DELHI TOWNSHIP, Mich. – The Delhi Township Downtown Development Authority Board announced at its September 27th meeting that it anticipates an $800,000 loss in revenue from property tax collections beginning in 2025.
Financial information was included as part of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) budget for 2023, which estimated future budgets for 2024 and 2025. The expiration of its contract with the Capital Area District Libraries means that it will no longer receive the property tax revenue it once did from the library.
Members of the board were surprised to see the loss in revenue resulting from the end of the library collection. “All of that is from the library?” asked Board Secretary Nanette Miller. “I didn’t think it was that much.”
Over the next three years, it is anticipated that DDA expenditures will be higher than the revenue the organization receives.
“There are really not any big departures from what we’ve seen in the past ten years,” said DDA Deputy Director Lori Underhill. “The township authorized a 5% increase for staff, effective January 1st, so we have incorporated that.”
An increase was made to adjust for the increase in cost of living over the last year.
The board set the public hearing date for its 2023 budget for October 25th. Delhi Township residents are encouraged to come to the October meeting to bring forward any comments they have regarding the 2023 budget, which currently estimates expenditures of $1.08 million in 2023.
The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. at the Community Services Center, located at 2074 Aurelius Road.
A public hearing for the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority 2023 budget has been set by the Board for the same time and place. Expenditures for 2023 are currently estimated to be $419,960.
Members of the public wishing to see a copy of the budgets prior to the meeting can find one at the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) office, located at 4410 Holt Road.
Those with visual or auditory disabilities are encouraged to contact the Delhi Township Clerk’s office within five days of the meeting to receive auxiliary aids and services, such as sign language interpreters and audio tapes of printed materials used at the meeting.
Other topics of discussion included the opening of a new restaurant at 2176 Cedar Street. Restoration work has finished restoration for an authentic Mexican restaurant operated by Ophelia Diaz and is anticipated to be ready for customers sometime in October, once testing and inspections have been completed.
Also discussed was the final Food Frenzy of the year, which took place at the Holt Farmers Market at 2150 N Cedar Street on Wednesday, October 12, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Activities at the Food Frenzy included live music, as well as a “Spooky Monster Magic Show” for both children and adults.
Results from a survey conducted by the Delhi Township Planning Commission as part of the township’s Master Plan showed the appreciation held by both Delhi residents and visitors for the Holt Farmers Market, according to Planning Commission Representative Rita Craig.
“Without a doubt, everyone loves the Farmers Market,” Craig said. “They’ve been getting some really good comments in their surveys. Even if they’re not from Delhi, they’re taking the survey and they’re at the Farmers Market.”
Underhill also reported that the DDA website is being audited by Blohm Creative Partners to determine what needs to be done in order to increase site accessibility for those with visual disabilities.
Further information regarding the next meeting can be found in the agenda packet, linked here.