Summary
The Empire Township Board met on September 8, 2026, with Supervisor Wiejaczka, Clerk Bacon, Treasurer Price, and Trustee Noonan present (Trustee Wolterink excused). The Board approved the Consent Agenda, the Purchasing Policy, the Glen Lake Fire Department (GLFD) budget proposal, new millage rates, payment of the Little Glen Lake Drainage District assessment, and a major office technology upgrade. The Board also discussed the Campground Manager/Host arrangement for 2027.
Public Comments
No public comments were made on agenda items. Under general public comment, one unnamed speaker voiced support for the Board's efforts as an employer in setting operational goals, citing the technology modernization discussion.
Parks and Recreation Matters
The Board reviewed the Empire Township Campground Manager/Host contract, in place since November 11, 2025, which includes a rent-free host residing on-site from May through September with no added wage. Board members reported no significant issues, though the host role needed early guidance. Suggestions included combining the Manager and Host roles as before, and adding a self-serve option for campers to improve efficiency without replacing the manager. By consensus, Wiejaczka will contact the Campground Manager about returning on-site at the current salary or continuing remotely at a reduced salary; evaluation will continue at the end of the 2026 season.
Infrastructure Projects
The Little Glen Lake Drainage District set its final assessment roll; Empire Township's portion is $20,500. The Board amended the budget, increasing the General Fund surplus contribution from $53,075 to $73,575 and the Drainage District line item to $23,500, then voted to prepay the $20,500 assessment in full (avoiding a 6% installment interest rate). Both motions passed unanimously.
Other Business
GLFD reported 91 calls in August (437 year-to-date), 150 training hours, a repaired ladder truck, maintenance on four vehicles, and upcoming garage door installation at the Empire Station. A 9/11 ceremony is scheduled September 11 at 8:30 am at the Glen Arbor Station. The Board approved transitioning phone/internet service from Spectrum Bundle to Spectrum Unified Communications with Ring Central, purchase of four handsets ($1,080), and an Orbi wireless router (not to exceed $300), crediting volunteer Greg Hart's tech assistance. Bacon and Deputy Nelson will follow up on the AT&T contract and continue migrating to .gov emails.
Financial Summary
- Consent Agenda bills: $123,106.51; post-audit bills: $6,124.84 (approved).
- GLFD FY2027 budget: $3,459,250 total; Empire Township's 46% share is $1,630,547, with monthly allocation rising from $118,000 to $125,000.
- Radio system match cost expected to rise from $5,000/year to $30,000/year.
- Operating millage set at 0.4056 (down from 0.4095 in 2025); Fire/Emergency millage kept at 5.12, projected to generate $1,704,605 (a ~$74,000 surplus over need).
- Drainage assessment of $20,500 prepaid; budget amended accordingly.
- Technology purchases: $1,080 for handsets, up to $300 for router.
Action Items
- Wiejaczka and Bacon to schedule a meeting with the Zoning Administrator regarding land use permit delays.
- Wiejaczka to contact the Campground Manager regarding on-site vs. remote work and salary for 2027.
- Bacon and Deputy Nelson to follow up on AT&T contract and continue migrating to .gov emails.
- Public hearing on GLFD budget held September 9, 2026, at Glen Arbor Township Meeting Room.
- Board to revisit possible creation of a second operating millage in the future.