Few decisions, some discussion, at May Board meeting
- Julie Cowie
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
The May 18 Casco Township Board of Trustees meeting was dominated by regular reports and updates with little new decision-making by the five-member board.
Linda Teeter provided an update on the Allegan County Legal Assistance Center. She reported that the Center has operated under contract since 2019 and has served approximately 35,500 residents since opening in 2012. Services include free legal assistance in civil matters such as Friend of the Court issues, custody, garnishments, probate matters, divorce, and landlord-tenant disputes.
Teeter reported that Casco Township referrals increased from 24 residents the previous year to 61 residents this year. She requested continued promotion of services through Township communications, including the tax bill newsletter. The Center's contract is scheduled for renewal for the July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027 period.
South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) Chief Hinz reported:
24 calls in Casco Township since the previous meeting, including 4 fire calls and 20 EMS calls.
Annual medical examinations were completed and all personnel passed.
The annual financial audit was completed, showing the agency approximately $30,000 under budget with increased net worth.
Career member negotiations have begun.
Staffing changes and increased call volume continue to impact operations, including out-of-town transports.
A four-year financial projection is being developed.
SHAES participated in live burn training and a mock disaster exercise with Van Buren ISD.
The Smoky the Bear fire warning sign was moved to Station No. 1.
SHAES and local law enforcement continue to rank highly in patient outcomes following cardiac arrest incidents.
Chief Hinz also reviewed recent fire calls, including a power failure at the Consumers conference center caused by a failed main breaker. The facility's generator functioned properly. He reported the agency surpassed 1,000 calls for the year.
Fennville District Library Director Bob Sherwood reported:
Summer Reading Program runs again this year
Free summer lunches for children will again be provided through Feeding America.
The library is hiring a summer intern for 20–30 hours per week at $14 per hour.
The library received a $30,000 gift in memory of longtime board member Marilyn Starring to digitize newspaper archives.
Clerk Rachel Ridley reported that Chris Westerfield will begin employment after Memorial Day as receptionist and Building Department assistant. The building entrance will be switched to the new southside doors.
Treasurer's balances included:
General Fund: approximately $1.2 million
General Fund CD: $208,675
Road Fund: $989,000
Road Fund CD: $206,905
Fire Fund: $417,000
Fire Fund CD: $206,905
Police Fund: $115,000
Parks Fund: $169,000
Cemetery Fund: $91,000
Senior Services Fund: $63,000
The Township has collected approximately $219,000 in taxes and earned approximately $22,000 in CD interest. Summer tax bills are expected to be mailed during the first week of July.
The Planning Commission's updated Master Plan is being distributed to Planning Commission members.
Parks and Recreation Report: Kelly Hecker was commended for lher eadership on the "Back to the Beach" initiative. The June 27 ribbon-cutting event at the Casco Township Nature Preserve will celebrate recently completed amenities and launch the beach access fundraising campaign.
The Committee will spend some funds on the upcoming June 27 event; removing hazardous trees marked at the Nature Preserve; and contracting with Pam Blough to update the Township five-year Parks & Recreation plan.
Senior Advisory Committee: The Committee is developing a senior resource guide with the assistance of Allegan County, the Area Agency on Aging, and Senior Services of Van Buren County (SSVBC). Printing and layout services will be provided by SSVBC. Completion is anticipated before National Night Out scheduled for Casco Township's Station 1 on Tuesday August 4 beginning at 5:30 pm..
Short-Term Rental Report: The Township currently has:
139 registered short-term rentals.
58 new registrations this year.
A new mobile application for administration.
Zero complaints reported to date in 2026.
Approximately 25 rentals are located east of Blue Star Highway. Staff continues to investigate approximately 12 properties with unresolved registration status.
In new business, the board discussed ongoing issues at the Transfer Station during the winter. The Sheriff's Department led a clean-up effort using a jail crew. Surveillance cameras have been installed.
The Board plans to contracted with Al-Van Humane society for the next year at $5,000.
The Board discussed potentially selling several Township-owned parcels, including:
Approximately 28 acres on 68th Street
Property near 104th Avenue
Approximately 16 acres south of the transfer station
No action was taken. The Township likely does not need additional property for cemetery development, and given recent vandalism, the Township would prefer the parcels are developed..
The Board reviewed an insurance proposal and increased cybersecurity coverage from $100,000 to $250,000 at an annual cost of $1,485.
Ron Wise was reappointed to a four-year term on the South Haven Area Water Sewer Authority (SHAWSA), retroactive to December 2025.
The Board will implement employee background checks through a Kalamazoo-area provider. The practice was recommended by the Township's insurance carrier and other Michigan townships. It does not apply to elected officials.
For the second time in recent months, two candidates for District Court Judge in Allegan County spoke during public comment. Tom Sivers spoke at the start of the meeting and left. Judge Christopher E. Burnett arrived after the meeting started and spoke at the end of the meeting.
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