Oakland County's Executive has called out a local lawmaker for a questionable campaign contribution.
Last week, L. Brooks Patterson penned a column for The Detroit News in which he questioned current efforts to change Michiganâs auto no-fault insurance system. Patterson, a lifelong Republican who was seriously injured in a 2012 car crash, says that insurance companies are seeking to âraidâ the Michigan catastrophic claims fund that supports lifetime medical care for people catastrophically injured in car crashes.
He then argues that state legislators are being influenced by the insurance companies to assist that effort, specifically mentioning a February report by the Michigan Campaign Finance Network that the Michigan Insurance Coalition, which represents the stateâs largest auto insurers, contributed $80,000 last fall to the Leading Michigan Forward Fund, an âadministrative fundâ run by Sam Theis, the husband of State Rep. Lana Theis of Brighton Township, who chairs the House Insurance Committee.
The report by the Michigan Campaign Finance Network says that IRS filings show that after the $80,000 contribution, the Leading Michigan Forward Fund paid $68,924 to Victory Graphics & Consulting, a company officially organized by Meghan Reckling, Lana Theisâ chief of staff. In fact, the companyâs address, 620 N. Kane Road in Webberville, is the same address listed on IRS filings for the Leading Michigan Forward Fund and on campaign disclosures for Theisâ official candidate committee. When questioned in February about the donation, Sam Theis said the account was set up as a leadership fund to support fellow GOP candidates, but then clarified a week later that he was confusing the administrative account with the Liberty Freedom Fund, a leadership political action committee connected to Lana Theis, who was most recently fined $2,000 for submitting incomplete spending reports from her 2016 re-election campaign.
But for L. Brooks Patterson, the donation by an insurance lobbying group creates at the very least the appearance of impropriety with the potential to erode public trust. He further questions if those opposed to changes in Michiganâs auto no-fault insurance system can get a fair hearing in Lansing with Lana Theis heading up the House Insurance Committee. He says when he sent his Chief Deputy earlier this year to state his objections to those changes before the committee; he was never called on by Theis to testify. Patterson says the issue is important because people who are catastrophically injured in automobile crashes in Michigan have their long-term medical care paid for by the catastrophic claims fund and that the cost of such care could run to tens of millions of dollars over an accident victimâs lifetime. He then says that Theis should either refund the $80,000 donation or recuse herself from future hearings on auto no-fault changes. A request for comment by Theis has so far been unreturned. (JK)
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Donation By Insurance Group To Theis-Run Fund QuestionedDonation By Insurance Group To Theis-Run Fund Questioned
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Lyon Township Fire Department Open House Saturday, May 13thLyon Township Fire Department Open House Saturday, May 13th
An open house is planned at the Lyon Township Fire Department.
The open house is scheduled Saturday, May 13th from noon to 3pm at the main station on Grand River in New Hudson. Various displays and demonstrations are planned to entertain families and children. Some include the University of Michigan Survival Flight helicopter, an extrication demo, a safety smoke house, firefighter dress up and fire truck displays. Chief Ken Van Sparrentak says there will also be two food trucks on site for people to enjoy, allowing all of their firefighters to be free to mingle with the public. "It's a great opportunity to have a one-on-one with firefighters or myself, have coffee and actually understand what your fire department provides."
Details can be found through the link below. Facebook Photo. (JM/JK)
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Local Explorer Post Takes Top Spot At State CompetitionLocal Explorer Post Takes Top Spot At State Competition
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office Explorers came out on top at a recent statewide competition.
The annual Michigan Law Enforcement Youth Association Committee State Competition was held in Battle Creek the last weekend in April featuring 40 teams from around the state including two teams from Illinois. The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office sent three Explorer teams to compete, one of which took first place with a score of 377 out of 400. The teams competed in four different police scenarios, Domestic Violence Investigations, High Risk Traffic Stops, Traffic Crash Investigations and Building Searches, for the prize trophy, The Governorâs Cup. The Explorer program includes teens and young adults with a strong interest in law enforcement. The program provides opportunities to experience the responsibilities and functions of law enforcement firsthand.
Team 1 consisted of Explorer Sheriff Shannon McKee, Explorer Undersheriff Julie Craig, Explorer Sergeant Todd Niemi, Explorers Matthew Greydanus, and Amy Parks. Team 2 consisted of Explorer Sergeant Sydney Rupp, and Explorers Elle Marshall, Jenna Hanish, and Luke Kaarto. Team 3 consisted of Explorers Garrett Micallef, Michaela Goble, Carissa DelProposto, and John Shemetulskis. Explorers Niklas Varga and Alyssa Boze went to observe. Team 2 scored 359 point and placed 7th while Team 3 scored 352 for 13th overall. Deputy Brad Neff, who leads the program, said the Sheriffâs Office commends the teams on their commitment to public service, their hard work, and dedication in representing the Livingston County Sheriffâs Office and the Explorer Program. (JK)
Pictured - Top Row - Trooper Olivia Sivy, Officer Josh Pedersen (Flint Township), Niklas Varga, John Shemetulskis, Sydney Rupp, Amy Parks, Matt Greydanus, Carissa DelProposto, Luke Kaarto, Deputy Brad Neff, Former Explorer Estin Cantrell
Bottom Row - Jenna Hanish, Garrett Micallef, Todd Niemi, Julie Craig, Shannon McKee, Elle Marshall, Michaela Goble, Alyssa Boze
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Parts Failure At Pepsi Plant In Howell Prompts AdvisoryParts Failure At Pepsi Plant In Howell Prompts Advisory
A breakdown in the manufacturing process at the Pepsi bottling plant in Howell has prompted the soda-maker to ask that customers to return certain 16.9-ounce bottles of Pepsi-Cola that were sold in Michigan earlier this year.
According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, an investigation was initiated by a consumer complaint that determined certain products contained metal flecks due to a parts failure during bottling at the Howell plant. PepsiCo says there's no safety issue, although the company says it received 18 complaints of a metallic taste, from late February to early April. Laboratory analysis identified the small flecks between .1 and .3 millimeters as iron and chromium. In March, Pepsi removed the cola from nearly 200 Michigan stores. Other Pepsi products are not affected.
PepsiCo says bottles with product codes HC022373 and HC022473 should be returned to stores if customers still have them. Anyone with questions can call (866) 433-2652. (AP)
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Community Celebrates Longtime McDonald's Employee's RetirementCommunity Celebrates Longtime McDonald's Employee's Retirement
After 33 years of dedicated service, a longtime employee of a local McDonaldâs celebrated his retirement today surrounded by friends and family.
Daniel Lybrink of Howell began working at McDonaldâs in April of 1984 as the âlobby managerâ. With over three decades of service under his belt, Daniel, who has Down Syndrome, is known for his work ethic and contagious smile.
A surprise party celebrating Danielâs retirement was held at the Brighton McDonaldâs earlier today, filling the lobby with his friends, family, and community members who have all been impacted by Danielâs lovable personality. The event included cake, gifts, and a memory book for guests to sign. David Glynn, General Manager at the Brighton McDonaldâs, has worked with Daniel for 13 years. Above all else, he says Daniel âmakes everybody feel specialâ.
Glynnâs praise was echoed by Danielâs co-worker, Ruthan Knarr, who describes Daniel as a responsible, polite, and courteous employee, as well as the sweetest man sheâs ever met. He is always smiling no matter what kind of day heâs having, according to staff member Rachel Meredith.
Daniel says his fellow employees are his âother familyâ and that he felt pride seeing how many people showed up to his party to celebrate him. Speaking in reference to his job, Daniel jokingly says âI donât ever leaveâ, and is looking forward to retirement.
Molly Wisuri, Danielâs Caregiver of 16 years, says in June she will be moving him and his roommates from their place in Fowlerville to Manistee near Lake Michigan. There, Wisuri says he and his roommates will enjoy retirement and the rest of their lives together with plans for lots of fishing, traveling, and continuing to participate in Special Olympics. (DK)
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Deadline Wednesday To Vote For Howell High School In Design Contest Deadline Wednesday To Vote For Howell High School In Design Contest
Community votes are still needed to help Howell students earn a spot in the top five in a competition based on original shoe designs.
Howell High School has been named one of the top 50 semi-finalists in the 2017 Vans Custom Culture Art Competition. For the contest, students in the schoolâs advanced digital imaging class created four custom shoe designs based on themes of Vansâ âOff the Wallâ lifestyle: action sports, arts, music and local flavor. The four designs created by Howell students were made by hand using a 3-D printer pen. As a top 50 semi-finalist, Howellâs custom designs are showcased with the other finalists online where the public can vote once per day for their favorite design until this Wednesday.
Howell High School was the only Michigan school to be named a top 50 semi-finalist and students are hoping to make it into the top five. The competition culminates in a final event in June. The winning school will receive $50,000 toward its art program and the potential to have one of its designs sold in Vans retail locations.
A link to the voting site is provided. (JM)
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Brighton High School To Conduct Mock Accident ExerciseBrighton High School To Conduct Mock Accident Exercise
A mock accident presentation will be held today at Brighton High School.
The school holds the exercise once every three years, to re-enforce the idea that proms and other end-of-school year activities can result in sometimes rash decisions that have life-altering consequences. The event is sponsored by the Brighton High School PTO, the Brighton Area Fire Dept., Brighton City Police and school administration. The event is held outside at the football field and stands, with the entire student body of around 2,000 in attendance.
According to Sherri Osterman, one of the organizers, the event sends the message in a powerful way, as students see the consequences of drinking and driving, and texting while driving. Osterman says that several students will play the roles of injured occupants and will read from prepared scripts that will be broadcast over the P.A. system. The emergency responders will use the Jaws of Life to extricate the mock victims from the crashed vehicles, and a U of M Survival Flight helicopter will land on the field to airlift the would-be victims to the hospital. Meantime, Brighton is part of the national campaign âParents Who Host Lose the Mostâ.
The campaign encourages parents and the entire community to send a unified message that teenage alcohol consumption is both illegal and unsafe. And Superintendent Greg Gray is reminding parents during this prom week that if a parent hosts a party at which alcohol is served to minors, the parent is subject to criminal charges. (TT)
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Brighton Area Schools' Financial Picture Continues to ImproveBrighton Area Schools' Financial Picture Continues to Improve
After being a deficit district for several years, Brighton Area School District officials can finally say they are out of the woods.
The district has had a balanced budget for the last two years and had a comfortable fund balance of $1.6 million going into the 2016-17 fiscal year. Assistant Superintendent Maria Gistinger said at Monday nightâs meeting that for the first time that anyone can remember, the district will not have to do any springtime borrowing to make ends meet. Normally around this time of year, Michigan school districts resort to borrowing to tide them over until the next state aid payment arrives. This year, that will not likely be necessary for Brighton. Superintendent Greg Gray says that as a result of borrowing, Brighton has had to pay out $1.6 million in interest costs in the last 10 years.
Gray says the interest saved can go back into childrenâs educations instead of having to go to pay off a loan. He says not having to borrow funds will also improve the districtâs bond rating.
However, Gray says the district should have a fallback plan in case something unexpected happens. This would involve establishing a line of credit, in which case the only costs involved would occur if the district had to borrow. (TT)
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Former School Property Rezoned After Year Of Inaction Former School Property Rezoned After Year Of Inaction
Itâs been over a year since the former Pinckney Elementary School building and property was sold, but land owners have yet to move forward with a potential development.
In April of 2016, the Pinckney Community Schools Board of Education approved a purchase agreement for the former school with TDPB Holdings. The company has an existing business in Detroit called Tango Down Tactical, which uses airsoft guns and technology to provide tactical practice and a closed quarter environment to train law enforcement. The intent was to develop the property and school building into a similar facility.
Village officials say since that time, they have not received any permit or zoning requests from the company, though the parcel would need to be commercially zoned for such a business to operate. The majority of the property is public land and the rest has no recorded zoning. Since the parcel is not currently being used as public land, the Villageâs Planning Commission recommended it be zoned in accordance with the municipalityâs Master Plan while awaiting word from the propertyâs owners.
On Monday, Village Council unanimously approved a rezoning ordinance, establishing the land as high-density residential. Zoning Administrator Diane Kay-Hougaboom says she sent the company two notices of the meeting in which the propertyâs zoning would be discussed, but has not ââ¦seen one sheet of paper from them.â Representatives did not attend the meeting either. Village President Linda Lavey says, âIt wouldâve been great if they had some input on it but they didnât apparently want to.â
Lavey says the community is curious about the propertyâs potential purpose and âwaiting for something coolâ. The owners can apply to rezone the property at any time. (DK)
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Kowalski's Family Withdraws Motion, Citing "Crucial" New EvidenceKowalski's Family Withdraws Motion, Citing "Crucial" New Evidence
The family of the man sentenced to life in prison by a local judge accused of having an affair with a lead witness has decided to withdraw a motion seeking to set aside his murder conviction.
Jared Kowalski tells WHMI that Peter Van Hoek with the Michigan State Appellate Defender Office withdrew a motion alleging 53rd District Court Judge Theresa Brennan was biased in favor of the prosecution during the 2013 trial of his father, Jerome Kowalski. The motion was filed following revelations from Judge Brennanâs divorce case that she was engaged in an affair with State Police Detective Sgt. Sean Furlong, who was the lead investigator in the 2008 double homicide of Jerome Kowalskiâs brother and sister-in-law in their Oceola Township home. Furlong was also the chief witness during the 2013 trial, which ended up with Jerome Kowalskiâs conviction, based largely on his confession to Furlong.
Kowalski quickly recanted the confession and has maintained his innocence. Brennan and Furlong say the affair began after the trial, but testimony indicated it began years earlier. Last week, State Police executed search warrants at Judge Brennanâs offices in Brighton and at her home. While they havenât revealed what it was they were looking for, itâs known that computers were taken from her offices. Jared Kowalski indicated that the reason for withdrawing the motion to set aside his fatherâs conviction was what he called a âcrucialâ new angle that didnât necessarily focus on the Brennan/Furlong affair. (JK)
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Hydrant Flushing to Take Place in Brighton this WeekHydrant Flushing to Take Place in Brighton this Week
The city of Brighton is conducting its annual spring flushing of city fire hydrants this week.
The city conducts hydrant flushing twice per year â in the spring and fall â to remove heavy sediment from the water. The flushing began Monday night at midnight and will continue until 3:30 this afternoon. On Wednesday and Thursday, hydrant flushing will take place between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The procedure may be repeated on Friday, if deemed necessary.
If the flushing causes any discoloration of faucet water in homes, residents are asked to run their tap water for 10 minutes. If by that time the tap water is still discolored, they are asked to wait an hour and try again. If tap water remains discolored, affected residents are asked to call city Utilities Director Tim Krugh at 810-844-5113.
The cityâs water division maintains 37 miles of water mains, two water storage towers and two treatment plants which treat and pump one million gallons of water daily to city residents and businesses, as well as to residential and commercial customers in portions of the surrounding townships. (TT)
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Four New Buses Part Of Howell District's Capital Improvement BudgetFour New Buses Part Of Howell District's Capital Improvement Budget
The Howell Board of Education has approved the purchase of four new school buses for the 2017/18 school year.
During Mondayâs board meeting, the board discussed their capital improvement spending plans with the largest purchase request for $320,000 to obtain four new buses at $80,000 each. Superintendent Erin Macgregor says that this is a much needed expense and is expected over time.
With approval of all of the capital improvement projects, the district will be spending just over $703,000 for the 2017/18 fiscal year. Other projects include improvements for roofing, flooring, and playgrounds. (DF/JK)
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Howell School Board Praises Senior Survivor SuccessHowell School Board Praises Senior Survivor Success
The Howell Schools Board of Education had an opportunity Monday night to note another successful year for the high schoolâs Senior Survivor fundraising project.
For the 10th consecutive year Howell High School organized their Senior Survivor competition among its students in an effort to help raise funds for suicide awareness. This competition, based off of the television series, Survivor, places students in several games and competitions in an effort to help raise money for a good cause. This year the project was able to raise $78,000 for The American Foundation of Suicide Prevention. Howell High School Principal Jason Schrock says itâs a very worthy organization and well deserving of the funds.
Participants from this yearâs Senior Survivor were each individually thanked by members of the board while also receiving a certificate for their efforts. Schrock claims that there is no end in sight for this yearly project, and that it will definitely continue next year. (DF/JK)
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LESA Launches Employer Needs Survey LESA Launches Employer Needs Survey
A unique study and survey is underway to help identify what skills set individual entering the workforce apart from others.
The Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA) has launched a unique study to understand the most valuable and in demand skills for those entering the workforce in Livingston County. The study is being conducted in the form of a survey to local area employers. Itâs being administered by LESA in partnership with the third-party research firm, Hanover Research. The survey is open now and is available to any employer within Livingston County.
Officials say the survey will reveal what qualities and training are most desirable to employers, as well as the short term and long term employment trends in the region. The data will be captured in a way that will allow identification of industry sector, career pathway, and geographic location.
Superintendent Dr. Mike Hubert says LESA wants to help local education systems produce a workforce that possesses the proper qualifications for employment in the area. He says they wanted direct feedback from actual employers to determine if there is anything they should be doing differently in terms of training and educational offerings, which is an approach that has not been taken before in the area. LESA will use the survey results to identify the need for changes in the educational and training programs within Livingston County and to help students define a pathway to a successful career, either through higher education, military service, or through a regionally based training program.
The survey is available online until May 26th and can be accessed through the link. (JM)
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Howell Woman Seeks Awareness Campaign After Dog Killed In AttackHowell Woman Seeks Awareness Campaign After Dog Killed In Attack
A woman whose dog was killed by a group of three dogs is hoping the City of Howell will initiate a public awareness campaign on what responsible pet owners need to know.
Veronica Evans was walking her two small dogs, a shih tzu named Peyton and a maltipoo named Milo, when three dogs came out and attacked them in the area of West and Wetmore Streets on February 25th. Evans told Council during Monday night's meeting that the maltipoo was destroyed while the shih tzu was in the intensive care unit for ten days. She was also injured. Legal action is being pursued against the owner of the three dogs involved, and two have since been ordered euthanized by a judge.
Evans is championing what she calls âMiloâs Missionâ and would like the City to embark on a public awareness campaign related to leash and licensing laws. She still has safety concerns and suggested Council consider ordinances limiting the number of dogs per household. Evans told Council she would do whatever possible to educate the community that dogs have to be on a leash and canât run loose. Evans noted the great response from the police department and strangers who came to her aid when the incident occurred, as well as how much she loves the City. She commended five individuals in the neighborhood who witnessed the attack and came to her aid the day of the incident, including two men she said heard her cries for help and risked their lives for her. One of her neighbors has even started a fundraising page to offset the costs of veterinary care. The link is below. Evans was bitten and says sheâs nearly certain her injuries would have been much worse and her other dog might not have survived.
Supporters in attendance called it a traumatic event for the community and one that does raise public safety concerns. Evans pointed out that there are limited Livingston County Animal Control officers to conduct enforcement and there have been two fatal dog attacks in less than two years within a one mile radius.
Council members and Mayor Nick Proctor offered their condolences to Evans and suggested she also share her story with the Livingston County Board of Commissioners, which has oversight of Animal Control. Proctor noted some owners will let their dogs run loose in the cemetery, which is not permitted. Mayor Pro-Tem Steve Manor commented that there are a lot of dogs in the Howell community but only a small percentage have licenses.
City Manager Shea Charles told WHMI Evans expressed concern following the February attack and asked the City to assist with a public awareness campaign so that owners understand animals need to be on leashes and licensed, basically all of the things responsible pet owners do. He says it was a very tragic situation for Evans and she also asked the City to look at ordinance amendments and limiting number of dogs on a property. Charles says staff will be researching that and bring information back to council in roughly four weeks for input. (JM)
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Rover Pipeline Company Fined For Environmental ViolationsRover Pipeline Company Fined For Environmental Violations
The company currently installing a natural gas pipeline through Livingston County has been fined in another state for environmental violations.
Ohio's environmental regulators have issued a $430,000 fine against the Energy Transfer Company building the Rover natural gas pipeline from West Virginia into western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, before it turns north into Michigan, coming into Livingston County as it passes through Putnam, Marion, Iosco and Handy townships.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency says the fines stem from water and air pollution violations at a number of locations in that state. Ohio officials say work on the Rover natural gas pipeline since March has resulted in 18 incidents involving mud spills from drilling, stormwater pollution and open burning.
Energy Transfer says only a small number of inadvertent releases of 'drilling mud' from the $4.2 billion pipeline aren't unusual during drilling operations. They also say they donât think there has been any impact to the environment. But local residents who are members of the grassroots group, Michigan Residents Against ET Rover, have already expressed concerns that if Rover can make these mistakes in Ohio, they can happen in their backyards, too. (JK)
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Poker Run Charity Ride To Benefit Big Red Barrel ProjectPoker Run Charity Ride To Benefit Big Red Barrel Project
A combination of a âcharity rideâ around Livingston County and a game of poker will raise funds for a drug take-back program next weekend.
The Poker Run to benefit the Big Red Barrel project will kick off at the American Spirit Center VFW Post 4357 in Brighton on Saturday May 20th. Any type of vehicle or motorcycle is welcome to participate in the event which will raise money to promote safe and secure disposal of unwanted or unused prescription drugs.
Big Red Barrels are permanent prescription drug collection units found across the state that allow community members to dispose of prescription medication, while raising awareness about prescription drug abuse. The Big Red Barrel is a program of the Livingston County Community Alliance.
LCCA Activity Specialist Terry Murray says event participants will meet at the American Spirit Center, where registration will be held from 11am to 1pm. Riders will be given a route, estimated to be between 160 and 180 miles long, with five or six stop points. At each point, riders will be given a playing card so that when all Poker Run participants return to the American Spirit Center around 4pm, the rider with the best poker hand will be deemed the winner.
The event will continue with live music, food, and a 50/50 drawing. A Big Red Barrel will be present as well for anyone interested in disposing medication. Tickets are $15 per vehicle and $5 a person. (DK)
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More Lane Closures On US-23 More Lane Closures On US-23
Construction and closures are planned on US-23 at Barker Road and North Territorial this week and weekend.
The Michigan Department of Transportation is advising of overnight single lane closures and around-the-clock weekend single lane closures on US-23 at Barker Road for concrete patch work.
Single lane closures will take place between 7pm and 5am on southbound US-23 through Friday.
Single lane closures are also planned on each night through Friday on northbound US-23 between 8pm and 7am.
A continuous single lane closure will be in effect for the weekend, starting at 8pm Friday through 5am on Monday.
Additionally there will be overnight, single lane closures on US-23 from North Territorial Road to 6 Mile Road in each direction from Wednesday through Friday for paving. (JM)
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Jail Inmate Convicted of Attempting To Escape Into Brighton Mill PondJail Inmate Convicted of Attempting To Escape Into Brighton Mill Pond
A Livingston County Jail inmate who tried to escape police custody by way of the Brighton Mill Pond has been found guilty of her attempt to flee.
32-year-old Lisa Finlayson of Howell was convicted Monday of one count of escape while awaiting trial for a felony. Finlayson and another inmate attempted to escape on an August afternoon, after they were transported over to the 53rd District Court in Brighton for hearings. The two were being escorted from the court building and into a patrol car when they made a break for it.
Finlayson jumped into the Mill Pond, but was pulled out shortly after with a dredger. The other inmate was arrested after breaking into a home to steal a change of clothes. Finlayson had been in custody for operating while intoxicated causing death, which stemmed from her role in a 2015 crash that claimed the life of 51-year-old Lawrence Pettis of Howell. Her pick-up truck struck Pettisâ motorcycle and pushed it into another vehicle. Finlaysonâs 3-year-old son was a passenger in the vehicle and testing later revealed cocaine in Finlaysonâs system.
She is currently serving a prison sentence of 86 months to 15 years which she received after entering a guilty plea in the case in July. Finlayson attempted to withdraw that plea in March, but her motion was denied by Judge Miriam Cavanaugh. Finlayson is set to be sentenced on the escape charge June 8th. (DK)
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Brighton Council Approves 2017-18 Budget At Special MeetingBrighton Council Approves 2017-18 Budget At Special Meeting
As a result of a special meeting Tuesday night, the overall budget in Brighton for the 2017-18 fiscal year starting July 1 will be $20.2 million, an increase of $3 million. That includes the general fund, plus all fees, services, and other charges. The general fund budget adopted by council for the coming year will be $8.5 million, vs. $8.1 million for the current year ending June 30.
City Manager Nate Geinzer tells WHMI that while itâs a good spending plan overall, the city still has some unmet needs, particularly its roads. The millage levy in the city will remain essentially the same, going up 0.0002 of a mill, to 15.7705 mills. The total millage includes an operating levy of 15.27 mills, an economic development levy of 0.12 mill and a law enforcement-public safety millage of 0.38 mill.
According to city Finance Director Gretchen Gomolka, city residents will get a break on their water and sewer charges, which will decrease by 2.1%. However, the trash collection fee will go up. Waste Managementâs contract with the city calls for a 2.5% hike in what it charges to pick up and dispose of trash and recyclables, and that will be passed on to residents. As a result, beginning July 1st, the refuse collection fee will go up from $14.84 per month to $15.21.
The original proposed budget called for a decrease of from $2,000 to $500 in the annual contribution to the Brighton Area Historical Society. However, Council Member Jim Bohn said that since the group is doing such a good job of restoring headstones at the Old Village Cemetery, the donation should remain at $2,000, an amount approved by council.
The end-of-year fund balance is projected at $1.3 million, a slight increase over the projected fund balance at the end of this year. (TT)
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