EDWARDSBURG — The Edwardsburg Village Council approved their 2025-2026 proposed budget, as well as the budget amendments for March and the audit for 2025 at their regular monthly meeting on Monday. 

The budget was approved after a public hearing the same evening. Village President Dennis Peak thanked the staff for their contribution to the final product.

“You guys do all of the hard work,” said Peak.

The required audit was approved for a cost not to exceed $9,250 to the Siegfried Crandall accounting firm.

Village trustees also approved the purchase of new software for the village hall, a required replacement due to the end of support for the current software. The new software, at a cost of $54,125, will be implemented later this year. The Cemetery Board is researching a related Geographic Information System software that would assist in the finding of information about and the location of plots.

Full time village employees will see at least a dollar an hour increase in their pay starting on April 1st, coinciding with the new budget. Along with the pay change, the council returned the treasurer position from salary to hourly, matching current village needs. They also voted to hire a new Department of Public Works employee to replace a recent vacancy.

The Department of Public Works reported the new water filtration system has removed 98 to 100 percent of iron and 96 percent of magnesium. The plant will also reduce the frequency of tower cleanings, currently required every ten months, to a camera inspection every five years and a cleaning every ten years. A spring flush will take place in April.

They are also researching possible changes to the chlorination process to solve ongoing problems. Current methods require a separate system and the use of pumps that are often scarce and difficult to replace. A change to newer technology that is integrated with the filtration system would cost the village $55,000. The council acknowledged that the expense would save money in the long term and keep the system operational, but requested research for other options before approving it. 

President Peak reported that the new Elkhart Road path had been approved by Ontwa Township, at no cost to the village. Edwardsburg may need to move some water infrastructure to accommodate the new path.

The police board reported that new vehicle cameras and body cameras have been installed. A new police union contract was also approved through 2028, pending approval by the union.

The Street board reported that there are plans to pave Gateway Road this year. Crews will begin filling holes in the roads once asphalt is available.

They also reported that a desired sidewalk in front of the new library location would have to be completed by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) due to regulatory requirements. Public Works Coordinator Rich Low is keeping in contact with MDOT to assure the work is completed.

The next regular board meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Monday, April 21. The village hall will be closed Friday, April 18 for Good Friday.

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