Elsie council accepts $268,543 in state grants, sets 10.7-mill levy

The Elsie Village Council accepted $268,543 in state Fire Department Capital Vehicle and Technology (FDCVT) grant money and set the village operating levy at 10.7 mills at its June 9 meeting, according to the minutes signed by Clerk/Treasurer Kelsey Kelly and Village President Jason Freeman.

Council Member D. Ornelas moved Resolution 26-0003 accepting a $70,273 FDCVT grant toward the purchase of a mini excavator and trailer, seconded by K. Witt. Witt moved Resolution 26-0004 accepting a $198,280 FDCVT grant for the Fire Hydrant Replacement Project, seconded by M. Helt. The minutes record roll-call votes of all ayes on both resolutions. The minutes do not list individual members' votes beyond that notation.

T. Carroll moved approval of the Village of Elsie L-4029 form setting the village operating levy at 10.7 mills, seconded by S. Frink. That roll call was also recorded as all ayes. Earlier in the meeting, Carroll moved and Ornelas seconded approval of bills totaling $35,088.95; the motion carried.

Present were President Freeman and council members Dorothy Ornelas, Mark Helt, Sam Frink, Joe Ondrusek, Todd Carroll and Kory Witt, along with Village Manager/Police Chief Destinee Bryce, DPW Supervisor Chris Ormes and Clerk/Treasurer Kelly.

Finances remain under a state deficit plan

The president's report states the village remains under an Emergency Deficit Elimination Plan. As of April 2026, the general fund held $10,668 after $207,918 was paid back to other interlocal funds, including the water and sewer fund. The report attributes to Financial Controller Steve Adair the assessment that the village is "on the path forward and making financial improvements," and says rising infrastructure costs continue to affect the general fund outlook. A financial audit is set to begin in July 2026.

The minutes also report that the village received a contract offer from the Elsie Area Fire Department for $30,000, with the village also absorbing liability costs. In response, the village offered free water, sewer and trash services and said it will present a newly written contract proposal. Because of deficit-plan reporting requirements, the minutes state, the village currently cannot include a monetary amount in its offer.

Utilities, code enforcement and public works

Utility bills went out with a June 26 due date, eight shut-off notices were issued with a June 24 shut-off date, and 106 water meter upgrade notices were sent through utility bills, the clerk/treasurer report says. Hero's Park received a $300 donation, and six pavilion reservations are booked for 2026.

The police and code enforcement report lists 44 calls for service in May 2026, nine traffic stops, two citations and 140 hours worked. Certified letters continue to go to blighted properties, two properties were mowed by the village for tall grass under village ordinance, and animals-at-large complaints have increased. The DPW report says McKearney Asphalt was awarded the street and park paving project, that about 100 water meters remain to be upgraded, and that a state grant will cover replacement of 27 of the village's 41 inoperable fire hydrants, which have been ordered.

What happens next

The minutes list a village-wide large item pickup day on June 27, after which the village said it will begin issuing blight citations. A letter from the District Engineer outlined paving items due by June 29. Tax bills were to be mailed by July 1, and the village audit begins in July. During public comment, a Duplain Township resident said the township would hold a public hearing on the Elsie Dam Project on June 25 and that the deadline for ballot applications was July 21 at 4 p.m. at Duplain Township Hall. The meeting adjourned at 8:44 p.m. on a motion by Carroll, seconded by Witt.