Village of Sand Lake leaders posted a statement on social media this week, noting that despite ongoing efforts over two years, the village and surrounding townships have been unable to reach a solution regarding fire service funding and structure.
The village is located in Northwest Kent County and serves Nelson Township as well as Pierson in Montcalm County and Ensley in Newaygo County.
At issue: Sand Lake leaders say, on average, their residents are paying nearly five times more per capita than township residents for fire service.
Sand Lake leaders explain the neighboring townships pay less than $38 per resident while village residents pay $136 per year.
Ensley Township Supervisor Patrick Hill told WGVU the townships are now working together to find a solution, hoping to share details in a few weeks.
Sand Lake leaders clarified they did not vote to disband the fire department, but to rewrite the existing contracts and explore options going forward.
They also assured residents that reliable fire protection will remain in place, stressing safety is the highest priority.
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