Families for Hillsdale - February Newsletter
In pursuit of our mission to keep our members and followers informed about local issues of note and interest, Families for Hillsdale presents the following February Update.
New Publication!
Families for Hillsdale encourages all and sundry to check out
“The purpose of The Hillsdalian is to provide coverage of Hillsdale County news, cultural and political. In addition to the free ‘Week Ahead’ feature—which will provide an inclusive calendar of public events that are scheduled for the upcoming week, from politics to performances to sports—the Hillsdalian staff will publish editorials, columns, and breaking news coverage for a minimal monthly cost.”
Read the rest at Why the Hillsdalian.
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City Council
Council Meeting of 2025.01.06
Of Note -
Mayoral Vacancy Election
Council discussed the definition of the term “regular state election” - the point at which the vacancy in the office of Mayor should be filled. While previously this had been understood to be in 2026, the City Attorney at this point gave his opinion that this actually meant May 2025. Council took no action at this time.
Special Assessment Plans
The City outlined SAD plans for Arch Avenue, Monroe Street, and Barry Street - a Public Hearing to be scheduled.
Airport Hangar Updates
“In an effort to move the Airport towards self-sufficiency” the Council was presented with a plan and budget to repair airport hangars and terminal “for a not-to-exceed amount of $105,000 from the Capital Improvement Fund.” Supposedly once these repairs are completed the airport could raise rents and crawl out of the pit of dependence on the City’s general fund - dependence to the tune of hundreds of thousands, $160 thousand this year alone.
Council Meeting of 2025.01.21
Of Note -
Mayor Vacancy Election
Following up on discussions from the previous meeting, the Council voted 6-2, Bentley and Bruns opposed, to hold a special election for the vacant Mayoral seat in August. Should three or more candidates file to run, the August election will serve as a “primary” that will reduce the run to the top two candidates, who will go head-to-head in November.
Airport Hangar Repair
The Airport came to the City hat in hand to beg $105,000 of our taxpayer dollars for hangar door repairs. City Staff supported this appeal and pushed the Council to allocate from the City’s Capital Improvement Fund. Council agreed to the figure, but Councilman Bruns motioned the money be taken instead from the Airport’s own existing Improvement Fund. Motion passed 7-1, Bentley against.
Appointments
Officer’s Compensation - CJ Toncray
Cemetery Board - Adam Bentley
Local Advisory Committee - Ryan Porter
Planning Commission - Jack Shelly
Re-Appointments
Airport Advisory Committee - Tom Siimes, Matthew Cheely, Kent Heise
Planning Commission - D. Kerry Laycock
County Commissioners
Board of Commissioners Meeting of 2025.01.02
Of Note -
Chair Election - Wiley re-elected chair, with no discussion or opposition.
Board of Commissioners Meeting of 2025.01.14
Of Note -
The Board of Commissioners voted 4-1, Ingles against, to award $40,973 from an Opioid Settlement fund to finance “Calming Corner and Sensory Room” installations in local public schools. The therapeutic nanny state hard at work on our dime!
Board of Commissioners Meeting of 2025.01.28
Of Note -
Renaissance Exteriors presented the Commissioners with their final update on the renovations to the County Courthouse, their total contract commitment coming out to $10,504,600.
School Board
Library Board
From the News
Here are some new Michigan laws beginning in 2025 that may impact you
Input solicited for proposed 'road diet' project in downtown Hillsdale
Bid to dissolve Hillsdale County's struggling Planning Commission fails
Jonesville sets public hearing for sewer ordinance update proposal
Hillsdale to hold special election this fall to fill mayor’s office
$105,000 approved for airport hangar repairs as city aims for ‘revenue neutrality’
Sheriff Scott Hodshire prepared to 'support ICE with whatever they need'
$10.5 million in repairs to Hillsdale County Courthouse completed
Former Hillsdale sheriff’s sergeant sentenced for assaulting an inmate in 2021
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