Sand Lake council reviews rising fire costs and unanimously rejects Pierson Township’s 6% offer

Village of Sand Lake officials on Dec. 4 reviewed a decade-long increase in Sand Lake Fire Department spending and unanimously refused a Pierson Township proposal that would have included a 6% increase, creation of a Fire Board and a 30-day cancellation clause.

Village President Mollie Doerr opened the special meeting and moderators addressed what they described as false statements in recent local news and online posts before the presentation on the department’s finances. Presenter Kaiser told the council the fire department budget has roughly tripled over the last 10 years and displayed a breakdown of annual village contributions and a $300,000 capital balance. Kaiser presented a 10-year projection, noted higher post‑COVID costs for items such as personal protective equipment, and described a contingency plan to manage future expenses.

Kaiser set out estimated annual costs under several scenarios: servicing only the Village of Sand Lake would cost about $80,000 a year with medical-response service and roughly $65,000–$70,000 without medical runs. Kaiser said Nelson Township discussed a possible partnership that would cost roughly $100,000 (about $85,000–$90,000 without medical service). The presentation also reported that Cedar Springs indicated a possible annual cost to Sand Lake of about $39,000 including a capital contribution.

Puckett, an officer of the Sand Lake Fire Department, summarized apparatus and replacement details and the county financial picture. He listed multiple vehicles in the fleet and said Kent County quoted a $27,500 buyout for county‑owned apparatus. Puckett said Engine 6 was purchased for $327,000 in 2012, explained a 17‑year replacement cycle, and noted Kent County’s contribution toward a replacement is $218,000. He warned that if the village does not order a new truck in 2026 for a 2029 delivery, the village could wait another 17 years before accessing county replacement funds.

Public comment opened at 6:30 p.m. and drew several residents and township officials who spoke in favor of retaining local fire coverage and questioned financing approaches. Dan Hula urged the council to consider bonding a new truck, noting the village previously bonded a truck and the water tower and that past bonding lowered the community’s ISO rating. Katy Austin, treasurer of Nelson Township, said much of the capital fund had come from other municipalities and asked whether the village was legally required to replace apparatus on a fixed schedule. Pierson Township resident Dave Seager credited Sand Lake firefighters with saving his life after a heart attack on Oct. 3. Jeane Hamilton, a Pierson Township resident who said she reviewed the village’s last two audits, asked about whether the village was operating in a deficit and referenced an Oct. 21 letter; village staff offered to follow up. Ensley Township Trustee Tim Newton said Ensley had tried to be responsive and sought a cooperative solution.

The council considered an open action recorded in Pierson Township’s minutes that offered a 6% increase only if a Fire Board would be created and the cancellation language changed to a 30‑day notice. Council Member Camilleri moved to refuse the offer; Council Member Wright supported the motion and the motion carried unanimously. The council then moved to adjourn at 6:56 p.m.

The presentation included financial projections, equipment‑replacement timing, and a recommendation to create a separate Fire Board and keep fire capital funds distinct from the village general fund. Officials said there were no current grants available and that the department has raised about $20,000 through fundraising. Presenters also noted that ISO ratings and response times are factors that affect insurance and community risk, though commenters offered differing ISO figures when speaking to the council. The village did not take final action on creation of a Fire Board at the meeting; the council’s recorded action was the refusal of Pierson Township’s listed offer.