Ellsworth approves 2026–27 budget, adopts two resolutions and OKs park guide

The Village of Ellsworth Council approved the 2026–2027 budget at its Feb. 9 regular meeting and adopted two resolutions related to the fiscal plan, voting unanimously on each item.

The council voted 6-0 to approve the budget after a motion by S. Sowers and a second by L. Spearing. The council also approved budget amendments earlier in the meeting following a motion by L. Spearing and a second by J. Rasmussen; that motion carried 6-0. Council members later approved RESOLUTION 2-9-26(A) and RESOLUTION 2-9-26(B) by roll call, both recorded as all ayes, 6-0.

Other actions taken included approval of the new Wooden Shoe Park Visitor's Guide (motion by Sheila Dhillon, seconded by L. Spearing) and adoption of rate increases for Wooden Shoe Park (motion by S. Sowers, seconded by Sheila Dhillon); both motions carried 6-0. The council also approved the bills as presented by a 6-0 vote.

Clerk Marlene Drenth had presented the budget during a public hearing that opened at 6:38 p.m. and closed at 6:43 p.m.; no public comments were recorded during the hearing. Drenth also reported administrative items to the council, including a request from Antrim County for a representative on the North Country Community Mental Health Committee, a letter from the fireworks committee, and Michigan's new minimum wage of $13.73. She said monthly water bills have not yet been mailed because of an issue with meter-reading equipment that the village is addressing.

The council’s actions were procedural approvals of the annual budget and associated resolutions; the record does not specify effective dates for budget line items or when changes to park rates take effect. Follow-up details, including any required administrative filings or implementation dates, were not specified at the meeting.