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Flat Rock secures $1 million state appropriation for new fire truck; city updates on roads, dam and holiday aid
Summary
Mayor Beller announced a $1,000,000 state appropriation for a replacement fire truck, credited city staff and state lawmakers for support; council heard updates on the dam, Breeland Road work, a $5,000 US Steel donation for the Flat Rock Foundation and upcoming Thanksgiving relief efforts.
Mayor Beller announced that Flat Rock received a $1,000,000 state appropriation to replace the city’s 37-year-old fire truck. "We got a state appropriation for $1,000,000 for our fire truck," the mayor said, crediting a string of meetings and local advocacy that led to the award.
The mayor described initial planning meetings with City Administrator Brian Marciniak and others and said staff identified the fire truck as the community’s top capital need. The mayor said she and Marciniak met with Darren Camilleri and later with state representative Jamie Thompson to press the request. "Jamie Thompson, our house representative," the mayor said, supported the request, and city staff pursued the application and testimony in Lansing. Mayor Beller said Derek (a city staff member) and others worked on paperwork and that Derek "went as far as going to the Lansing and speaking before the house on it." The mayor noted the city’s annual budget is about $11 million to underline the size of the award for a small community.
Why it matters: the truck has been described by staff as overdue for replacement and the appropriation provides the full purchase funding rather than requiring the city to reallocate significant local dollars.
Council members praised the work. Council member Bergeron complimented staff leadership, calling the effort a "great job." Several council members noted the long service life of the outgoing apparatus and the need for reliable equipment.
Other local updates: Mayor Beller said the city is conducting due diligence on a proposed dam project and is awaiting information from the Brownfield Commission, including possible core drilling to inform decisions. She also said Breeland Road repairs should be finished in a couple of weeks and thanked staff for progress on that work.
Community and nonprofit activity: Mayor Beller and other council members highlighted ongoing holiday assistance. She said US Steel donated $5,000 to the Flat Rock Community Foundation to support the foundation’s Thanksgiving meal distribution and a can drive. The mayor listed collection points for canned goods in the city and encouraged residents to donate.
Economic and downtown notes: Liz (DDA representative) reported a ribbon-cutting set for the new Aldi store and broad local interest in the opening, including a promotional drawing for a $500 gift card. Liz also described recent events the DDA previewed and a regional PBS episode that will air Oct. 16.
The mayor and other officials emphasized that city staff will continue to review proposals and complete necessary study and paperwork before committing city funds on the dam or other major projects.
Looking ahead: City leaders said they will publish more details about the fire truck procurement process and timeline once procurement and specifications are complete. They also encouraged residents to follow the Flat Rock Community Foundation’s Thanksgiving efforts and to use posted donation locations.
Ending: The mayor concluded the update by thanking staff and representatives involved in the appropriation effort and encouraging residents to support upcoming holiday assistance programs.
