The Oshtemo Township Board adopted a $46.7 million budget for 2027 on November 10 and approved the tax levies that support it.
The total is $46,737,966, according to the budget resolution. It includes $7,367,000 for general township operations, $2,253,050 for the Police Fund, $4,890,118 for the Fire Fund and $2,006,500 for the Road Maintenance and Improvement Fund. The budget covers the fiscal year starting January 1, 2027.
The board adopted three levies by separate 7–0 votes, each following a public hearing:
- Fire special assessments: 3.75 mills in Fire and Safety Protection Special Assessment District No. 1 and 5.75 mills in District No. 2. The two districts are expected to raise $3,153,430 and $1,735,317.
- Road levy: 1.25 mills for the Road Maintenance and Improvement Fund, expected to raise $1,524,029.
- Police special assessments: 2.8 mills in District No. 2004-1 and 0.67 mills in District No. 2009-1. The Police Fund’s $1,427,915 in special assessment levy, court judgments and miscellaneous income comes from these levies and other sources.
The board then adopted the budget and a 1.75-mill general levy, expected to raise $2,158,840, on a 5–2 vote. Board discussion at the meeting described the general levy as an increase from 1.5 mills.
Township Attorney Jim Porter described the notice requirements for the hearing on the general budget and levy. Board members who supported the resolution cited the general fund’s long-term needs, including the township’s parks operations, and a reduction in state revenue. A trustee who voted no said the budget could be trimmed.
The board also adopted a resolution for 2027 routine expenditures and purchases. That resolution lets the township pay routine expenses under the adopted budget without a separate board vote on each one.
Watch the meeting for the discussion and votes on Public Media Network.
