DUNDEE
TOWNSHIP
JANUARY
13, 2026 BUDGET WORKSHOP MINUTES
A
Budget Workshop Meeting of the Dundee Township Board was held Tuesday January
13, 2026. Supervisor Lewis called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The Pledge of
Allegiance was recited.
Present were: Trustees:
Horkey, Jaworski, Lazette, Supervisor Lewis, Clerk Ziesmer and Treasurer Ost.
Clerk Ziesmer did roll call. Trustee Miles was excused.
Review of Preliminary Budget /
Budget Summary
Treasurer Ost presented a
budget summary comparison from the prior year through year-to-date figures,
noting that a formal preliminary budget was not yet available.
Key
points discussed:
- Revenue figures appear low due to tax
disbursement timing, not actual shortfalls.
- As of March 30, 2026, the Township had
received approximately:
- $123,000 in real tax revenue
- $33,000 in administrative fees
- $125,000 in interest earnings
- Actual revenues will increase as remaining
tax distributions are received.
Treasurer
Ost explained that estimated revenues for the upcoming year were increased by
4%, based on projected taxable value growth. She noted that the estimates do
not yet include all new construction, meaning final figures are expected to be
higher.
Approximate
anticipated revenues discussed:
- General Fund: ~$446,000
- Fire Fund: ~$478,000
- Road Fund: ~$489,000
It was
noted that prior-year estimates understated actual revenue, particularly for
tax collections.
Millage
Discussion
Road
Millage
- 2026 is the final year of the current road
millage.
- The Board discussed the importance of
placing a renewal on an earlier ballot (August or November 2026) to avoid
funding gaps.
- Consensus was that renewal language should
remain unchanged to preserve its status as a renewal.
Fire
Millage
- Discussion included the possibility of
proposing a new or revised fire millage.
- Consideration was given to broadening
allowable uses (e.g., firefighter compensation and training), with no
increase in millage rate.
- Further research and discussion will occur
before any proposal is brought forward.
Salary
Reviews
- Assessing Department: Assessor contract
runs through June 30, 2028; no changes discussed.
- Deputy Treasurer / Deputy Clerk:
Historically adjusted at approximately 3%; no decision made.
- Trustees: No increase discussed; Board
members expressed no need for adjustment.
- Election Inspectors: Recently received
increases; status to remain unchanged for now.
All
salary matters were left as TBD pending further review.
Equipment
Purchases
- Audio equipment was purchased previously;
video equipment pricing remains unknown.
- Discussion included potential low-cost
alternatives (e.g., tablets or livestreaming).
- Fire Department equipment needs will be
discussed at a future meeting.
- No immediate computer or office equipment
needs identified.
- Server upgrades and antivirus improvements
were completed previously.
Township
Building Maintenance
Items
discussed:
- Replacement of siding damaged by wind on
the parapet wall (current-year expense).
- Treasurer’s office floor condition noted
but determined to be structurally sound.
- Minor electrical repairs identified and
acknowledged.
- Discussion of installing an AED
(defibrillator) in the Township building; training requirements
acknowledged.
Library
Building Maintenance
Library
requests included:
- Annual carpet cleaning (preferably in the
fall).
- Stripping and buffing lower-level tile
flooring every other year.
- Interior painting, particularly the
stairwell.
No
changes to custodial rates were reported. Staff expressed satisfaction with
current custodial services.
Board
and Commission Appointments
Board
of Review
- Resignations noted from multiple members.
- Current members:
- Penny Gutierrez (regular)
- Kelly Orr (alternate)
- The Board identified the need for three
additional members and an alternate.
- Training requirements were noted for Board
of Review members.
No
other board or commission changes were reported.
Contracts
and Services
Custodial
Services
- Discussion of rebidding library custodial
services.
- General satisfaction expressed with
current provider.
Lawn
Care / Snow Removal
- Cemetery: JP Lawn Service submitted a
quote approximately 3% higher than last year but still within budget.
- Fire Hall: American Turf Care
- Snow Removal: Todd Ott
- All contracts will require renewal.
Cemetery
Maintenance
- Concern raised regarding dead trees along
Brewer Road and Davis Road impacting fencing and headstones.
- Maintenance budget noted at approximately
$47,000, with ~$27,800 already allocated.
- Quotes for tree removal will be obtained.
Insurance Review
Initial discussion occurred;
Treasurer Ost reported contacting the Township’s insurance provider. Further
review will continue at a later meeting.
Trustee Jaworski motioned to
adjourn at 6:42 p.m. Trustee Lazette seconded. Motion carried.
The next Budget Workshop will
be January 27, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Submitted
by:
Karla
Ziesmer
Dundee
Township Clerk
________________________
Attested by:
Roger Lewis
Dundee Township Supervisor
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