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Cascade Township to pay $113,000 Hidden Hills drain assessment and amend FY2026 budget
Summary
Board authorized full payment of a $113,000 Kent County drain assessment for the Hidden Hills district and approved a FY2026 budget amendment; staff said paying now is financially advantageous given a 6.5% six-year financing option and the township’s current fund balance.
Cascade Charter Township’s board authorized full payment of a $113,000 invoice from the Kent County Drain Commissioner for work in the Hidden Hills drain district and approved a corresponding amendment to the FY2026 budget.
Finance and planning staff explained the township had the option to pay the full assessment immediately or spread payments over six years at an interest rate of 6.5%. Staff recommended paying the full assessment because the township’s current investments are not earning anywhere near 6.5%, making full payment the fiscally prudent option, and noted the township is required to pay at least the first annual installment if it elects the payment plan.
Trustees and residents recounted that many homeowners received surprise assessment bills shortly after Christmas and that some property owners had previously signed petitions or authorizations years ago. Manager Smith and staff reiterated that the drain process, including apportionment and petition hearings, is handled by the Kent County Drain Commissioner under Michigan law (Public Act 40 of 1956) and that residents may address the county process at the drain commission’s hearings.
Trustee Rizzi moved, supported by Trustee Shipley, to authorize full payment of the $113,000 assessment and to amend the fiscal year 2026 budget accordingly. The motion passed by voice vote.
Staff noted the township has the fund balance to cover the invoice and will process the payment and corresponding budget amendment. Residents were advised that future education about drain assessments would be included in a township newsletter so property owners understand petition and payment timing.
