Summary
The Glen Arbor Township Board held a public budget hearing on September 11, 2024, at the Glen Lake Fire Department to review the Glen Lake Fire Department's (GLFD) proposed fiscal year 2025-2026 budget, presented by Chief Bryan Ferguson. No members of the public attended. The Emergency Services Advisory Commission (ESAC) recommended the Township Board approve the budget at its September 17th meeting.
Public Comments
No members of the public were present at the hearing, and no public comments were made at either opportunity during the meeting.
Infrastructure Projects
Chief Ferguson reviewed proposed Capital Expenses as part of the FY26 budget, though specific project details were not outlined. Supervisor Laureto noted that Empire Township and Glen Arbor Township have each contributed $195,000 per year to the Capital budget for the past 10 years. He stated that due to rising equipment costs and the number of vehicles needing replacement in coming years, this contribution amount will likely need to increase. He plans to discuss this with Empire Township officials over the next year.
Other Business
Chief Ferguson answered board questions on staffing, noting the department is at full staff with 16 employees, and that there is room for one part-time position daily, though currently a part-time person is staffed only about 10% of the time. He noted a pending application from an individual currently in EMT school. Trustee Lewis asked about call volume, which Ferguson said has increased from the previous year and appears to be rising annually.
Financial Summary
- The proposed FY26 budget shows an increase in operations of $79,000 over the previous year's budget.
- Projected income increases as well, resulting in a net increase to operations of $61,000.
- Empire and Glen Arbor Townships have each contributed $195,000 annually to the Capital budget for the last 10 years; this may need to rise.
- Clerk Laureto asked about a reduction in the defined contribution plan; Ferguson explained he had overestimated this line item in the previous budget.
- Supervisor Laureto characterized the budget as responsible, noting it includes a small cushion for unknown expenses.
- ESAC recommended the Township Board approve the budget at its September 17th meeting.
Action Items
- Township Board to consider approval of the proposed GLFD FY26 budget at the September 17th Board meeting.
- Supervisor Laureto to initiate discussions with Empire Township officials over the next year regarding increasing Capital budget contributions.