SUPERVISORS's OFFICE

A Word from the Supervisor –  Toby Van Ess

Thank you for the opportunity to serve as your Township Supervisor. If you ever have an issue you would like to discuss, you can reach me by telephone at the Township Office or at tvaness@tallmadge.com.

I have been diligently reviewing the Tallmadge water/sewer rates, which seem to have escaladed out of control. Most of our Township is serviced by private well and septic; however, several businesses and residents on the east boundaries have Grand Rapids sewer and water. I am currently working with the City of Grand Rapids to find a remedy to this situation and hope to have some answers by fall, when the rate study is conducted.

The completion of 8th Ave. between Hayes and M-45 is scheduled for late August or early September. This project involves repaving the roadway and widening the shoulders. The repaving of Leonard Street has been re-scheduled for 2012.

This spring, the Township Board covered all costs of spraying for gypsy moths on 110 acres within the Township. If you had an outbreak of caterpillars, please contact me so you can be added to a list for next year. If funds are available, we will again spray the most heavily affected areas.

The Michigan legislature has informed us that Revenue sharing will continue to be cut. These funds are our largest source of revenue for operating and providing the services you expect. We will continue to try to operate your Township at the current level; however, this is becoming more difficult as time goes on. We will continue to monitor this and do the best we can with the resources we are given.

Again, I am enjoying serving as your Supervisor. If I can be of further assistance, do not hesitate to contact me.