Sand Lake Faces Pivotal Vote on Dissolution and Fire Services

SAND LAKE — Voters in Nelson Township and the village of Sand Lake will head to the polls May 5 to decide whether to dissolve the village government and whether to approve a fire millage increase, two measures that follow weeks of leadership turnover and debate over fire protection.

The disincorporation proposal asks whether incorporation of the Village of Sand Lake should be vacated. The measure requires a two‑thirds majority of yes votes to pass, with ballots from township and village residents combined. Because village residents are electors of Nelson Township, all voters will cast ballots at The Gathering Place, 18 W. Lake St., from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The Gathering Place - Sand Lake, MI

If approved, the village would dissolve and Nelson Township would take on its governmental responsibilities. It would be the first time in the state’s recorded history that a village has disincorporated, marking a milestone for the state.

The ballot questions come after a wave of resignations left the village without a quorum. Village President Mollie Doerr and council members Cherrie Camilleri, Jack Christensen, Kim Latham and Kevin Wright resigned, along with members of the Planning Commission and Finance Director‑Treasurer Tyler Kaiser.

Days later, the village appointed five new council members, restoring its ability to conduct business. Former village president Dan Hula was appointed to lead the new council, which also includes Ken Johnson, Justin Van Ettin, Maggie Merritt and Abbey Shirey. Chris Stieg, one of two remaining council members at the time, presided over the transition meeting.

During that meeting, the newly seated council unanimously approved a 10‑year agreement with Nelson Township for fire protection services. Under the deal, Nelson Township will assume control of the Sand Lake Fire Department through a contract valued at roughly $500,000 over 10 years, including equipment, trucks and liquid assets. The arrangement equates to about $50,000 per year for fire coverage, with terms to be renegotiated at the end of the contract.

The council also approved a $40,000 budget allocation for firefighters, releasing funds that had already been included in the village budget.

Nelson Township Supervisor Robyn Britton called the agreement beneficial for the broader community and said it ensures continued fire service in Sand Lake as the township works with neighboring communities to strengthen regional coverage.

In a separate but related ballot proposal, Nelson Township voters will consider increasing the fire millage to 1.5 mills, or $1.50 per $1,000 of taxable value, for four years from 2026 through 2029. If approved, the millage is projected to generate $314,343 in its first year to support operations, equipment and facilities for the township fire department.

The disincorporation proposal was placed on the ballot after resident Samantha Gore gathered signatures. Gore said while she views the new council’s actions on fire protection as a positive step, she continues to support dissolving the village, citing concerns about past governance and long‑term stability, including debt left over by the previous administration.

With a newly appointed council in place and a fire services agreement secured, Sand Lake has regained short‑term operational stability. The May 5 election will determine whether the village continues as an incorporated municipality or transitions fully under township oversight, and how fire protection will be funded in the years ahead.