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Jonesville council approves appointments, adopts tax-protest and poverty-exemption rules and OKs budget amendments
Summary
At its Feb. 18 meeting, the Jonesville City Council appointed a new DPW superintendent and zoning administrator, authorized written protests to the Board of Review, updated poverty-exemption guidelines and approved FY 2025–26 second-quarter budget amendments and $61,227.70 in February payments.
Jonesville — The Jonesville City Council on Feb. 18 approved several personnel appointments, adopted rules letting taxpayers file written protests with the Board of Review, updated local poverty-exemption guidelines and approved second-quarter budget amendments and $61,227.70 in accounts payable.
Mayor Pro-Tem Andy Penrose called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at Jonesville City Hall. Council members Dean Adair II, Chris Grider, Brenda Guyse, George Humphries Jr. and Annette Sands were present; Gerry Arno was absent. Kevin Collins of the Hillsdale County Board of Commissioners gave an update to the council early in the meeting.
Council approved the minutes of Jan. 21, 2026. The council then confirmed the appointment of Todd Ruden as Department of Public Works superintendent (motion by Brenda Guyse, seconded by Dean Adair II) and appointed Manager Jeff Gray as zoning administrator and Todd Ruden as deputy zoning administrator (motion by Chris Grider, seconded by Brenda Guyse). The council also created a new Accountant/Deputy Treasurer position to support finance and treasurer duties (motion by Brenda Guyse, seconded by George Humphries Jr.). All motions carried.
On policy items, the council adopted Resolution 2026-06 to permit written protests to the Board of Review under the Michigan General Property Tax Act, as amended by Public Act 253 of 2020. The council approved Resolution 2026-07 to update the city's poverty-exemption guidelines, reflecting adjustments in federal poverty standards and statutory criteria. Both resolutions passed by roll call vote with all present members voting aye; Gerry Arno was recorded as absent.
Brenda Guyse moved and the council adopted Resolution 2026-08, approving FY 2025–26 second-quarter budget amendments. The council also approved accounts payable for February 2026 in the amount of $61,227.70 (motion by Chris Grider, seconded by Dean Adair II).
Manager Jeff Gray and department heads provided updates later in the meeting; the minutes record that updates were given but do not specify details. Mayor Pro-Tem Penrose adjourned the meeting at 7:25 p.m.
Votes at a glance: Resolution 2026-06 (Protests to the Board of Review by letter) — Ayes: Dean Adair II, Chris Grider, Brenda Guyse, George Humphries Jr., Annette Sands, Andy Penrose; Nays: none; Absent: Gerry Arno. Resolution 2026-07 (Poverty exemption guidelines) — roll call recorded, motion carried. Resolution 2026-08 (FY 2025–26 second-quarter budget amendments) — roll call recorded, motion carried.
