Sand Lake Disincorporation Fails; Fire Millage Passes

SAND LAKE — The Village of Sand Lake will remain incorporated after a two-thirds majority vote was failed to be made.

Unofficial results show 499 voters, or 55.14 percent, voted yes to vacate the village’s incorporation, while 406 voters, or 44.86 percent, voted no. Although a majority supported disincorporation, the proposal required a two‑thirds majority to pass and did not meet that threshold.

Though the majority supported disincorporation, the vote failed to meet a two-thirds majority.

As a result, Sand Lake will continue operating as an incorporated village.

Results remain unofficial until formally certified.

Fire Millage Approved

While the disincorporation measure failed, voters approved a separate proposal to levy a new additional 1.500 mills for township fire protection purposes.

Unofficial totals show 552 voters, or 59.74 percent, voted yes on the four‑year millage, while 372 voters, or 40.26 percent, voted no. The millage will run from 2026 through 2029 and is intended to support fire department operations, equipment and facilities.

The approval provides dedicated funding as Nelson Township continues its fire service agreement involving the Sand Lake Fire Department.

How The Village Reached This Vote

The election followed months of turbulence in village government.

In March, the majority of the Village Council and several Planning Commission members resigned, leaving the village without a quorum and raising concerns about its ability to function. The departures came amid governance disputes and uncertainty surrounding fire protection services.

Within days, new council members were appointed, including former Village President Dan Hula, which restored the village’s ability to conduct business. The reconstituted council approved a 10‑year agreement with Nelson Township to secure fire coverage and released previously budgeted funds for the fire department.

What Happens Now

Because the two‑thirds threshold was not met, Sand Lake will continue as an incorporated municipality. Village leadership will remain responsible for governance, public works and village‑specific services.

Village bonds for roads, sewers and facilities remain in place, as do village‑specific property taxes and fees.

With the fire millage approved and a long‑term fire agreement in place, one of the most pressing issues facing the village appears more settled. However, the underlying divisions revealed by the vote, with more than half of voters supporting dissolution, suggest ongoing conversations about local government transparency and long‑term stability are likely to continue.

Final election results are expected to be certified in the coming days.

**This is an ongoing story with updates to come as more information comes out.