MONTAGUE — Samyrah Mohon of the Mid-Michigan Community Action Agency presented to the Montague city council at Monday's regular meeting to let local residents know of options available to help those facing financial stress.
Mohon, who did a similar presentation at a Hart city council meeting earlier this fall, said during her presentation that the agency can help families with income levels at up to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines with various needs, including property taxes, water bills, weatherization, and even installation of ramps for those who may otherwise not be able to stay in their homes. She added that the agency works with Department of Housing and Urban Development-certified counselors that can aid people looking to purchase a home.
The agency serves Michigan residents in several counties throughout central and western Michigan and has offices in Muskegon and in Hart. Council member Susan Newhof thanked Mohon for her agency's work, noting that about 100 local families receive food through the program. More information is available at mmcaa.org.
The council also unanimously approved several agenda items during the meeting. Among them were some midyear budget amendments, which accounted for local assessing services transitioning to the county level, an increase in water testing prices, and the cost of tree removal stemming from the summer storms that hit the White Lake area. There was also a slight increase in general fund appropriations attributed largely to sidewalk construction projects going on in the city.
The council also approved a dangerous animal ordinance, which will give local law enforcement the backing to deal with scenarios involving them if they should arise. City manager Jeff Auch noted the police department is pleased with the ordinance.
Auch also added that he's been working with Frontier Communications to decommission some old systems in preparation for the coming installation of fiber optic cables. He estimated it would be a years-long process as people move over to the new system and old equipment is shut down.
There are plans in the works to remove an aging pedestrian bridge on Old Channel Trail and install a culvert to improve water flow. If weather permits, a sidewalk will be installed over the culvert in coming months, but if not alternate means will be used to ensure the area is passable for pedestrians in the meantime.
