The Newberg Township Board met at the Newberg Township Fire Department in regular session on July 13, 2026, at 7:00pm.
Supervisor Rifenberg led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America.
Clerk Duff called roll:
Present: Rifenberg, Griffiths, Duff, Blackburn and Harvey Absent:
Additions/Deletions to Agenda Approval of the Agenda – None at this time
Motion made by Duff, supported by Griffiths, to approve the agenda for the July 13th general meeting. Motion carried unanimously upon voice vote.
Approval of Minutes
Motion made by Duff, supported by Harvey, to approve the minutes from the June 8th General Meeting, June 15th and July 2nd Special Meetings as written. Motion carried unanimously upon roll call vote.
Reports
Assessor: Assessor Northrop shared information regrading the migrant housing tax numbers. The housing project could bring in $105,000-110,000 per year in property taxes.
Ordinance: Nothing at this time
Ambulance: Director Griffiths reported thirty-five (35) calls for the month of June.
Fire: Chief Forrester reported ten (10) calls for the month of June; six (6) Porter and four (4) Newberg.
Sexton: Sexton Rifenberg reported one (1) ash burial for the month of June. Building: None at this time.
Treasurer: Treasurer Blackburn shared they had a treasurers’ meeting and discussion was had regarding the public safety grant. County Treasurer said if the township does not have a policing force, part of the grant will need to be sent back to the county.
Newberg can now accept online tax payments. Go to newbergtwp.com and you will find a link under the property tax section.
County Commission: Commissioner Northrop was present and reported they are still looking for a Prosecuting Attorney.
Solar Project: Nothing at this time.
Public Comment (non-agenda items) – None at this time
Correspondence/Announcements
July 22nd 2026, 2:00pm Public Accuracy Test at Newberg Fire Department August 4th 2026, 7:00am-8:00pm Primary Election at the Newberg Township Fire Department
Unfinished Business
1. New Township Hall: Supervisor shared some quotes to be discussed at a later meeting regrading septic and entryway work. Motion made by Rifenberg, supported by Harvey, to contract with West Michigan Earth Works for 4,400.00 for installing a 1,500 gallon septic tank and connecting to the existing drywall on the property. Motion carried upon voice vote.
2. Data Centers: Nothing to report.
3. Harwood Lake Cemetery: Supervisor reported they are working with the attorney about this and it is on hold.
4. Credit Cards: Motion made by Rifenberg, supported by Blackburn, to move forward with getting credit cards from Sturgis Bank and Trust for the Newberg Ambulance and Newberg General with limit of $2,000.00 each. Motion carried unanimously upon voice vote.
5. BS&A Tax Program: Assessor Northrop shared that this cloud program would be easier and more convenient for the treasurer and assessor. Motion made by Blackburn, supported by Griffiths, to do the BS&A upgrade to the cloud and pay the first payment of $4,300.00 with the total cost at $14,030.00. Motion carried unanimously upon voice vote.
6. Migrant Housing: Shared that at this time they are sending a site plan to the state of Michigan.
New Business
1. Board of Review Appointment: Motion made Rifenberg, supported by Harvey, to appoint Dan Covey to the Board of Review for the remainder of 2026. Motion carried unanimously upon voice vote.
2. Ambulance Title: continuing work on the ambulance title for the old ambulance
3. Planning Commission Ordinance: Copy of Planning Commission Ordinance was shared for the board to review. Special Meeting is scheduled for July 23rd at 7pm at the Fire Department. Motion made by Rifenberg, supported by Griffiths, to pass along this proposed ordinance to the Cass County Planning Commission for comments with the change made of a 7 member board instead of a 5 member board. Roll call: Duff, Blackburn, Griffiths, Harvey, Rifenberg. Motion carried upon roll call vote.
4. Hall & Cemetery Maintenance: Rifenberg shared that the flag pole at Poes cemetery is greatly leaning to the west and needing replacement. Maintenance needed at the current township hall as well.
5. Tax Collection Policy: Blackburn shared policies for the tax collection for Newberg Township. Discussion was had regrading policies.
Bills to Pay
Motion made by Blackburn, supported by Griffiths, to pay the bills for the month of July in the amount of $53,853.21. Motion carried unanimously upon roll call vote.
Public Comment
Comments regarding the planning commission board ordinance.
Adjournment
Motion made by Rifenbrerg, supported by Harvey, to adjourn meeting at 8:14pm. Motion carried unanimously upon roll call vote.
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