A New Fiscal Start for Scio Twp

For townships around Michigan, the new fiscal year runs from April 1 to March 31. So like many others around the county and state right now, Scio Township just put their new plan in place.

The start of the new fiscal year, which is the consecutive 12-month period used by township governments for financial reporting, budgeting, and accounting, is an important point that marks how things are going financially and where they’re headed.

The Sun Times News connected with Scio Township Supervisor Jillian Kerry to ask about the new budget.

“The Township remains financially stable, supported by a healthy fund balance,” Kerry said. “The Board has worked to bring the budget as close to balance as possible, while recognizing that budgets are inherently fluid. Reserves are being maintained within policy targets to support cash flow needs and to address any unexpected costs, rather than being relied upon to offset ongoing imbalances.”

Kerry said this year’s budget was relatively straightforward compared to prior years, which included major projects like the HVAC system.

Key highlights this budget season include Scio receiving an AA credit rating from S&P Global Ratings on March 5, 2026, which Kerry said reflects very strong creditworthiness and a solid ability to meet financial obligations. In addition, Scio secured a $12,250,000 capital improvement bond to support construction of its new Fire Station 2.

The new budget’s expenditures or costs are set in two areas of the budget.

One area has total costs of $6,921,416, which includes things such as paying for the Sheriff/law enforcement coverage that’s estimated to be $1,704,740 and other things like elections, where the township is setting aside $163,456.

The other area of costs is projected to be $39,923,220. This includes things such as fire at $18,844,118 and open land preservation at $3,445,162.

The revenues are projected to be $41,754,247. Budgeted funding coming in to be used by the township includes revenue for Fire Services at $19,239,199, sewer at $5,621,035 and water at $5,813,697.

One small area of revenue includes some from the Opioid Settlement, which involved Michigan and other states who reached settlements with drug manufacturers, distributors, and pharmacies for their role in the opioid epidemic. These funds are designated to support treatment, prevention, recovery, and harm reduction. Scio has $1,020 from the settlement.