Families for Hillsdale - May 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 May Update.
Families for Hillsdale provides links to external publications for the information and edification of our audience and members, and does not necessarily endorse all views expressed.
City Council
Public Hearing for 2025-26 Proposed City Budget
set for May 10
Monroe Street SAD
In pursuit of the SAD-funded Monroe Street Reconstruction Project, Council voted unanimously to award a contract to Rieth-Riley Construction Inc. Co. of Lansing, MI for the base bid amount of $649,934.00 with an additional contingency amount of $50,066.00 for a total project cost of $700,000.00.
St Anthony’s Letter
St Anthony’s Catholic church has made an offer on the adjacent property, at 23 N Broad St, for $40,000. Decision by Council to be taken at a later date.
Resignation of the City Engineer
City Engineer Kristin Bauer resigned from her post, sharing a letter with Council claiming a “negative culture” created by certain Council Members led to her decision.
Meeting recording here.
SAD 2025-11 Barry Street
The Council unanimously rejected the Barry Street SAD with little discussion.
Officers Compensation Commission Salary Determination
The Council unanimously rejected the pay raises with no discussion.
Meeting recording here.
County Commissioners
Board of Commissioners Meeting of 2025.04.15
Cry Rooms for Public Schools
In a vote of 4-1, the Board of Commissioners voted to approve funding from Opioid Settlement Funds for “Calming Corners” - infantile mood-management spaces - to be installed in our local public schools. Another triumph for the therapeutic nanny state!
Aye: Wiley, Leininger, Benzing, Collins
Nay: Ingles
Board of Commissioners Meeting of 2025.04.22
LifeWays Building Bond
Over the strenuous and unanimous objections of the public, the Board of County Commissioners voted 3-2 to move forward with engaging legal counsel to investigate the terms of the County seeking a bond on behalf of LifeWays, to help finance their construction of their new facility in the City. A final vote on the bond issue is expected at their May 13 meeting.
Aye: Wiley, Leininger, Collins
Nay: Ingles, Benzing
School Board
Library Board
From The Hillsdalian
April 3 - Officer's Compensation Committee Recommends Council Pay Raise
April 4 - City Denies 'Camp Hope' Code Enforcement Extension Request
April 5 - St. Anthony Church Makes Initial Offer on Vacant Downtown Lot
April 6 - Former Mayor Sessions Announces Candidacy for Mayor of Hillsdale
April 11 - Broad St. Road Diet Projected to Slow Traffic, Reduce Accidents
April 14 - County Working to Comply with State Recycling Plan
April 15 - County Board Allocates More Funding for School Sensory Rooms
April 16 - Hudson Ambulance, Reading Emergency Negotiating New Agreement
April 19 - LifeWays to Solicit County Backing for Building Bond Next Week
April 23 - Commissioners Move Forward with LifeWays Bond Request
April 23 - Homeless Encampments, Trash, Drug Paraphernalia Litter Baw Beese
April 29 - County Would be Liable for LifeWays Bond, Says Bond Counsel
From the Hillsdale County Review
From the News
'The Engine House' will be turned into retail space and apartments
Hillsdale City Council unanimously rejects controversial pay hikes
Homeless in Hillsdale: Camp Hope remains on M-99, but for how long?
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