WHITEHALL — Fruitland Township saw a packed agenda for the township board’s first meeting of 2026 Monday evening, ranging from funding and financial updates, purchases of equipment and bids for projects.
Alongside his 2025 Treasurer’s Report, Justin Roggero presented to the board updates on the banking and investment status of the township, which began last May. Through joining governmental investment group Michigan CLASS, Fruitland Township accrued about $10,700 from May to December through interest in funds deposited in various high-yield savings accounts. Roggero estimates 2026 earnings may be as high as $31,000.
“It’s got me really excited about what we can do for Fruitland… and provide more for our residents,” said Roggero of the possibilities this new investment strategy will provide.
Roggero also praised the benefits of Michigan CLASS - “the accessibility and liquidity… that’s [a huge benefit] especially if there’s an emergency" - as well as the security and safety of investing through the organization.
Fruitland Township’s funding request for a non-motorized path along Scenic Drive has been included in the federal government's FY2026 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development appropriations bill by recommendation of Congressman John Moolenaar’s office. A formal vote is expected to occur Friday, Jan. 23, though according to the office’s legislative assistant Ian Orr, the bill is expected to pass.
The board unanimously accepted bids from Berger’s Chevrolet for a new township maintenance truck (totalling $46,817), OCBA Landscape Architects for the DNR Passport’s accessible pathways and parking lot renovations at Nestrom Park ($3,000), and Ryerson Brothers Excavating for parking at the Duck Creek Natural Area access on Simonelli Road ($5,295).
Changes to the township’s water rate ordinance Article 4, facilitated by Muskegon County to ensure standard ordinances for its townships, were presented and approved by the board.
Supervisor Jeff Marcinkowski is considering options for road renovation on Scenic Drive, specifically from South Shore to the road end at White Lake, and requested support from the board to explore costs with the road commission, which the board enthusiastically gave.
Fourteen township senior citizens receive snow removal services, facilitated upon request through the township. Due to the unprecedented amount of snowfall so far this winter, the funds set aside for the service are reaching an end, so the proposal was made to use a portion of the $3,500 left in the senior millage grant to continue the service. The board passed the proposal with a quorum of 4-7 as Trustee Mike Holman was absent and Trustees Christopher VanOosterhout and Sondra Cross abstained due to conflict of interest.
Finally, the board scheduled a town hall style community discussion for residents, to offer open communication regarding taxes. A common complaint heard during recent public comment has been regarding high tax rates, especially for the perceived lack of services offered in the township. The board wishes to hold a presentation to explain and be transparent about the formulation of Fruitland’s tax rates, what the money funds, and present options for possibly reducing those amounts. They also wish to bring in county assessors to present, as the tax rate depends heavily on the results of property assessments.
During the board member reports, VanOosterhout spoke on behalf of the planning commission, discussing the concerns given to data centers in recent months, and how the board should work on being proactive rather than reactive in protecting the township from possible contentious projects. Fruitland Township joins several other White Lake area municipalities seriously looking into strict ordinances which would restrict data center development in West Michigan.
