Oshtemo Township’s board voted October 13 to release its draft 2027 budget for public review ahead of a November budget hearing.
The motion issues the draft for public comment. It does not adopt the budget. Township officials said the draft would be available on the township website and at the front counter. They said it is expected to come up for adoption at the first board meeting in November.
What the draft includes
Supervisor Cheri Bell walked the board through the draft, including these items:
- Rates: The draft reflects the general operating millage the board set earlier this fall. It keeps the police and fire special assessment district (SAD) rates at their current levels. Board members said they favored keeping both as they are for 2027.
- Funds: Non-motorized repair and maintenance and snow removal moved from the general fund to the road fund. Township buildings, including the Oshtemo Community Center and the Grange Hall, moved from the parks budget to general fund maintenance. The general fund transfer to the parks fund is larger than in the version the board saw earlier.
- New items: The draft adds a retaining wall and fence project at Hill Cemetery. It also adds a facilities assessment plan shared across the general, police, fire and building funds. Other additions include a website refresh with ADA compliance and agenda software, consulting help for project management software, and Michigan Municipal League membership. Officials described the membership as a step in the township’s strategic plan as it explores whether to remain a township or become a different form of government.
How to weigh in
- Review the draft on the township website or at the front counter.
- Contact board members by email or phone. Officials said residents can also set up meetings, and the supervisor holds office hours.
- Speak during public comment at the October 27 board meeting. The board also plans to hold the SAD public hearings that night.
- Speak during public comment at the November 10 board meeting.
Attorney Jim Porter told the board that line items can be adjusted at the budget hearing within limits. He said millage and SAD rates cannot be changed beyond what has been publicly noticed.
