Watson Township officials Thursday evening made it clear to Allegan County Commissioner Gale Dugan they’re interested in using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for broadband.
Supervisor Kevin Travis declared, “We’re the black hole of broadband in Allegan County.”
The County Board of Commissioners has set broadband and water and sewer as the biggest expenses they’ll handle when the federal funds become available. However, Dugan cautioned board members that broadband Internet is very costly and right now there is high demand, but low supply. He said Watson may want to be prepared instead to use ARPA funds for water, sewer and roads.
In other business at Thursday night’s meeting, the board:
• Was notified by attorney Tom Siver that the firm is ready to provide free services for wills and medical powers of attorney to all Watson Township residents, along with reduced legal rates of $95 per hour.
“We’re going to help grow the community,” Siver said.
• Was told by Travis that someone attempted to break into the utility trailer on his property and noted break-ins are becoming a problem all over Allegan County and just south of Grand Rapids.
Sheriff Frank Baker, who was in the audience, said his department will do all it can, but most of illegal activity is occurring on the M-89 corridor between Otsego and Plainwell.
• Learned from Martin Township Fire & Rescue the department has been busy thus far this year, with 114 calls.
• Scheduled a workshop on the 2022-2023 budget for 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, ahead of the first Thursday next month, when the board plans to adopt the next fiscal year budget.
• Learned that zoning enforcement officer Marni Mills is investigation potential junk ordinance violations on 23rd Street.
• Was told by Dugan that indeed two roundabouts are planned for Allegan streets, prompting Trustee Jack Wood to comment, “It’s going to be disaster.”
• Listened to Baker make a presentation on the Allegan County Legal Assistance Center, which he said served 31 Watson residents in the last year.
