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Michiana advances joint public safety building planning; committee authorized to make non-financial decisions
Summary
The council authorized its public safety building committee to make non‑financial decisions as it pursues cost estimates, funding options and a federal grant; members emphasized avoiding property tax millage increases and noted grant awards are not guaranteed.
Council President Tim McCarthy and committee members updated the council on progress toward a joint public safety building with Grand Beach. Committee member TJ told the council that nothing is finalized but the project is moving to the next step: gathering cost estimates, identifying funding options and determining an ownership structure. The committee plans to pursue a federal grant and, if unsuccessful, would consider a joint bond similar to the village’s 2017 water bond.
The council discussed funding approaches and emphasized avoiding property tax millage increases for Michiana. The committee requested authority to make non‑financial decisions (for example, choosing between a construction manager or a general contractor) to keep the project moving; council approved that motion after discussion. Officials noted some current police facilities lack infrastructure needed to qualify for certain state systems and tools, creating operational limitations and delays.
Council said all financial decisions will require full council approval by both villages and that updates will be posted on each village’s website and in public committee meetings.
