Dorr Township Supervisor Jeff Miling was in “I told you so” mode at Thursday night’s Township Board meeting, in the wake of news about a possible budget shortfall.
Miling was referring to the purchase last year of the former CrossWinds Church on 142nd Avenue, which has brought along more expenses.
Miling told board colleagues a review of the first quarter budget for 2025-26 showed that expenses were running higher and if the trend continues, it could have to make up a shortfall of about $100,000.
Besides having to deal with expenses in setting up shop in the new township offices, new computers will have to be purchased. He pointed out, however, that as long as the township’s savings account and revenue is more than expenses, there is no danger of not being able to balance the budget.
Another higher expense this year is Dorr Township’s costs in using two Allegan County Sheriff’s deputies for Dorr and Leighton Township law enforcement services. Dorr is expected to spend $113,454 per deputy, an increase of $9,454.55 over last year.
Dorr Township’s annual general fund budget is pegged at $4.7 million.
In other business at the meeting Thursday, the Township Board:
- Approved a preliminary development plan by Why Nott Ventures for the Fieldstone Reserve housing project off Radstock Drive, which will include sidewalks and a private road. The proposal was recommended for approval earlier this month by the Planning Commission.
- Approved a request from Fire Chief Gary Fordham to have the old carpet removed at the fire station and replaced. The cost to replace the 35-year-old carpet will be $5,534.59.
- Authorized Trustee Pat Champion to be project manager for preparing a room to used for regular meetings at the new complex. He will be paid $25 per hour and there will be a $2,000 cap for supplies, such as paint.
- Agreed to absorb the costs of removing the sign above the old township hall and replaced by “Dorr Township Fire Station.”
- Learned from Parks Commissioner Amanda Winters that Harry Smit has been appointed to a seat on the commission, leaving one vacancy.
- Learned that the Gun Lake Tribe presented the township with a check for $18,226 as part of the revenue sharing agreement for the casino.
- Heard the news that 138th Avenue is supposed to get a paving job done next month by the Allegan County Road Commission.
- Accepted the news that the cost for repaving the fire department parking lot on 18th Street was $30,042, all from the American Rescue Plan federal funding.
- Heard the good news from Library Director Jeff Babbitt that children signups for the summer reading program is up by 51%.
- Was told by Winters that vandals broke into the park bathroom and caused damage to doors and the toilet paper dispenser. She added that authorities know who the perpetrators are and they intend to prosecute.
- Winters also said there is no contract for fireworks for the July 4 celebration in 2027.
