Oshtemo Township - August 19, 2025 Oshtemo Township Budget Meeting

Updated about 5 hours ago

The Board reviews the Segall HR compensation study and its proposed implementation. The board reviews the recommendation to adopt a 100% multiplier for salary adjustments based on a study by Siegel, which aims to align the Township's compensation with the market. Discussions also cover the budget implications of implementing these changes in the current fiscal year versus waiting until the next, with considerations for staff morale and retention. Additionally, the board reviews the Township's revenue projections, the capital improvement plan, and potential new staff positions needed to address increased workload, particularly in the building department. The meeting concludes with acknowledgments of recent tragic events in the community and expressions of condolences.

Chapters

Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance (00:31:45)
The meeting was called to order at 5:31 PM and began with the Pledge of Allegiance.

The meeting was officially called to order at 5:31 PM. The chairperson invited everyone present to participate in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, affirming their commitment to the nation and its values.
Remote Attendance (00:32:22)
Board members were offered the option to attend remotely when permitted by statutes.

The board was informed that members could attend the meeting remotely if permitted by statutes. Clerk Farmer and Trustee Cole were mentioned as attending via remote location identification. Trustee Cole confirmed attendance over the phone.
Mission, Vision, and Core Values Reminder (00:34:17)
A reminder was given about the Township's mission, vision, and core values.

The board was reminded of the Township's mission, vision, and core values. Trustee Sakura shared a core value emphasizing that decisions are made logically through the collection of evidence, facts, and public input, which sets the stage for upcoming discussions.
Approval of the Agenda (00:34:43)
The agenda was approved with amendments, removing the AGVs presentation.

The agenda for the meeting was presented for approval. A change was made by removing the AGVs presentation from the supervisor's office. A motion to approve the amended agenda was made by Trustee Chapman, supported by Trustee Sakura, and passed unanimously.
Public Comment (00:35:34)
Public comment was invited; one resident inquired about budget documents.

Public comment was opened. Robert Fromen, a resident of precinct one of Oshtemo, asked if last year's budget and the proposed budget for this year were available for the public to follow along during the budget meeting. It was explained that no documents were made public yet as the conversation was needed to inform budget priorities.
Presentation by Rich Blair, Meeting Communications Manager (00:37:10)
Rich Blair discussed enhancements to meeting communications and future goals.

Rich Blair, the new Meeting Communications Manager, presented his goals and vision for the department. He highlighted improvements in website searchability, social media presence, departmental forms, and plans to enhance brand standards and community engagement. Blair emphasized developing a consistent identity for the Township and creating a content calendar for strategic communication.
Budget Discussion Work Session (00:49:24)
The board discussed budget priorities, focusing on people vs. projects.

A work session was held to discuss the upcoming budget. The board was asked to consider whether to prioritize people or projects in the budget. This decision will guide capital expenditures and compensation strategies. The HR Director, Sarah Feaster, presented recommendations based on a compensation study by Siegel, focusing on remaining competitive in the market to retain employees.
Discussion on Compensation and Benefit Packages (01:01:02)
The discussion focused on the comparison of compensation and benefit packages with other municipalities, using data from Siegel.

The board discussed the comparability of the benefit package to what other municipalities offer. They reviewed data from Siegel that included both government and non-government positions to ensure the roles were aligned with their duties, not just titles. The conversation considered potential adjustments based on market data.
Minimum Wage and Pay Scale Adjustments (01:09:09)
The discussion covered issues with minimum wage, pay scales, and how to address positions below legal wage.

The board addressed the issue of certain pay ranges being below minimum wage and discussed how these affect overall salary structures. They considered using the MIT living wage calculator as a benchmark and discussed setting a township-wide minimum wage to address disparities.
HR Policy on Compensation and Merit Increases (01:20:00)
The HR department outlined policies for compensation, merit increases, and the use of a multiplier.

The HR department presented the current compensation policy, which separates merit increases from cost of living adjustments. They explained how merit increases would now be linked to specific steps in the pay scale to ensure transparency and fairness.
Discussion on the Use of Multipliers for Salary Adjustments (01:30:00)
The board debated the appropriate multiplier for salary adjustments to remain competitive.

The board discussed how to determine the appropriate multiplier for salary adjustments, considering data from peer municipalities and the private sector. The goal is to remain competitive to attract and retain talent while balancing fiscal responsibility.
Discussion on HR Recommendations and Compensation Changes (01:31:51)
The board discussed proposed changes to pay grades and compensation following an HR study. They debated the timing of implementation and its impact on morale and budget.

The meeting focused on the recommendations from the Human Resources department regarding the Siegel study, which suggested adjustments to pay grades and compensation for township staff. The HR director presented future considerations, including the need for budget amendments to support new pay structures. The discussion included whether to proceed with a 100% multiplier for pay adjustments and the implications of starting these changes in September versus the beginning of the fiscal year. Concerns were raised about staff retention and morale, with differing opinions on whether immediate implementation was necessary. The conversation also touched on the importance of aligning staff compensation with market rates and the potential budget impact of these changes. Board members expressed varying views on fiscal responsibility versus the need to support staff adequately. The session concluded without a formal decision, but the consensus leaned towards needing further discussion and potential approval in a future board meeting.
Impact of Proposed Salary Adjustments on the Budget (01:40:00)
The financial implications of adopting new pay ranges were discussed, including potential budget impacts.

The HR department provided rough numbers for the impact of proposed salary adjustments on the budget. The board considered implementing changes in phases or all at once, weighing the costs against the benefits of retaining talent.
Future Plans for Compensation Evaluations (01:50:00)
Plans for ongoing compensation evaluations and use of Siegel's tools were discussed.

The HR department plans to use Siegel's proprietary tools for ongoing market assessments to keep compensation competitive. They outlined how these tools will help evaluate job duties and assign appropriate salary ranges based on updated market data.
Public Comments and Board Member Concerns (02:00:00)
Public comments and board member concerns about peer comparisons and budget were addressed.

Board members and the public expressed concerns about the comparability of peer municipalities used in the compensation study, particularly regarding tax bases and revenue capabilities. The discussion highlighted the need to balance competitive salaries with fiscal constraints.
Discussion on Implementation Timeline (02:10:21)
The board discussed the timeline for implementing a study, with members agreeing to make a decision at the next meeting to meet timelines.

During this segment, board members expressed their support for implementing a study within the year. Concerns about the timeline were addressed, with assurances that a decision could be reached at the next meeting to meet the necessary deadlines.
Financial Considerations and Revenue Projections (02:12:00)
The treasurer provided an update on revenue projections and financial considerations, noting fluctuations in various revenue sources.

The treasurer discussed the current revenue projections for the township, highlighting fluctuations in property taxes, cable fees, and other revenue sources. It was noted that cable fees were declining due to fewer cable watchers. The importance of setting realistic projections and the impact of millage rates were discussed.
Budget and Millage Rates Discussion (02:24:01)
Board members discussed the possibility of maintaining or adjusting millage rates, considering the needs of the township.

The board engaged in a discussion about whether to maintain or adjust the township's millage rates. Some members expressed the importance of keeping rates the same to avoid increasing the tax burden, while others highlighted the need to consider township needs and potential projects.
Capital Improvement Plan Review (02:28:00)
A review of the capital improvement plan highlighted the need for fleet vehicle investments and project delays due to various factors.

The capital improvement plan was reviewed, emphasizing the need for investment in fleet vehicles due to increased fieldwork by various departments. Delays in projects were attributed to supply chain issues and permitting challenges. The board was encouraged to consider future vehicle additions.
Non-motorized Pathways and Connectivity (02:32:00)
The board discussed enhancing non-motorized pathways and addressing connectivity gaps in the township's infrastructure.

Board members talked about the importance of improving non-motorized pathways to enhance connectivity across the township. Challenges such as right-of-way issues and cost-effectiveness when coordinating with road projects were discussed. The need for strategic planning to fill connectivity gaps was emphasized.
Snow Removal Policy Update (02:39:00)
An update on the snow removal policy was provided, highlighting ongoing discussions about implementation and responsibilities.

The board received an update on the status of the snow removal policy, which is being informed by the master plan. Discussions are ongoing about how to implement and manage snow removal, including considerations of whether to handle it internally or outsource it.
Discussion on Potential New Positions (02:41:47)
Discussion on evaluating current positions and potential new hires to optimize department efficiency.

The discussion focused on evaluating current positions and the potential need for new hires to optimize the efficiency of various departments. It was noted that as the team has grown and filled positions, there is now a need to assess whether staff are performing tasks according to their job descriptions. The aim is to improve communication between departments and identify any gaps. Strategic conversations are being held to determine the most effective use of resources. It was highlighted that the building department is experiencing a high volume of calls, indicating a need for additional support. The importance of technology in alleviating workload and improving efficiency was also discussed.
Public Comment (02:50:52)
Citizens express concerns and suggestions regarding HR processes and staffing.

During the public comment session, Robert Furman raised concerns about the HR processes, particularly the starting pay level for new employees. He emphasized the importance of considering years of service and experience when determining pay levels.
Board Member and Committee Updates (02:52:46)
Board members provide updates, reminders, and express concerns over departmental needs.

Board members provided various updates. Mr. Ford had no updates. Mr. Sakura reminded everyone about the last concert in the park. Trustee Chapman had nothing to add. Trustee Cole, participating remotely, expressed appreciation for the meeting's discussions. There was a general consensus that more staff is needed for the parks department to expand programming.
Supervisor's Comments (02:53:52)
Supervisor addresses a recent tragedy and reiterates commitment to road safety improvements.

The Supervisor extended condolences for a recent tragedy involving the loss of two young people in the township. The incident highlighted the need for ongoing efforts to improve road safety. The Supervisor also encouraged board members to sign cards for the emergency responders involved and reiterated the importance of proactive measures to enhance public safety.