Public Hearing and Regular Meeting (Minutes)

The Empire Village Council convened its budget hearing and regular meeting on February 25, 2025, at the Empire Township Hall, with all council members present. The meeting commenced with public hearings on water rates and the FY 2025-26 budget, both of which received no public comments. The agenda was amended to include discussions on tree service quotes, a grant application resolution, and health insurance for employees. The council unanimously approved the amended agenda and the consent agenda, which included the approval of previous meeting minutes, bills, the 2025-26 meeting schedule, and resolutions related to fund transfers and healthcare exemptions.

Under old business, the council passed a motion to provide full-time employees and their plus one with 100% health insurance coverage for the upcoming fiscal year. New business items included the approval of several resolutions: FY 24/25 budget amendments, water rates, and the adoption of the FY 2025-26 budget. The council also adjusted the 2025-26 fee schedule, notably changing beach fees to $1/hr and increasing fines for expired or missing passes from $15 to $25, pending legal review. Appointments were made to the Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals, with some appointments passing with dissent. The council also approved a tree service quote and a grant application resolution, with discussions on the disposal of removed materials.

Public comments were limited but included gratitude for appointments and concerns about the initial beach parking fee structure and a wood chip pile. The meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m., with the minutes to be approved at the next regular council meeting on March 25, 2025.