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Initiative: Budget & Proactive Communication

Cascade Township diligently publishes annual financial audits and has earned a AAA bond rating. However, I believe it's important to proactively communicate with residents about topics like planned millages and intentions for grants and other awards to demonstrate a commitment to transparency. During a time when every dollar must work harder for residents, smart and efficient spending is imperative.

Budget Communication 

  • Cascade Township publishes budget presentations online. The annual audits and financial reports provide additional context. 
  • I've observed opportunities to better update the public on where some budget line-items stand, even if there is no action, to demonstrate proactivity and transparency. 
    • For example, a June 2024 Board meeting packet contains the budget report for 2023. Cascade Township’s former manager recommended we apply for two rounds of funds from a nationwide Opioid Settlement that is being paid out by large drug manufacturers and pharmacies. It’s reported that we will receive nearly $70,000. Where does this stand? That’s a substantial amount for our community, but we haven’t heard anything about the intended use or if any steps have been taken.
    • The day I reviewed the packet, a local news station promoted a story on these funds and if they’re being utilized. Kent County also has not taken any action yet, but pointed to some general intentions. https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/investigations/kent-county-opioid-settlement-how-money-will-be-spent/69-78be8d02-c537-480b-aa51-38c01d5d4729

Considerations:

  • Much like Covid-era funding, these dollars being paid out to municipalities like ours will have eagle eyes on them. I would prefer that Cascade not be looped into communities being reported on by the media as not taking any action. We can set examples for proactivity.
  • These funds were requested with no plan and could potentially be used by cities that are overburdened with this crisis. The earliest they will be allocated is 2025.
  • Who is following up on these types of action items and maintaining accountability (even if all we have right now is an update that action is to come)? Who in the Township will research and oversee the programs?
  • Do Cascade Township residents feel that this type of programming is necessary and helpful for the community? The Township has not traditionally targeted challenging topics like this. 
These are the types of questions and follow-through I will bring to the table so that it’s clear to residents at all times how diligent we are with the budget and next steps. 

Since the funds were requested, what types of resources or programs would you like to see Cascade pursue on this topic of opioid education and overdose mitigation? 

Learn more: 
https://www.michigan.gov/opioids/opioidsettlements/resources

https://www.wzzm13.com/article/news/investigations/kent-county-opioid-settlement-how-money-will-be-spent/69-78be8d02-c537-480b-aa51-38c01d5d4729  


Committee to Elect Becky Olson for Cascade Township Trustee
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