The Martin Township Board Wednesday evening adopted a budget of a little more than $500,000 with a fund balance, or savings account of more than $500,000 as well.
Anticipated revenues and expenses have been pegged at $509,279, about $29,000 less than in 2018-19.
The township’s fiscal year begins on July 1 and ends June 30.
The board also conducted a Truth-in-Taxation hearing before adopting the budget, noting that by accepting the maximum allowable tax rate, it stands to gain $83,614 in the next year. The Headlee Amendment rolls back millage rates when revenue exceeds the inflation rate, but a maximum legal rate can be levied if the Truth-in-Taxation hearing is held.
So Martin Township this coming year will levy 0.8623 mill for general operations, 0.994 mill for fire services, 0.7498 for fire equipment and 3.992 mills for roads.
In other business at Wednesday’s meeting, the board:
- Approved a rezoning request from new property owners near the Martin exit of the expressway, from C-2 to C-1 to accommodate the new owners having a residence for the family.
- Listened to a presentation from Lori Castello of Professional Code Inspections about the firm’s range of services in planning and zoning enforcement issues. The board indicated an interest in having a closer working relationship with PCI.
- Approved spending between $70 and $80 for a plaque honoring the late Jim Brenner, former township trustee.
- Approved a request from William Hildebrand to take his house and one acre of his property out of Public Act 116 tax exemption for farmers.
- Heard from Allegan County Commissioner Rick Cain that there is discussion about adding a third circuit court in Allegan because of the increasing work load for Roberts Kengis and Marge Bakker.
