Summary
The Centerville Township Board met on March 11, 2026, with all five members present (Schaub, Chiles, Pleva, Arens, O’Non). The Board approved routine financial matters, amended the FY2025-26 budget, approved a new at-large board member for Cedar Area Fire and Rescue (CAFR), and agreed to place a fire operations millage renewal on the August ballot.
Public Comments
No public comments were offered at the start of the meeting. Later, resident Bill Rastetter asked about the upcoming Annual Meeting and requested a copy of the proposed budget. He also voiced support for submitting grants for environmental planning projects concerning Lake Leelanau; no board action was taken on this suggestion.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Commissioner Alan Campbell encouraged the Township to apply for the 2% grant for parks and environmental projects, noting information is available on the Grand Traverse Band website. Separately, the Board noted that contract services costs for the parks had increased in the amended budget.
Infrastructure Projects
Solon and Centerville Townships are jointly pursuing options to upgrade or replace the Fire Department building; an evaluation report on the fire station was distributed to Board members, with a possible merging of townships to accomplish this. No decisions were finalized on this matter.
Other Business
- The Board accepted the Treasurer’s report (5-0) noting a CD had matured, and approved payment of bills as presented (5-0).
- Kathy Fordyce was approved as the at-large CAFR board member, term beginning April 1, 2026, for six years (motion by Pleva, supported by O’Non, carried 5-0).
- The 2012 CAFR ambulance will be put up for sale, as the department has acquired a new one plus a reserve unit.
- The Board reviewed and generally agreed on the proposed 2026-27 budget ahead of the March 21, 2026 Annual Meeting.
- Northgate’s dismissal request is scheduled for court on March 16, 2026.
- The CAFR next meeting was moved to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. (changed due to Spring Break).
Financial Summary
About $80,000 of the budget was used for legal fees, with additional minor adjustments; the Board voted (5-0, motion by Schaub, supported by Pleva) to amend the FY2025-26 budget by transferring unallocated surplus funds to departments in deficit. The draft 2026-27 budget was reported to be about $3,000 short, with increases anticipated for election costs (two general elections and one school election this year), FICA expenses, and equipment maintenance contracts. The Board agreed to place a fire operations millage renewal of up to 2.50 mills ($2.50 per $1,000 taxable value) for 2026-2027 on the August ballot, estimated to raise $418,250 in its first year.
Action Items
- Pleva to consult with a QuickBooks expert on the procedure for transferring budget savings.
- Chiles to contact Gabridge and Co. regarding requirements for the upcoming audit.
- Northgate court hearing on dismissal request set for March 16, 2026.
- Annual Meeting scheduled for March 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., where the 2026-27 budget will be formally accepted.
- Next regular Board of Trustees meeting: Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.