Public Hearing and Regular Meeting (Packet)
Event Date: 2025-02-25
Summarized with ai model: gpt-4o-mini
Disclaimer: AI-generated summaries may contain errors. Please review the source document for accuracy.
**Executive Summary**
**Meeting Overview**
The Empire Village Council held its budget hearing and regular meeting on February 25, 2025, at the Empire Township Hall. The agenda included public hearings on water rates and the fiscal year (FY) 2025-26 budget. The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by roll call and the adoption of the agenda. Other agenda items covered public comments, consent items, financial statements, department head reports, and contributions from council members.
**Financial Resolutions and Budget Adoption**
Key decisions included the adoption of several resolutions related to the budget and financial allocations. Resolution No. 1 authorized an ACT 51 funds transfer, while Resolution No. 2 affirmed the annual exemption option under the Publicly Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act. A significant focus was placed on the proposed changes to water rates, with increased fees for service connection, ready-to-serve, and other areas. The budget for FY 2025-26 was also adopted under Resolution No. 5, which proposed a total budget of $1,022,990, reflecting various allocations for council, clerk, and other departments.
**Water Rate Adjustments**
The meeting discussed new rates, including a residential ready-to-serve rate of $60 per quarter and a commercial rate of $110 per quarter, alongside a water usage rate of $3 per 1,000 gallons. The adjustments aim to ensure the financial sustainability of the water system while accommodating operational costs. Late payment penalties and fees for service turn-on/off were also established, reflecting necessary adjustments in response to rising costs.
**Future Meetings and Administrative Announcements**
The council schedules regular sessions for the fourth Tuesday of each month and work sessions on the second Thursday. Changes in the administrative process and an emphasis on community involvement were discussed, alongside comments from the public addressing specific financial and development concerns. The next regular meeting is set for March 25, 2025, continuing the council’s commitment to transparency and effective governance. For further details, refer to the Empire Village official website at www.leelanau.gov/empirevillage.asp.