Hartland Township hears 2026–27 budget preview as staff warns of declining state and cable revenues

Hartland Township officials on the board presented a detailed preview of the proposed 2026–27 budget, pointing to several structural revenue headwinds and targeted adjustments. Finance staff said state shared revenue and cable franchise fees are trending down and that some expenses previously paid from the PEG (Public, Educational and Governmental) fund — such as website hosting and Microsoft 365 licenses — were moved into the general fund to reduce pressure on the shrinking PEG balance.

"you know, $6,700,000 in fund balance," the finance director said to illustrate how audit combinations can mask fund liquidity and to caution board members against treating fund balance as cash. The packet also included a proposed reduction in the annual transfer to the capital improvement fund from $500,000 to $350,000 for the next two years, a staff recommendation framed as preserving flexibility amid uncertain revenues. The presentation covered department‑level changes, a placeholder for sidewalk work tied to a 2029 grant, and proposed CIP adjustments including removing a Sprenger Buildings capital line after a revised quote exceeded earlier estimates.

The board took no final appropriations action during the meeting; officials said the session was for discussion and that formal votes would follow in subsequent budget sessions. Staff committed to provide line‑item clarifications and updated totals before adoption.