Meeting Minutes: Georgetown Twp. board faces backlash for sudden hike in water prices
After water and sewer rates were raised earlier this year, the board chambers were standing-room-only with residents who recently received their bills.
The Georgetown Township Board of Trustees met on Monday, Sept. 8, and discussed several issues:
The issue
After water and sewer rates were raised earlier this year, the board chambers were standing-room-only with residents who recently received their bills. During public comment, many of them stood to complain about the sudden rate increase, also expressing concerns over the accuracy of the metering.
What we know
Board members pointed out that rate increases had been deferred for several years prior, the increased costs from the city of Wyoming, and the costs of capital improvements to the infrastructure, but also promised to look into the metering issue.
What's next
No firm actions were planned by the board regarding water and sewer rates. The next meeting of the Georgetown Township Board will be 7 p.m. Sept. 22 in the Georgetown Township Chambers, 1515 Baldwin St. Ottawa News Network is following up on this story.
The issue
The second reading of a sidewalk ordinance change revising where paved, eight-foot-wide paths are required to be constructed along roads. The change includes Fillmore Street from 22nd Avenue to 28th Avenue and 36th Avenue to 48th Avenue. It also removes 48th Avenue.
What we know
The Georgetown Township Board approved the ordinance change unanimously, saying it creates a workaround for portions of the Idema Explorers Trail that don’t have access to be along the Grand River. Paths along 48th Avenue were planned, but never came to fruition, and have now been canceled.
What's next
As developers build along those portions of Fillmore Street, they are required to install and maintain paved, non-motorized trails alongside the street for public use.
The issue
A bid from Apex Contractors and Prein & Newhof Engineering for parking lot improvements at Rush Creek Park. The work includes a complete overhaul of the parking area, including pavement, sidewalks, signage, and landscaping for a total project cost of $645,000.
What we know
The bid came in over the $565,950 budget because of clay — in what was originally assumed to be sandy soil — which required additional drainage work to be added to the estimate, and the addition of replacing a gate at the site, which was not in the original work order, according to Prein & Newhof.
What's next
The township board approved the bid unanimously. The work is scheduled to start this fall and be completed in June.
The issue
Ottawa County Parks and Recreation Director Jason Shamblin presented context and information for the county's recent acquisition of another parcel in the Bend Area, bringing the total land owned by the county there to 606 acres.
What we know
The goal is to complete "The Grand River Greenway," a bike and pedestrian path that connects Grand Rapids to the lakeshore, following the Grand River. This most recent purchase allows the continuation of the Idema Explorers Trail between the Bend Area Open Space and Grand River Park.
What's next
Ottawa County is still planning to acquire 80 more acres in the area, and potentially develop the space to include a multipurpose meeting space for education programs or a band shelter.
The issue
The township board is in the midst of approving their 2026 budget, but the process is being complicated in part by the lack of a budget at the state level. Cost concerns over the ongoing discussion of EMS service in the township are also being raised by board members.
What we know
Township officials are struggling to provide firm numbers for a 2026 budget because of the lack of budget at the state level, which they say will impact revenue sharing with the township. The township is required by state law to approve their budget by the end of September. Township Superintendent Justin Stadt assured board members that any line item for EMS or fire department could be amended in the future if necessary.
What's next
The township gave preliminary approval to the draft budget, and set a public hearing for their next meeting, Sept. 22 at 7 p.m. in the Georgetown Township board chambers at 1515 Baldwin St.
— Joshua Vissers covers communities in eastern Ottawa County. Contact him at newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
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