It’s been obvious for some time that Leighton Township has been experiencing growth, but some of it brings negative consequences as well.
Leighton Township Supervisor Steve Deer Thursday evening told board colleagues there were nine requests for building permits in July for a total of $1.7 million in value. For the year, the township has issued 29 permits for a total value of $5.5 million.
Fire Chief Matt Weston, meanwhile, told the board his department responded to a monthly record 37 calls in July and now has handled 184 in seven months.
“We’re on track toward blowing last year’s numbers out of the water,” Weston commented.
Another negative sign of growth is the need for at least the supervisor and Township Treasurer Jaci Bultsma to update their security on line.
Deer reported that he was hacked not long ago and had to get in touch with the Allegan County Sheriff’s Department because he refused to pay $1,000 to a bogus extortion threat.
He told Bultsma, “You have access to (the township’s) money and I’ve had a negative experience.”
Each will pay $16.80 per year for a service that will double the security.
In other business at Thursday’s meeting, the board:
- Agreed to send to the county requests to levy millage rates for the December tax bills, with general operating at 0.7525 mill, roads and public safety at 0.9742 mill, the library at one mill and an extra voted police/fire millage at 0.4953.
All amounts reflect rollbacks mandated by the Headlee Amendment of 1978.
- Noted the cost this year for resurfacing 144th Avenue is three-quarters of a million dollars. The road will be paved next year, but for now, it will serve as a “good, passable gravel road.”
- Had a relatively brief meeting with both trustees, Brian Bonnema and John Hooker, absent.