Summary
The Bingham Township Board held its Annual Meeting on June 16, 2025, with a quorum present. The Board approved the agenda, approved prior annual meeting minutes, held a Truth in Taxation/budget hearing, adopted the FY 2025-2026 General Appropriations Act, and approved salary resolutions for the Supervisor, Treasurer, Clerk, and Trustees. Committee and officer annual reports were presented for Parks and Recreation, the Zoning/STR Administrator, the Planning Commission, and the Treasurer. No public comments were made during either public comment period, and the meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m.
Parks and Recreation Matters
Trustee Todd Stone presented the Parks and Recreation Committee's Annual Report. Key points included:
- The 5-year Plan was completed.
- A new design plan for Boughey Park was created by Gosling-Czubak, anticipated for completion in FY 2025-2026.
- Work is underway on a design for Groesser Park; a completion timeline will be determined.
- Three new grills were added to the park(s).
- The annual spring clean-up was completed.
- The Bingham Parks and Rec website has not yet been released to the public.
- In the coming year, final costs for park improvements will be determined, and ADA compliance will be reviewed.
Infrastructure Projects
During the FY 2025-2026 Truth in Taxation Hearing, it was stated that the millage will not change this year and that roads will not be funded by the Township in the near future. If the Road Commission determines a road has failed, it will be brought to gravel road standards. Repair of roads could be partially funded through a Special Assessment District (SAD).
Other Business
- The Board approved the agenda as presented (Stone moved, Layman supported; motion carried 5-0).
- The Board approved the June 24, 2024 Annual Meeting minutes as presented (Werner moved, Amalfitano supported; motion carried 5-0).
- Resolution #20250616.01, the General Appropriations Act for FY 2025-2026, was adopted by roll call vote (Layman moved, Stone supported; motion carried 5-0, all members voting yes).
- Salary Resolutions #2025421.01 through #2025421.04 were approved for the Supervisor, Treasurer, Clerk, and Trustees (see Financial Summary for amounts); each passed by a hand vote of 10 in favor, 0 opposed, motion carried 5-0.
- Zoning Administrator/STR Administrator Steve Patmore reported a good year; short-term rentals (STRs) are at the limit of 86. Supervisor Werner suggested Patmore may need assistance managing STRs.
- Planning Commission (reported by Jeff Layman) is working on the Master Plan; public input and a public hearing are needed. There has been interest in permits for two new wineries.
- Treasurer Mary Ann Korson gave the Annual Report, noting a $135,000 cash revenue increase, a successful audit, and provided an update on summer tax. She also asked about the need for a planner and associated cost; Patmore responded that the Planning Commission hasn't needed a planner yet but will in the future.
Financial Summary
- FY 2025-2026 General Appropriations Act (Resolution #20250616.01) adopted; millage will not change this year.
- Supervisor's salary set at $20,328.94 (Resolution #2025421.01).
- Treasurer's salary set at $31,862.75 (Resolution #2025421.02).
- Clerk's salary set at $30,882.34 (Resolution #2025421.03).
- Trustees' salary set at $6,000.00 total ($3,000 each) (Resolution #2025421.04).
- Treasurer reported a $135,000 cash revenue increase and a successful audit.
- Road repairs are not expected to be funded by the Township in the near future; a Special Assessment District (SAD) could partially fund repairs.
Action Items
- Zoning/STR Administrator Steve Patmore may need additional help managing short-term rentals, as suggested by Supervisor Werner.
- The Planning Commission needs to gather public input and hold a public hearing on the Master Plan.
- The Planning Commission may need to hire a planner in the future, per discussion between Treasurer Korson and Patmore.
- Parks and Recreation Committee to determine final costs for park improvements and review ADA compliance in the coming year.
- A timeline for completion of the Groesser Park design is still to be determined.