Hillman council hears timeline for new municipal well; Huron Engineering to bid work in January

President Dave Hornbacher and village staff updated the Hillman Council on Nov. 18 about plans to expand the village water supply, saying test wells are scheduled for spring and permitting will follow before the village drills a new well designated as well No. 7.

Dave Post, a village employee, told the council he met with Bob Weir of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), and reported the timeline: spring test-well drilling, testing and permitting, then construction of the new well. Post said Huron Engineering will put the well work out for bid in January and will bid road work connected to the village’s Category B grant in early 2026.

Post also told the council that the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) had requested updated information for the village’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) related to a Habitat project, and that the requested materials have been provided. Trustee Jonathan Smith said the council met with the local school board about easements needed to access well sites; Smith said the parties will meet again Dec. 9 for finalization. Judy Nichols added that Dr. Rader told the Chamber the school had approved easements designed not to interfere with the football fields.

Why it matters: the council’s timeline outlines when Hillman expects to obtain test results and permitting necessary to move from planning to construction of a new water source. The planned procurement schedule (bids in January and early 2026) sets near-term milestones for the project.

What’s next: Post indicated permitting remains required and that subsequent construction depends on EGLE approvals and completion of bidding. The village will continue coordination with the school district on easements and with state agencies on grant and permitting requirements.