URGENT UPDATE: The Sand Lake Village Council has taken a decisive stand against Pierson Township’s fire contract terms, declaring, “We cannot continue to sustain these services.” During a critical meeting on December 4, 2023, at Resurrection Lutheran Church, officials revealed escalating costs for fire services may threaten emergency coverage for residents across Kent, Montcalm, and Newaygo counties.
Residents, firefighters, and township officials packed the venue, anxious about the implications of potential contract increases. The council’s request for a fire contract cost hike comes amid rising operational expenses and the urgent need for a new fire truck, estimated at $1.1 million.
Village President Mollie Doerr emphasized the fire department’s financial struggles, stating, “We must approach this with open minds… the safety and well-being of our residents is our top priority.” The village has already experienced severe budget constraints, with the fire department’s costs nearly tripling in the last decade due to equipment and maintenance demands.
The current fire contract with Pierson Township, which covers the southern half of the township, is set to expire on March 31, 2026. However, tensions have intensified following a request for a significant cost increase beyond the previously agreed 6% hike. Pierson Township officials assert that any increase beyond this would necessitate funding from their general budget, as the fire millage cannot be allocated for capital purchases.
Doerr challenged this assertion, claiming, “I believe this to be false as other communities use the same language and use it for operations and capital.” The Pierson Township Board has since voted to approve only the initial 6% increase, coupled with a 30-day termination clause for the contract.
During the meeting, Sand Lake’s council unanimously rejected Pierson’s terms, reiterating their inability to operate under the current funding model. “We cannot accept that offer,” Doerr stated, highlighting a shared concern for sustaining critical fire services.
Financial discussions revealed that Pierson Township’s total contribution to the fire department is projected to reach $69,758 in 2026, while Nelson Township faces a staggering increase to $81,523. This uncertainty has led to a call for greater collaboration among all involved municipalities.
The ramifications of the ongoing dispute are significant. If the funding issues remain unresolved, residents could face diminished emergency services. The Sand Lake fire department, which currently relies on 18 volunteer firefighters, is already operating on a “bare bones” budget. Village Treasurer Tyler Kaiser underscored the urgent need for additional funds, stating, “We need significantly more money… this is the absolute bare minimum that we need to sustain levels of operations.”
The situation is further complicated by accusations of miscommunication among the townships. Ensley Township Trustee Tim Newton challenged the narrative that Ensley was not engaged in discussions, emphasizing their commitment to fire services and the need for open dialogue moving forward.
As the Sand Lake Village Council and Pierson Township prepare for their next regular meetings on December 15, 2023, the future of fire services in the region hangs in the balance. Residents are urged to stay informed and engaged as developments unfold.
For ongoing updates, visit the official websites of Sand Lake, Pierson Township, Nelson Township, and Ensley Township to monitor meeting schedules and financial reports.