Board continues work on proposed budget

The Laketown Township Board of Trustees got a first look at the proposed 2026-2027 budget on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.

The board will continue working on the budget at a meeting at 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, at the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road.

The public hearing on the proposed budget is 6 p.m. March 11 at the township hall.

Graafschap Fire Chief Doug DenBleyker will discuss the fire department portion of the budget at the Feb. 20 meeting.

The township’s fiscal year is April 1 through March 31.

Budget goals and information

“The goal of this budget is to ensure responsible stewardship of the township resources while continuing to invest in essential services, parks, and resident safety,” township Manager Stephanie Fox wrote in her budget cover letter. This is Fox’s first budget since she was hired as manager in September. “The recommended budget reflects a balanced approach to meeting the needs of our residents while planning responsibly for the future.”

Total general fund revenues and expenditures are $1,889,226, an increase of $75,076 from 2025-2026 amended budget.

The highest amount of revenue is from property taxes at $638,847 followed by state revenue sharing at $625,000.

Expense categories include $398,271 for Office, which includes staff salaries; $243,596 for Buildings & Grounds; $225,320 for the Parks Commission; and $118,862 for Township Board which includes contracted services such as funding for nonprofits and fireworks.

Money has also been set aside for specific projects as well.

“There are funds recommended for some capital improvements, including grant matching funds for beach stairs and purchase of property. We will be working on a five-year capital plan during the 2026-2027 year to prioritize the needs of the township,” Fox wrote. For more budget information, visit the Financials page on the website at laketowntwp.org/financials.