The last several years have been challenging ones in each elected office of the township with many improvements in operations, efficiency, all with a continuing reduction in revenue participation from the state of Michigan.

The township was faced with other major challenges which focus on the cost you pay for both water and sewer. A deal was negotiated with the DEQ to keep the water system in operation.

I will start with the water system. The following is a list of items that have been addressed within the complete water system and is by no means over. It will be a continuing process to assure safe water and affordable delivery.

• Added 9 meter pits to help identify leaks.

• Conducted leak detection work and made repairs to reduce pumping. Leakage has been reduced any where from 20% to 50%.

• Added Variable Frequency Start well pump motors to reduce water hammer and hopefully reduce the frequency of new leaks.

• Upgraded electrical & communication systems and controls at all well sites.

• Worked with MDEQ to satisfy system reliability and capacity.

• Prepared a Drinking Water Revolving Fund application and secured low interest funding for a water system improvements project to address MDEQ mandates. This was done after efforts seeking funds for a grant were denied. That was a disappointed, especially with all the effort that was put forth.

• Drilled a new well at Beechwood system (DEQ mandates a backup water supply for each system. The township operates three separate water systems.)

• Constructed water system improvements of 8,000 plus feet of new water main between the Ryden and Nash well houses to create a backup requirement and replace leaking main line. Beechwood well house received extensive modifications to incorporate piping from new well and pump. Also added was a redundant control system at Beechwood well house to make system more reliable.

• Installed more reliable surge protection at the Nash system.

• Added a back-up generator that will be suitable for use as a back-up power supply for wells and sanitary sewer lift stations.

• Repaired and replaced the rubber roofs on all three pump houses.

The approximate cost of the above $791,000 with a loan (bond) in the amount of $650,000. At some time in the future it is expected that the water tanks will have to be serviced and painted. The water fund does have adequate funds to address this issue and a reserve for emergencies.

Your water rate was originally increased $7.20 per month for an anticipated loan of $950,000 covering principal, interest, and depreciation costs. Because the construction bid came in much lower than expected, due to contractors looking for work, and other cost saving measures, as mentioned above, the loan will be $650,000. This constitutes a lowering of the original increase bringing your total monthly water bill to $23.80. Call it a Christmas present that can be used through out the entire year.

The sewer system’s method of charges was also evaluated and studied. After reviewing costs from several perspectives, it was fair to say the rates per household could be lowered and at the same time address an on going deficit the sewer fund has been challenged with. The sewer rate was lowered to $26.20 per month.

If you are a utility customer with both water and sewer, you will be happy to know that your new rate will be $50.00 per month.

Like all municipalities, there will always be challenges that will require action. Things can always be fixed by throwing money at them, but it takes skill, education, knowledge and time to accomplish positive results outlined above. Let’s all hope that the township will be blessed with individuals willing to seek office and work for the betterment of all.

Sincerely,

Dan Stafford, Treasurer, and the entire board.

Date of Purchase	Date of Sale	Year, Make, Model	Person Responsible for Vehicle	Authorized Users	Mileage previous year	Total Mileage
1995	Taken off the road	1995, Ford 3/4 ton, 4x4	Ron Frobom, Mark Polley	All licensed staff	Unknown, odometer broke 5 yrs ago at 134,000	Best guess 200,000
2001, Approx.	Removed from Service	1987, Chev, S-10	Ron Frobom, Mark Polley	All licensed staff	Unknown	65,000
2002 or 2003	Still in Service	2002, Dodge, 1 ton dump	Ron Frobom, Mark Polley	All licensed staff	Best guess 44,000	59,000
2007	Brought in October 2006	2007, Chev Silverado 1/2 ton, 2 wheel drive	Ron Frobom, Mark Polley	All licensed staff	New	000,000

This site is created for unofficial use only. It's creator and the Township of Iron River makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the contents of this site and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions in the contents of this site.  No warranty of any kind, implied, expressed, or statutory, including but not limited to the warranties of non-infringement of third party rights, title, merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and freedom from computer virus, is given with respect to the contents of this web site.  In addition, the creator of this web site and the Township of Iron River shall in no event be liable for any lost profits, and special, indirect, or consequential damages to any party, arising out of or in connection with the use or inability to use the data hereon or the services provided.   The creator of this web site and the Township of Iron River reserves the right to change, revise, or otherwise discontinue the information hereon, without notice.  Before undertaking any action based on specific content of this site, check with Township Clerk or other board members for most current information.