City of Eaton Rapids

There have been many accomplishments for the city this year that I would like to highlight for you.

We received several grants this year that will allow improvements and important services such as the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, that will allow upgrades to our wastewater infrastructure. We received a $40,000 grant from Eaton County Parks, which will allow us to build a pavilion at the Outdoor Recreation Center and purchase a river gage that will monitor the river’s water flow. The Fire Department received a $10,000 grant to use for added equipment.

We signed a new ambulance contract with Sparrow-Eaton EMS. A 4-year agreement that will keep ambulance service here. This was a long process that we are happy to see finalized.

We welcomed 2 key department managers to City Hall: Genny Allen, Treasurer & Finance Director, and Robin Webb, City Clerk. They have added more transparency and professionalism to their positions, and I look forward to working with them both in 2024.

We are happy to report that the financial audit for the 2022/2023 fiscal year was filed and presented to City Council at its December 11^th meeting. Audits are required to be filed with the State 6 months after the close of the fiscal year. With the hard work of City Manager Ridge, Treasurer Allen and our accounting firms, the audit was filed early with no significant findings. We have a great team that makes the financial health of our city top priority.

While we didn’t see the progress we hoped for with the former Horner property, we made progress behind the scenes, working with Eaton County and State Land Banks. There is light at the end of the long tunnel regarding the cleaning up of this property and I hope to have more details to share in January.

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Mayor Pam Colestock

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! Several months ago, the city applied for a grant through the State of Michigan’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). This grant provides necessary funding to cities so they can make upgrades to their wastewater system. Based on projected costs of $4,200,000, we received a grant in the amount of $2,120,000 for this project. We issued bonds for the remaining $2,120,000.

The work will start in the spring, and 2 contractors have been awarded to complete the capital improvements to the Wastewater Treatment Plant, and three (3) lift-pumping stations. This work is necessary to improve our sanitary/wastewater system throughout the city and ensure the health and safety of our residents. I want to thank City Manager Ridge, Utility Director Pierce, and Treasurer Allen, for working so diligently to make sure we would get this grant and subsequently, the important improvements to our wastewater system.

Congratulations to William Steele and Kenneth Nicholas for being re-elected to City Council, and in January, we will welcome new councilmember Deb Malewski, who will represent precinct 1. I also want to thank outgoing councilmember, Suzanne Politza, for her hard work and dedication to the City the last 4 years. It’s been great working with her, and I thank her for her contribution to our recycling committee, selling bricks, passing out numerous flyers and for being a dedicated member of our council. She will be missed but wish her all the best in her future endeavors.

As we enter the holiday season, a reminder that Hometown Family Christmas, sponsored by the Eaton Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, will be Saturday, December 2^nd, with all day events, the lighted parade at 6pm and the grand finally of lighting the city’s Christmas Tree immediately following the parade, at the entrance of G.A.R Island Park.  You can find more details on the Chamber’s Facebook page.

Last, we have several openings on various board. If you have an interest in serving our community, please reach out to me at pcolestock@cityofeatonrapids.gov.

Mayor Pam Colestock