By Lisa Carolin
A water rate increase was unanimously approved by the Sylvan Township Board at its Sept. 9, 2025 meeting.
The increase will impact both the commodity rate and consumption rate, in addition to the application of the multiplication factor recommended by the Michigan Rural Water Association for meter sizes.
Water rates in the township have not increased since March of 2014 while costs have risen and the system is in need of maintenance and repairs.
After a presentation of Sylvan Township’s Fiscal Year 2024-2025 audit by Pfeffer, Hanniford & Palka, CPAs, PC, the township board accepted the audit. The auditor’s opinion within the report indicated that everything in the township’s audit is in good shape.
In other action, the board:
- Approved PER40 Earner Sick Time Policy, which adheres to the State of Michigan Earned Sick Time Act. (ESTA)
- Approved a motion not to exceed $70,000 for iron filter #2 remediation and valve upgrade to backwash system for iron filters.
- Approved hiring two office assistants at a rate of $24/hour with a review after 90 days.
- Authorized an expenditure of up to $1,500 for the purchase of office hallway cabinets and installation hardware, and hardware for kitchen cabinets.
- Approved $250 for a survey regarding the township returning to the western Washtenaw Recycling Authority, from Washtenaw Community College.
