From Bob Cook - Supervisor

March was a busy month for the Township Board. We held the Annual and Budget Meetings as well as a Board Meeting. We had a small turnout for the Annual/Budget meeting. The only change to the salaries of the elected officials was the Clerk’s salary, which was raised to be equal with the Supervisor and Treasurer.

A key item from the March 18 Board meeting was the ordering of a new fire pumper truck. We saw a 35-50% increase in prices for it from last year’s initial analysis. As our oldest Pumper will need to be retired in 2032 (to ensure the lowest TLT homeowners’ insurance premiums), it would necessitate it being ordered in the 2028-29 timeframe. This pumper’s depreciation & its replacement’s probable future price would advocate placing a purchase order now vs. waiting 3 years. Therefore, the Board approved the purchase of a new pumper for $745,000 with a delivery date in approximately two years. During that time the Township will be able to pay for the truck from the Fire Capital fund when we take delivery.

Also discussed at the March 18 Board meeting was a proposed contract from the Elk Rapids Library. The discussion began at the 1 hour 30-minute mark of the Board meeting video recording. If anyone has questions related to this issue, I recommend you listen to the video to get a better understanding of the Township’s position. If you have any further questions, please give me a call.

MARCH YTD 2025 PRELIMINARY FINANCIAL RESULTS – END OF OUR FISCAL YEAR

As we are wrapping up this year’s tax collections, the Township finds itself in a strong financial position.

REVENUE $2,681,526 above budget ($119,148) and above prior year by ($191,499) 

EXPENSES ($2,314,928) Lower than budget by ($157,116) and higher vs prior year by ($226,761)

NET ($ 366,598) Gain is higher than budget ($276,264) and higher than prior year ($35,262)

Please check the TLT Website for more information on both the ZBA and Planning Commission April meetings. The Regular Board meeting will be held on April 15, tax day, and will be live streamed and recorded.