14)
The Oshtemo Charter Township meeting was officially called to order.

The meeting was initiated by the chairperson, marking the official start of the Oshtemo Charter Township proceedings.
Pledge of Allegiance (00:00:24)
Attendees were invited to join in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting participants collectively recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag, affirming their loyalty to the nation.
Roll Call (00:01:06)
Attendance was taken, noting excused absences and confirming quorum.

Trustee Ford and Clerk Farmer were noted as absent, with Clerk Farmer being excused for medical leave. A quorum was confirmed with the presence of several trustees and the treasurer.
Approval of Agenda (00:02:00)
The meeting agenda was reviewed and approved without changes.

The chairperson asked if there were any changes to the agenda. With no changes proposed, a motion to approve the agenda was made and supported, followed by a vote that carried the motion.
Budget Presentation by Township Accountant (00:03:11)
Township accountant presented the financial status, focusing on the general fund.

Township Accountant provided a detailed presentation on the township's financial situation, highlighting the general fund's current state, revenue, expenses, and future projections. He discussed personnel costs, capital outlays, and the implications of current millages on the budget.
Discussion on Millage and Budget Implications (00:25:03)
Discussion on potential millage increases and budget adjustments to address shortfalls.

Board members discussed the implications of current millages on the township's budget, particularly focusing on the police and parks funding. The discussion included the need to address revenue shortfalls due to declining state revenue sharing and potential strategies for increasing funding, such as millage increases or new funding sources.
Discussion on Parks Funding and Millage (00:38:36)
Council members discuss the need for funding parks through potential millages, emphasizing the importance of parks to the community and exploring options for funding.

The discussion centers around the importance of parks to the community and the potential funding mechanisms to support park operations and growth. The council considers the idea of implementing a new millage dedicated to parks funding. The topic of whether such a millage would require a public vote is raised, and it's noted that this might need to be addressed to put it on a ballot. The importance of not delaying conversations and actions regarding park funding is emphasized.
Comprehensive Planning and Funding for the Hub (00:43:03)
The council discusses the comprehensive plan for the hub, identifying which departments will fund it and ensuring it aligns with strategic goals.

A discussion takes place about the comprehensive plan for developing the hub, which includes parks, parking lots, and meeting areas. The council members express uncertainty about which departments will be involved in funding and implementing the hub. There is an emphasis on understanding the overall plan and ensuring that funding aligns with strategic goals without overburdening the parks department. The need for a detailed plan and identifying responsible departments is highlighted.
Budget and Financial Reports (00:45:29)
Financial slides are reviewed to understand projected revenues, millages, and general fund contributions to various departments.

The council reviews financial slides that outline projected revenues and the impact of operating millages. Questions are raised about how specific numbers relate to other parts of the budget, with clarifications provided on how millages contribute to the general fund and other revenue sources. The discussion includes a look at the statutory revenue sharing and other sources of income that support the township's budget.
Police Millage Discussion (00:48:03)
The council considers the implications of reducing the police millage and its effects on the budget and services.

Discussion focuses on the potential reduction of the police millage, with considerations of its impact on the budget. The council reflects on past changes to the districts and millages, with some historical context provided about previous complaints and adjustments. The importance of understanding the financial implications of millage changes on township services is noted.
Future Steps for Parks Millage Proposal (00:52:02)
Next steps for considering a parks millage are outlined, including legal advice and potential inclusion in the next board meeting.

The council discusses future steps for potentially proposing a parks millage. Legal advice will be sought to clarify the process, and further discussions are planned to take place at the next board meeting. The need for a parks millage has been a long-standing conversation, and the council aims to explore this option in more detail to secure dedicated funding for parks.
Review of Department Contributions and Strategic Alignment (00:58:03)
Departments' roles in strategic plans are reviewed to ensure alignment with funding and goals. Future budgetary impacts are considered.

The council reviews the contributions of various departments to the strategic plan, ensuring that each department aligns with funding goals and objectives. The discussion includes ensuring departments are aware of their roles and that their contributions are strategically aligned. The potential future budgetary impacts of these alignments are considered, with an emphasis on maintaining a clear and coordinated approach across departments.
Capital Improvement and Project Spending Review (01:04:07)
A review of capital improvement projects and their budget impact, focusing on large projects and their completion status.

The council reviews capital improvement projects, focusing on large projects that have significant budget impacts. There is a discussion about projects that will be completed under budget, over budget, or not at all within the current year. The importance of understanding the financial implications of these projects on the general fund is emphasized, with a focus on managing expenditures effectively.
Endowment and Long-Term Funding for Parks (01:12:04)
The potential use of a parks endowment for future projects is discussed, including its role in long-term funding strategies.

The council discusses the parks endowment, which has been growing and is near a million dollars. The possibility of using the interest from this endowment to fund future projects, such as the hub, is considered. The council emphasizes the importance of strategic use of the endowment to support parks' long-term sustainability and growth. The need for a clear strategy on how to utilize these funds is noted.
Budget Report Discussion (01:12:06)
Discussion on the current budget report and avoiding overspending. Mention of Blue Line Budget and budget adjustments.

The meeting discussed the current budget report, with a focus on ensuring that there is no overspending. The Blue Line Budget was mentioned as a tool for tracking spending. There was also a discussion about recent budget adjustments and how information on carryover funds should be communicated to the board.
Public Works and Growth Planning (01:14:10)
Discussion on growth period, finding grant money, and planning less projects to build up funds for future growth.

The Public Works Director reminded the board about the recent growth period with many projects. Discussion included the need to find more grant money and plan fewer projects in order to build up funds for future growth periods.
Expenditure Tracking (01:16:00)
Clarification on how current expenditures are tracked and recorded in the system.

The board discussed how expenditures are tracked and recorded in real time within the BSNA system. Payroll and payables timing was clarified, with payroll being current through the end of July.
Board and Committee Involvement (01:19:31)
Board member comments on the need for more frequent committee meetings and involvement.

Board member comments included a desire for more frequent meetings for certain committees, such as the buildings and grounds committee, to keep projects on schedule and ensure board involvement.
Public Comment and Adjournment (01:21:23)
Open floor for public and board member comments, addressing ongoing issues such as burning complaints.

The board opened the floor for public comments, but seeing none, moved on to board member comments. The discussion included ongoing issues such as burning complaints on Sixth Street and the need for better communication and enforcement. The meeting was adjourned after all comments were addressed.