The six-member South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority has endured criticism for an absence of financial controls in recent years.
The authority’s board dealt with the criticism in February, adopting a set of financial policies.
The issue came to a head late in 2021 and earlier this year when three member communities threatened to hold up approval of a new budget, possibly halting the authority’s firefighting and rescue operations.
A year ago, two members, Schoolcraft and Vicksburg, had refused to approve the budget. It had passed with approval from the other four members representing townships of Brady, Prairie Ronde, Schoolcraft and Wakeshma.
This year, Schoolcraft Township joined the two villages.
Vicksburg Village Manager Jim Mallery, with a reputation for tough financial controls, and Schoolcraft Manager Cheri Lutz offered to look at the authority’s policies.
Mallery said, “The financial documents (for the authority) reminded me of what we inherited here in the village in 2016.”
Mallery said he found no written conflict of interest policy, none spelling out purchasing controls, credit card usage, fund balances and capital asset management.
Mallery questioned as potential conflicts of interest the payments to a current authority board member for training its administrator and a contract to purchase equipment from another board member’s business. Neither violated the agency’s policies since none dealt with those issues.
Two authority board members before the February vote had appeared less concerned about the absence of written policies.
“I think we have the same (policies) already in place, said Supervisor Tracy Locey of Brady Township. “We just don’t have them in writing.”
“It’s pretty much how we’ve operated; it just wasn’t formal,” said authority member Mike Tomlinson, Prairie Ronde supervisor.
The written policies satisfied the board, which approved the budget.
Front, from left: Dan Hartlieb, Jill Strake, Thorsten Willmann, and Mollie Hartlieb. Back: Jeff Hampton and Werner Maag.
Three Schoolcraft businesses this year joined together to collect donations for the Schoolcraft Friday Pack program.
The program, started more than 10 years ago, provides students in need with food for weekends, with filled packs placed in lockers on Friday mornings before school starts.
J. Rettenmaier USA, On Purpose Branding and Dave Rice Group collected items for the packs. Employees contributed more than $5,000 to add needed items to the packs.
Those interested in learning more about this program or wishing to donate may call the Schoolcraft Eagle’s Nest at 269-488-5847 or email schoolcrafteaglesnest1@gmail.com. All monetary and non-perishable food donations are welcome.
From left: Tenor Gary Monroe, lead David Dolph, bass Brendan Monroe, and baritone Patrick Hall. Seated: Marilyn Jones.
During the March meeting of the Vicksburg Ladies Library, members celebrated Marilyn Jones’ 96th birthday. The surprise party included birthday cake and punch and a performance from barbershop quartet, Four Got To Shave. Marilyn is a lifelong area resident, active in many community groups, and has been recognized for her writing and poetry.
I always look forward to springtime When once again the earth turns green, The whiff of fresh air, and birds tweeting Give my spirits a life … know what I mean?
This year, the winter has been dragging its feet, More snow is disappointing to see, But if we can just be a bit patient Daffodils and tulips are what we’ll see.
Is your garden ready for planting? A hanging basket would be okay too, In my small, back-door garden (on legs) Last year I grew pansies, quite a few.
In the year 2020 a pandemic came along Most of the businesses shut down, It was tiresome to be quarantined at home Lots of folks wore a gloomy frown.
But some friends dropped groceries at the door Others wrote a note or called to talk, It was a day brightener to hear from each one And we could still go for a walk.
Going out the door, I got a pleasant surprise There in my barren garden was one tiny pansy, It stands proud, while reaching for the sky If it can survive snow, wind and a virus.
I have confidence. If a tiny pansy can make it … So can I!
2nd grader Charleigh Gardner won the design contest.
After a two-year absence, the Schoolcraft 4th of July celebration is back. This year is the 95th anniversary of Schoolcraft’s celebration of our nation’s Independence Day.
This family-friendly event will include the parade, car show, pancake breakfast, food trucks, Underground Railroad House tours – and those fireworks, presenting by Great Lakes Fireworks.
Visit sites.google.com/view/schoolcraft-mi-4th-of-july/home to see the complete schedule of events. Those visiting the website can learn how to get involved, by sponsorship or by volunteering on the day of the event.
The grand marshals for this year’s parade are Peg Crissman, Jan McNally and Nancy Rafferty, three women who work in the Schoolcraft Eagle’s Nest Food Pantry providing supplies to our local community.
A T-shirt contest was held for Schoolcraft elementary students. The winning design was created by Charleigh Gardner, a 2nd grader in Mr. Allgor’s class. Those clicking the “Shop” tab on the website can order a T-shirt or other Schoolcraft 4th of July gear. Proceeds will help to fund the celebration.
Donation boxes have also been placed in several local businesses in Schoolcraft and Vicksburg. Donation checks should be made out to the Schoolcraft 4th of July Committee and can be mailed to the Village of Schoolcraft, 442 N. Grand St, Schoolcraft, MI 49087.
South County voters in a May 3 election will vote on a request to renew a county-wide law enforcement millage. They’ll also vote on renewal of operating millages on non-homestead property in Vicksburg and Climax-Scotts school districts.
The county tax question, if approved, would renew a tax of $1.438 per $1,000 taxable value for six years through 2027. The tax would raise approximately $13.6 million in the first year of the levy. It is used “in the areas of prosecuting attorney, sheriff, circuit and district court, animal services and enforcement and corrections.” Voters have approved the tax at six-year intervals since 2004.
Michigan school districts are permitted by state law to levy up to $18 per $1,000 taxable valuation on non-residential property and on non-homestead residential properties if approved by voters.
Climax-Scotts voters will be asked to renew two such taxes: One is a tax of $17.5864 per $1,000 taxable valuation on non-homestead property for a five-year period, 2024-2028. The tax, replacing one which expires with the 2023 levy, will raise approximately $339,000.
Voters in the district will also be asked to increase the district’s rate by $2 per $1,000 taxable valuation, also on non-homestead property, to restore millage lost as a result of a reduction in the tax rate required by the Michigan Constitution. Approval is expected to raise $7,814 in the first year.
Vicksburg school district voters will be asked to continue the tax on non-homestead properties, a renewal of $18.0902 per $1,000 taxable valuation for the years 2023-2027, and increase the tax by 50 cents per $1,000 taxable valuation for years 2022-2027 to restore tax revenue lost by the Headlee Amendment.
