Ortonville council approves $7,000 payment to township, OKs $3,069 cable fee payout

The Village of Ortonville council approved payments to the township on March 4, 2026, resolving two outstanding invoice items.

President Quisenberry raised concerns that the village’s street lights had been shut off because a meter was not installed and said the Village Manager “had prior knowledge the lights would be shut off if a meter was not installed,” a matter Quisenberry said harmed the village’s public reputation. The council also discussed a December 16 audit letter that the president said was not received by the village until February.

Councilmember Brooks reported discussions with Township Supervisor DePalma about outstanding invoices and said the township indicated a $7,000 payment for building inspection services would resolve the issue. Following that report, Councilmember Hayden moved to pay $7,000 to the township for building inspection services; Brooks supported, and the minutes record the roll-call as the motion carrying 6-0.

The council then moved to pay $3,069.07 toward cable franchise fee reimbursements. Hayden made the motion and Nivelt supported; the minutes record the roll-call as 6-0 in favor.

Councilmembers discussed documentation inconsistencies related to the cable franchise and agreed on the need to improve records and communication with the township going forward. Councilmember Green emphasized the council could only control village actions and urged improved local coordination.

The council’s minutes do not list individual roll-call votes for the two payments beyond the recorded tallies. The agenda item followed broader discussion about grants, the DDA’s pursuit of funding, and recent audit correspondence.

The council moved on to personnel and administrative items after approving the payments.