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Council approves invoices after debate over $90,000 rec millage disbursements
Summary
Council approved the invoice batch after Member Mary Hley asked for accountability on two $90,000 line items tied to rec millage funds; staff said the funds supported Riverwoods acquisition, program costs and engineering, and the motion to pay carried following discussion.
A motion to approve invoices for the period ending July 20, 2026 (total $1,555,820.77) prompted prolonged debate after Councilmember Mary Hley asked for item B to be removed and scrutinized. Hley said check 26605 to a local entity included a $90,000 rec millage disbursement and a separate $90,000 payment to South Haven Public Schools appeared to duplicate millage spending; she asked for clearer accounting before authorizing payment.
City staff and other council members explained that some of the money was grant‑funded or part of contractual obligations (including costs associated with Riverwoods acquisition and engineering work for recreation projects) and that the payments were tied to previously approved agreements. Kate (city staff) confirmed the $90,000 supported Riverwoods acquisition costs and other project expenses and noted separate paperwork to account for school payments.
After discussion about legal fees and the need for transparency, a motion to approve the invoice batch including item B passed (motion carried); one member voted against the specific payment pending greater detail. Council members said they will follow up to provide clearer line‑item documentation for future invoice votes.
Council did not amend or withhold payment after the vote, but members asked staff to circulate more detailed supporting invoice documentation before similar future votes.
