Saline Twp Adopts Budget, Reviews Data Center, Road Projects

The Saline Township Board had a packed agenda at its March meeting Wednesday evening, including adopting it FY 2026 budget, receiving an update on the Related Digital data center project and getting a presentation from Barry Lonik on his land preservation programs.

FY 2026 Budget

Treasurer Jennifer Zink explained that revenue expected from Washtenaw County has not been included in the numbers presented, as their final figures won’t be available until the end of March. The current estimated income for FY26 is $1,385,640.09, though that will change. Zink indicated the revenue did not yet include anything from the data center project.

The largest expenditures include $424,180 for fire protection, $396.00 for service runs, $24,180 for capital improvements and $4,000 for meetings; a 5% increase in compensation for board members; and $200,000 for road improvements and maintenance with the Washtenaw County Road Commission.

Township Clerk Kelly Marion, with Zink, said updated numbers would be available at the April meeting.

Update to the Related Digital Data Center Project

Consulting township engineer Dan Cabege provided the board with an update from the oversight committee. “There are eight monitoring wells, five active, which have received permits from Washtenaw County. The permits will be posted to the township website soon. The monitoring wells are now being tested.”

Cabege continued, “Conversations have been held between Walbridge Construction and the Michigan State Police, the Saline Police Department and Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department to have enhanced traffic enforcement along US-12, specifically to ensure that gravel hauling trucks are obeying all traffic laws.” This is in direct response to complaints by local residents about truck traffic.

“There is a proposal being developed for an independent company to begin noise monitoring, again responding to neighborhood complaints,” Cabege said.

As a part of the increased enforcement activity, there have been fines set for drivers of gravel hauling trucks for violations, set at $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second, $2,500 for the third, with the possible expulsion from the project for repeat violations.

Washtenaw County Road Commission (WCRC)

Maintenance projects within the township for 2026 include:

• Grass Rd from Austin Road north to the Twp. Line – prioritized in 2026 due to needed bridge repairs in 2027
• Dell Rd from US-12 to Austin Rd
• Dell Rd from Austin Rd. to twp. Line
• Roehm Rd. from Braun to Willow Rd
• Maple Rd. from Mooreville to Willow Rd

The total estimate for all projects is $194.000. The WCRC has doubled its matching funds for FY26 to $89,100. The increased budget allows the township to make full use of the county matching funds.

Barry Lonik Land Preservation Programs

Lonik presented the programs his company, Farms For Tomorrow, provides that have assisted townships and small towns throughout Michigan to preserve farmland. Farms For Tomorrow assists municipalities to create conservation easements to preserve land.

A conservation easement is a voluntary, legally binding agreement between a landowner and a land trust or government agency that permanently restricts development on a property to protect its conservation values (e.g., wildlife habitat, farmland or scenery). The landowner retains private ownership but gives up the specific rights, often resulting in tax benefits.

Key details regarding conservation easements include:

• Perpetuity – agreements last forever, even when the land is sold or inherited
• Restrictions – typically limit subdivision, commercial/industrial development and mining while allowing agricultural, forestry or in some cases residential building
• Benefits – landowners may receive significant federal income tax deductions, reduced real estate taxes and potential state tax credits
• Flexibility – each easement is tailored to the specific property and owner’s goals
• Public Access – most conservation easements do not require public access

Event Barn Ordinance

The board referred the ordinance back to the Planning Commission to consider reducing the size for event barns from 75 acres to 40 acres.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Apr. 7^th. The Board will meet on Wednesday, Apr. 8^th. Both meetings begin at 7 p.m. at the township hall located at 5731 Braun Road.