The Wayland City Council Monday night adopted an ordinance that provides a little relief to residents who are late on paying their taxes.
The council voted 6-0 to lower the 4 percent penalty after Aug. 2 to 3% if not paid by Feb. 15 the following year.
City Manager Erik Wilson said an ordinance from 2011 called for the 4 percent, but he discovered the change that was made then could only be altered by a vote of the council or city voters.
Additionally, the City Council changed the 1% accrual of interest for unpaid taxes from Aug. 1 to Sept. 1, providing residents with an additional four weeks.
The council also approved the city’s purchase of 207 residential water meters for just under $100,000. Water Supt. David Paul said the Department of Public Works will begin the installation process this week.
Meter replacement is being handled by the cross connection program.
In other business at the meeting, the council:
- Heard a presentation from Allegan County Clerk Bob Genetski, who said Allegan County had the highest voter participation by percentage (71.1 percent) in all of Michigan in then 2024 general election. He also said more than 50% of the voters took advantage of mail-in ballots and early voting.
- Appointed Elizabeth Engles to an open seat on the Henika Library Board.
- Agreed to a cost of living allowance (COLA) for Wilson, Deputy City Manager Kate Balfoort and Police Chief Scott Matice for the 2025-26 budget year.
- Approved a GPS locating and maintenance application for the local drinking water system, through engineers Wightman & Associates.
