The Martin Township Board will send a counter proposal to Watson Township regarding the former’s fire coverage.
Watson, according to Martin Fire and Rescue Chief Kurt Knight, is reducing Martin’s coverage of the township to about one-third of what it has been in the past. Apparently, the proposed contract also includes a cut in Watson’s financial support, from $15,000 to $5,000 annually.
Martin Township Board members Wednesday night voted to send Watson a proposal for a contract $8,000, plus billing for each run.
“You’re spending at least $300 every time you leave the station,” the Martin chief told the board. “It’s a big hold in the fire department’s budget.”
Watson has been considering a reduction in the agreement for fire service from Martin for some time, and the Watson substation has a fire truck and some equipment provided by the Hopkins Area Fire Authority. Watson Supervisor Kevin Travis is a member of the board, and Trustee Michelle Harris’ husband is a firefighter with the department.
Knight said Travis has contended that the Watson substation is closer to areas three miles east of the township hall than Martin, which the Martin chief disputes.
The $5,000 isn’t enough to cover the Martin department’s expenses, the chief said. He estimated that 20 calls would cost Martin $5,800 just for showing up.
Treasurer Sue Tiemeyer at first was reluctant to offer a proposal, saying, “It seems to me that we need to check some things out.”
She also said she’d like the township to check with its attorney to find out if it’s advisable to craft an ordinance.
Supervisor Glenn Leep said he is not happy with Watson Township’s moves away from Martin and toward Hopkins for fire service.
“Not all of their residents are happy were pleased with the reduction of Martin’s role (in fire coverage),” he said.
In other business at the meeting Wednesday, the board:
- Learned from Clerk Rachelle Smit that Martin Township had a whopping 72 percent of eligible voters take part in the Nov. 3 general election. She said there 905 residents show up on Election Day and 613 voted by mail.
She also said she expects a recount at the request of President Donald Trump, as does Dorr Clerk Debbie Sewers.
“I was pleased with how things went,” she said, “but really relieved that it’s over.”
- Was told that the annual meeting with the Allegan County Road Commission will be Jan. 5 for Martin, Watson, Gun Plain and Otsego townships. The Road Commission is offering a 50-50 split in costs for chip seal, maintenance and road repair projects, so it’s likely to take part in the deal, perhaps for 8th Street and 116th Avenue.