Annual Meeting/Budget Hearing:3/23/2024 (Packet)

The General Fund Budget for the fiscal years 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 outlines the financial planning and allocation for various revenue streams and expenditures within the township. For the fiscal year 2023/2024, the actual revenues totaled $604,382.10, with proposed revenues for the same year at $598,674.00. The proposed budget for 2024/2025 shows an increase in revenues to $687,836.00. Key revenue sources include township taxes, state shared revenue, and the fire emergency service millage, which are expected to see increases in the upcoming fiscal year. Expenditures for 2023/2024 were $637,809.29, with a proposed increase to $676,322.00 for the same year, and a further increase to $731,700.00 for 2024/2025. Major expenditure categories include general government operations, fire protection, and road maintenance, reflecting the township’s commitment to essential services and infrastructure.

The budget details specific allocations for various departments and services. General government expenditures, which include the township board, supervisor, elections, assessor, clerk, board of review, and treasurer, are set to increase from $85,484.12 in 2023/2024 to $130,205.00 in 2024/2025. This increase is primarily driven by higher allocations for salaries, wages, and professional services. Fire protection, a significant expenditure, is budgeted at $294,176.16 for 2023/2024, with a proposed increase to $330,000.00 for 2024/2025, indicating a priority on public safety. Other notable expenditures include road maintenance, which remains steady at $200,000.00 for both years, and park maintenance, which sees a reduction from $15,500.00 to $5,500.00, reflecting a shift in priorities.

The budget also includes provisions for miscellaneous expenses and contributions, such as the Qualified Forest Program and the Svoboda Project/Trust, which are allocated $0.00 and $2,000.00 respectively for 2024/2025. These allocations demonstrate the township’s commitment to supporting community initiatives and environmental programs. Overall, the budget reflects a strategic approach to managing the township’s finances, with a focus on maintaining essential services while planning for future growth and development.