By By EMILY DREITZLER / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Possible contracts and proposals regarding the future of the protection of Niles Township, as well as help from Niles Township in regards to 2.7 million dollars of personal property taxes yet to be collected in Berrien County, were two topics of importance at the Niles Township Board Meeting on Monday evening.
A draft from the city regarding what to do next after the Niles Township Police millage failed earlier this month and a possible contract may be in the works between Niles Township and Niles City.
A draft copy from the City of Niles has already been submitted to the Niles Township Board of Trustees but no official copy has been determined as of yet. Proposals are also being reviewed from Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey who has been negotiating with township officials for more than a year for the opportunity to contract for police services.
Under new business, Jim Vella, an employee at the Deptartment of Public Works, recently received his D-4 certification for water and was recognized at the meeting. Vella will recieve a $500 pay increase that is customary for all who pass D-4 certification.
Also under new business, the Berrien County Treasurer is asking for the help of Niles Township in collecting personal property taxes. Berrien County has yet to collect 2.7 million dollars in personal property taxes from county residents and is asking for an increased willingness and desire towards collection from residents residing in Niles Township.
Due to many unknown businesses opening and closing in Niles Township, as well as other areas of Berrien County, it proves to be difficult to account for those that show up and do not show up on the tax rolls. Niles Township will cooperate with the Berrien County Treasurer through better communication between both offices to help amend this matter.
It was announced at the meeting that advanced irrigation and landscaping will soon start at the new Niles Township Fire Station located at 2049 S. Third St. Also, a reminder to all about the Planning Commision's Aug. 30 meeting at 8 p.m. regarding additional zoning was announced. The meeting concluded with a closed session by the Niles Township Board of Trustees regarding discussion about the fire contract.