Posts by Kirsten
Proposed Water & Sewer Rate Increases for Watersmeet Township
To: Water and/or Sewer Customers Residential and Commercial
From: Watersmeet Township Board
Customers:
The rates for both water and sewer have not been increased for several years. The township has been informed by EGLE, USDA Rural Development and the EPA that we need to adjust our rates to continue to qualify for grants that may arise for improvements or repairs of our water and sewer systems. There have also been recommendations to have all users on a monthly metering basis with a base fee. This will not happen until all customers are metered. The current rates need to be increased and the board has been discussing this for a couple of months and we have come up with a plan of action for the future as described below.
| Current Billing | New Billing | |||
| Water | $16.00 | Water | $17.00 | |
| Water Bond | $22.00 | Water Bond | $22.00 | |
| Water Reserve | $1.00 | Water Reserve | $2.00 | |
| Sewer | $18.00 | Sewer | $19.00 | |
| Sewer Reserve | $12.00 | Sewer Reserve | $13.00 | |
| Total | $69.00 | Total | $73.00 | |
| Water Only | $39.00 | Water Only | $41.00 | |
| Sewer Only | $30.00 | Sewer Only | $32.00 | |
| Ready To Serve | $35.00 | Ready To Serve | $39.00 | |
| Turn/Off | $75.00 | Turn/Off | $80.00 |
Commercial (Meter) Billing
$69 + $8.22/1000 gallons over 4200 $73 +$12/1000 gallons over 4200
There will be an annual increase in rates beginning 1/1/27 which will change these rates, and they will be posted for the public on-line and at the Township office.
An item concerning Water/Sewer rates will be on the agenda for the Board of Trustees meeting scheduled for June 17, 2026, at 4:30 PM, and anyone wishing to express their viewpoint on the proposed rate increases may address the Board during Public Comment at the June meeting.
Watersmeet Township Board
Watersmeet Seeking Member for Roadway Committee
The Watersmeet Township Board of Trustees is seeking a volunteer to serve on the Watersmeet Township Roadway Committee.
The Roadway Committee plays an important role in helping improve secondary roads throughout Watersmeet Township. The Committee works with the Gogebic County Road Commission to identify roadway needs, recommend improvement projects, prioritize construction schedules, and assist in the allocation of roadway improvement funding.
In 2021, the Township Board approved a ½ mil property tax increase dedicated specifically to roadway improvements. This funding allows the township to provide the required local match for county roadway improvement funds. Combined with county funding, gas tax revenue, and vehicle registration fee allocations, the township continues to invest significantly in improving local secondary roads.
Committee members assist with:
• Reviewing roadway conditions
• Identifying areas requiring attention
• Evaluating safety and infrastructure needs
• Recommending improvement priorities
• Supporting long-term roadway planning efforts
The Township Board is currently accepting submissions from residents and property owners interested in serving on the Committee.
This is an opportunity to directly contribute to the future safety, accessibility, and maintenance of Watersmeet Township roads and infrastructure.
Those interested in being considered for appointment should submit a letter or email of interest.
Mail To:
Watersmeet Township
Attn: Town Clerk
PO Box 306
Watersmeet, MI 49969
Or Email To:
supervisor@watersmeet.us
townclerk@watersmeet.us
Watersmeet 4th of July Celebration
Spring Weight Restrictions Lifted on May 11th
The Gogebic County Road Commission announces that effective at 6:00 a.m. (CST) on Monday, May 11, 2026 Spring Weight Restrictions will be lifted on all roads.
Watersmeet Beautification Committee Launches Community Initiative
Watersmeet Beautification Committee Launches Community Initiative
Enriching Watersmeet One Project at a Time
A new community-driven effort is blooming in Watersmeet. The newly formed Watersmeet Beautification Committee is calling on residents—both full-time and seasonal—to help enhance the natural charm of the area through a series of small but impactful projects.
The committee’s current focus includes creating new flower planters, maintaining existing garden beds, and restoring the scenic tree line along Route 45 near the Watersmeet Pavilion Park. Volunteers of all skill levels are welcome, and the time commitment for most projects is minimal.
This is a great opportunity for individuals, service clubs, school groups, lake associations, and neighborhood organizations to get involved and make a visible difference in our community. The initiative aims to foster a stronger sense of community pride and ensure that Watersmeet continues to thrive and grow.
Those interested in volunteering or learning more about the program are encouraged to contact Denise Fauntleroy at 630-881-7252.
Treatment Without an Aquatic Nuisance Control Permit Investigation – Bass Lake
On September 10, 2025, Many Waters LLC notified the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Water Resources Division (WRD), Aquatic Nuisance Control (ANC) that they suspected non-native watermilfoil in Bass Lake, Gogebic County had been treated using a pesticide. ANC staff confirmed no ANC permit had been issued for Bass Lake, Gogebic County.
ANC staff immediately began an investigation to gather information from residents, local officials, and Lac Vieux Desert Tribe. Sampling of water, sediment, and plant tissue took place on October 16, 2025. Samples of water, sediment, and plant tissue were delivered to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Pesticide Laboratory and Eurofins Scientific Laboratory on October 17, 2025.
Click here to review the staff report from EGLE>
Watersmeet Seeking Alternate Member for BOR
The Watersmeet Township Board of Trustees is currently seeking interested residents to fill vacancies for an alternate member on the Board of Review.
The Board of Review Alternate serves as a substitute member when regular Board of Review members are unavailable. The Board of Review meets to hear property tax assessment appeals and ensure assessments are fair and equitable. The Alternate must be available to serve during scheduled Board of Review sessions as needed.
Interested individuals must be residents of Watersmeet Township and have an interest in local government and community service. Prior experience is helpful but not required.
Those interested in being considered for appointment should submit a letter or email of interest.
Mail To:
Watersmeet Township
Attn: Town Clerk
PO Box 306
Watersmeet, MI 49969
Or Email To:
supervisor@watersmeet.us
townclerk@watersmeet.us
Northern Waters Casino Donation to Watersmeet Fire Department
From Northern Waters Casino:
When our community comes together, amazing things happen ❤️
A huge thank you to our patrons who contributed to our donation boxes throughout February. Because of your generosity, $1,645.43 was raised—and with Northern Waters Casino matching it, $3,290.86 will go to the Watersmeet Fire Department.
This support helps provide essential equipment upgrades and gives back to community members in need.
We are so grateful for each and every one of you. Watersmeet Firefighters Association.

Gogebic Range Health Foundation Explores County-Wide Community Center
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 8, 2026 – The Gogebic Range Health Foundation (GRHF) is exploring the potential for a multi-location, collaboratively programmed community center to expand access to sports, recreation, health, wellness, and social programming across Gogebic County. The project would leverage existing facilities through shared programming, staffing, transportation, and funding. While no decisions have been made on construction, location, or operations, the initiative is focused on learning from the community to guide future strategies.
Over the past several months, GRHF’s Community Center Planning Team (CCPT) has conducted 10–12 focus groups with residents to better understand needs, service gaps, and barriers to access. “This project is incredibly exciting and energizing,” said Robert Brown, media contact for the CCPT. “The passion and dedication throughout the group is inspiring. The steering committee is actively working through challenges unique to Gogebic County, such as transportation and accessibility, to ensure any future plan serves all residents and is collaborative.”
The CCPT steering committee includes leaders from local government, education, healthcare, and community organizations, including Robert Brown, Yvonne Clark, Megan Hagen, Tom Bergman, Noah Hofstede, Klaus Kutschke, Yolanda Lozano, Suzanne Toth, Ashley Tarro, Lynne Wiercinski, Kassi Huotari, and Will Andresen.
This project, funded by a Rural Readiness Grant through the Michigan Office of Rural Prosperity, reflects GRHF’s commitment to engaging the community and exploring innovative approaches to meet the unique needs of the Gogebic Range.
GRHF is also seeking additional input from the general public. Community members are encouraged to complete a brief survey at gogebicrangehf.org/survey. Paper copies of the survey are available at the Ironwood Carnegie Library and the Watersmeet Township Building during regular business hours.
If you are unable to access either location or need assistance completing the survey, please email info@gogebicrangehf.org or call 906-364-7527 to coordinate accommodations. For more information, contact: Robert Brown, CCPT Media Representative Email: citymanager@cityofwakefieldmi.gov
About the Gogebic Range Health Foundation The Gogebic Range Health Foundation serves to advance community health throughout the Gogebic Range, including Iron County, WI and Gogebic County, MI, and to establish the Gogebic Range as a fun and healthy place to live.
Watersmeet Planning Commission 2025 Annual Report
The Watersmeet Planning Commission has completed its 2025 annual report, as required under the Michigan Planning Enabling Act. This report provides an overview of the Commission’s activities over the past year, along with updates on ongoing planning efforts and recommendations for future actions.
The annual report serves several important purposes:
- Keeps the Township Board, staff, and the public informed on planning activities
- Improves communication between boards, commissions, and local government
- Helps identify upcoming priorities and potential budgeting needs
- Recognizes the time and dedication of Planning Commission members
Residents and interested parties are encouraged to review the report to stay informed about planning and development efforts within Watersmeet.
