Meeting recaps: staying informed

Allegan Township Board Meeting April 6, 2026 and Martin Township Board Meeting April 8, 2026

 

I attended both Allegan and Martin Townships’ board meetings this week. The general meetings were interesting, but not exciting. Most of the time was spent approving routine items. What truly got my interest was my discussions with local constituents after the meetings. There are two items of interest I will address, property taxes and local zoning ordinances for alternate energy projects and data centers. 

 

Property Taxes

 

One individual that addressed Allegan Township Board was upset about a major sewer project. After I talked to the gentleman, the root cause of his anger seems to be property taxes. He is worried about the high cost of property taxes and his ability to pay them long term. He wished the property taxes would be eliminated, especially for the elderly (over 65). There is a lot more to this story, but in the end, it is the high cost of property taxes that concerns him. 

 

As I talk to more and more people, high property taxes seem to be a constant complaint. I am beginning to see why some people were trying to eliminate property taxes last year. I can see their point and understand their pain. I remember back in the early 1990s property taxes were high. I was worried about losing my house to high property taxes. The whole state seemed to be in an uproar at that time. The passing of Proposition A was why Michigan's sales tax went from 4% to 6%. Now, here we are, years later and our property taxes are reaching a breaking point once more. 

 

Do I have a solid answer? No. This is a complex problem and will require a lot of thought by experts in the field. I am left wondering if the working class is reaching a tipping point and is being squeezed so hard financially, they can no longer afford any more. The State may have to find sources of income from previously untapped revenue streams, such as the hyper-wealthy. 

 

In the end, the local governmental bodies are trying to provide services that the community may no longer afford. We may have to be satisfied with less and not demand perfection. Alternatively, we can require the wealthy to pay their fair share of taxes. I don’t have a problem with that. There was a point in history where the wealthy paid their fair share. We built great things and had a middle class. The middle class is quickly being erased due primarily to income inequality and the greed of the oligarchy. 

 

Zoning Ordinances for Alternate Energy Projects and Data Centers

 

During the Martin Township Board meeting, a woman spoke to the board during the public comment section. She asked a simple question. What is the board doing to deter data centers and other alternative energy projects from moving into the township and using valuable agricultural land? I am paraphrasing for clarity. The board did not have a solid answer. They vaguely pointed her to read ordinances found on the Township's website. The board members thought they might have addressed the issue, but were not sure. 

 

I followed up and conducted research in the Township’s online document library. I found Ordinance 95 (February 1, 2010). It is a three page scanned, hand written document that calls for establishing regulations for installation and operation of Wind Energy Systems. The document relates to Section 4.33 Article IV title Wind Energy Systems of the local zoning ordinance. This document pertains to the actions of the board, but does not spell out the actual changes to the ordinance. I could not find a copy of the full ordinance. There is information leading to PCI (Professional Code Inspection). Professional Code Inspection is Martin Township’s building / zoning code enforcer. You may contact PCI at (616) 877-2000 to see if they can answer your questions or contact the Planning Commission for more information. 

 

The bottom line is, the current Michigan law (PA233) allows these entities to build and conduct business in the State of Michigan. The law also allows the local community governing body to regulate and zone these types of businesses. It is up to the locals to ask questions and demand ordinances to support the community’s point of view. If you do not want these entities in your community, or if you do, you need to contact the township and let them know. A handful of people showing up to township and planning commission meetings has a lot of impact. Michigan's PA233 law is designed so locals can have a say in the direction of their community. The State is not mandating you allow these businesses in your community. People have long wanted control of their communities and this is the issue where it is most important. Now you have the opportunity to set the future development of your community. 

 

The bottom line is this: get involved in local government and stay involved. It is your community. You can have a large impact at the local level on taxes and zoning ordinances. You have the opportunity to fight for your rights. Use it. 

 

Best wishes,

Alan

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