Parks group looking at possible millage

The Laketown Township Parks and Recreation Commission is investigating a possible millage request to fund parks.

No specifics were discussed and no decisions were made at the Feb. 18, 2026, meeting. Chairperson Brad Laninga asked commissioners to get more information on a possible millage request and other creative ways to fund parks.

Any millage issue would have to be approved by the township board.

“I’d like to see if we can possibly get a millage on the ballot so that we could get our own budget and we can handle more of our needs that the residents want,” said Commissioner Mary Jo Bertolino.

Currently, she said, there’s not enough money for projects.

The parks commission now submits its budget proposal to the township board which can approve, modify or reject the proposed budget.

This year, the parks budget proposal is $225,320, an increase over the $171,292 in the 2025-2026 amended budget. A large part of the increase — $105,000 – is in capital outlay to match any grants acquired to replace steps at Laketown Township Beach or to cover possible land acquisition.

The public hearing on the budget is 6 p.m. March 11 at the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road.

Laketown’s fiscal year is April 1 through March 31.

For more on the budget, visit https://laketowntwp.org/financials

Commissioners were concerned about raising tax rates in the township.

“I don’t want more taxes either. None of us do,” said Commissioner Tom Hoekman, but added that parks are a service to the community and need to be maintained. Work is now being done “on a shoestring” budget, he said.

If the parks commission wants to do any of the projects in its 5-year plan, the commission needs to look at more funding, he said.

Projects in the 5-year plan include beach access and development, Americans with Disability Act access at the township hall, Huyser Farm and Sanctuary Woods parks, restrooms at parks, a picnic shelter at Huyser Farm, new boardwalks and bridges at Farview Park and Shore Acres parking improvements.

The next meeting of the parks commission is March 18 at 6 p.m. at the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road.

Millages

The township has two voted millages for a total of 3 mills.

1.5 mills: Road, drains and non-motorized paths.

1.5 mills: Fire department.

In 2022, voters rejected a parks commission proposal for a $1.21 million bond to build restrooms at Wolters Woods, Sanctuary Woods, Township Hall, Shore Acres, Farview, Laketown Beach and Huyser Farm parks. The proposal equated to 0.4562 mill over no more than 5 years.