Highlights from Casco Township Trustees meeting of January 20, 2026

Casco Township trustees meet generally the third Monday of each month at 7:00 pm

Note: Linda Teeter, Casco resident, provided the meeting notes for this report.

The Casco Township Board of Trustees held its January meeting on Tuesday January 20 due to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Day Federal Holiday on 1/19.

Brian Talsma, Executive Director of the Allegan Conservation District (ACD), addressed the board. The Allegan Conservation District assists Allegan County residents with managing natural resources. Talsma requested a letter of support from the Township Board for an EGLE/Coastal Management Grant application the ACD intends to submit to fund the inventory of trees susceptible to invasive species in coastal communities. If funded, this would allow the ACD to work with the Township to address any potential infestation in Hemlock, Oak, or Beech trees on public property such as the Casco Township Nature Preserve. The Board approved the resolution of support.

Jeff Rood, Principal with Siegfried Crandall P.C., the Township's auditors, presented an Audit Report.

Casco Twp Fund Balances
General Fund	$2,000,000	$250,000 increase over 2024
Gen Fund restricted	$1,300,000	15% increase over 2024
Reserve	$740,000
Road	$1,392,000	increase of $100,000
Fire/Police	$768,000	increase of $40,000
Debt Account	$200,000	decrease of $7,000
Total Funds	$9,538,000

The Township has taken steps to address concerns outlined in the audit letter from a year ago, namely to increase internal controls and regularly reconcile bank statements. Rood affirmed that the Township has taken appropriate action to address both of these issues.

In regular monthly reports, South Haven Area Emergency Services (SHAES) Chief Brandon Hinz reported 2,920 total calls for service in 2025, an 8.5% increase over 2024. Casco had 25 EMS and 10 Fire calls in December.

SHAES has ordered new vehicle lifts to replace current ones which are 25 years old. The expenditure was funded from the capital budget. SHAES is also increasing its EMS rate and the new amount is comparable to neighboring agencies. Lift assists are not billed.

Fennville District Library: Bob Sherwood made a presentation about a 2025 workgroup that seeks to redirect funding away from Michigan Libraries. Since 1835, penal fines have been allocated to libraries according to Article VIII section 9 of the Michigan constitution. Libraries also receive funding from non-criminal-code fines, including traffic fines and hunting and fishing violations. According to Sherwood, "Penal and civil fines provide nearly as much support for public libraries as the Michigan legislature does, annually."

Sherwood reported that an organization called "Michigan's Alternative Funding for Trial Courts Workgroup" released a concept paper in 2025 proposing that all revenue from penal and civil infractions be redirected to trial courts. Based on calculations made by Pam Armstrong, Director of the Allegan Public Library, this redirection of constitutionally designated funds would decrease the Fennville District Library's annual operating budget by more than 13% annually.

In Board action, the Board approved a Parks and Recreation contract with Edgewater Resources for $31,000 to develop a concept to restore access to Lake Michigan at the Casco Township and work with the Township to submit a grant to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.

Senior millage: Trustee Dan Fleming motioned to delay action on approving the senior millage renewal ballot language because he thinks it is vague. This was approved.

Road millage: ballot language for renewal of the road millage was approved.

The Granicus contract, which provides services to the Township related to the short term rental program, was renewed at a price of $12,910. A vote on STR

registration fees was delayed until the February board meeting.

The 2026 Poverty Exemption was approved at 100%.

The Board of Review will start its proceedings on March 11, 2026 and the Board of Review will accept written appeals.

Two change orders for the Township Hall renovation by Hall Builders were approved: $12,400 for a sewage pump and $4,265 for ceiling painting and cleaning.

A dust control contract of $14,500 per application for 3 applications per year was approved.

In public comment, Kevin Travis, the Supervisor of Watson Township, introduced himself. He is a candidate for the 57th District Court Judge seat.

Supervisor Allan Overhiser was absent from this meeting due to illness. Treasurer Kenny Clevenger chaired the meeting.

The next regular meeting of the Casco Township Board of Trustees is Monday February 16, 2026 at 7:00 pm at the Casco Township Hall, 7104 107th Avenue.